2XKO Alpha Lab Playtest: Addressing Player Feedback

2XKO's four-day Alpha Lab Playtest has generated a flood of player feedback, prompting the developers to announce significant gameplay refinements. This article details the planned adjustments.

Addressing Combo Concerns and Tutorial Improvements

2XKO director Shaun Rivera, via Twitter (X), confirmed adjustments based on Alpha Lab feedback. The League of Legends-themed game attracted a large player base, leading to online discussions about powerful, potentially unfair combos.

Rivera acknowledged the "really creative" combos discovered, some allowing for extended periods of opponent control. While celebrating player ingenuity, he stated that excessively long, one-sided combos are undesirable. Key changes will include reducing the frequency of "Touch of Death" (TOD) combos, which can instantly KO opponents. The goal is to maintain the game's fast-paced action while ensuring balanced gameplay. While some TODs were anticipated, data analysis and player feedback will guide adjustments to make them exceptional, skill-based achievements.

The tutorial mode also received criticism. While the game's core mechanics are considered accessible, mastering its complexities is challenging. This was amplified by the lack of skill-based matchmaking in the playtest. Professional player Christopher "NYChrisG" described 2XKO as potentially niche due to its intricate six-button system, comparing its complexity to titles like Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite.

Rivera confirmed plans for significant tutorial improvements, acknowledging its current "rough pass" state. Community feedback on Reddit suggests adopting a tutorial structure similar to successful titles like Guilty Gear Strive and Street Fighter 6, offering more comprehensive training beyond basic combos and covering advanced concepts like frame data.

Sustained Enthusiasm Despite Feedback

Despite the feedback, player enthusiasm remains high. Professional player William "Leffen" Hjelte streamed 2XKO for 19 hours straight, and the game attracted thousands of Twitch viewers, peaking at 60,425 on the first day.

While the closed alpha lacks a release date, the impressive viewership and extensive feedback demonstrate significant potential and a burgeoning community. Interested in joining the Alpha Lab Playtest? Further information on registration can be found in the linked article below.