In the crowded market of multiplayer shooters, it’s difficult for new games to stand out and make an impact. The “free-to-play” model is no longer enough to catch people’s attention, unless you’re a well-known publisher like Ubisoft. That’s why I was pleasantly surprised when I received an email for closed beta access to Ubisoft’s upcoming arena shooter, XDefiant. Set against a vibrant punk rock backdrop, XDefiant offers a fast-paced 6v6 shooting experience where you control gunmen from popular Ubisoft franchises like Splinter Cell and Far Cry. The game promises unique skills and traits that allow players to dominate the battlefield.
On paper, XDefiant sounds amazing. However, after spending a few hours playing the closed beta, I have some reservations. The game does deliver an intense experience with near-instant respawns that keep you in the heat of battle. The ability to switch classes on the fly, similar to Overwatch, and customize your weapon loadouts adds to the excitement. But there were some issues with the beta, such as long matchmaking times, micro stutters, and loading problems. These are expected in a work-in-progress product, so I won’t dwell on them.
One issue I encountered during the closed beta was difficulty finding full lobbies. Sometimes the matchmaking process would restart midway through progression. Additionally, there was no quick way to exit a match once it finished, forcing players to sit through leaderboards and other animations while a countdown timer ticked away.
When starting XDefiant, you’re greeted with a familiar menu layout reminiscent of Rainbow Six Siege. The game features five factions to choose from, including Cleaners, Phantoms, Libertards, Echelon, and DedSec. Matches are designed for a 6v6 format, and while there’s no limit to how many similar characters can be on a team, players seem to gravitate towards Libertard during the closed beta. Libertards are independent medics armed with healing tools, allowing players to be self-sufficient and run around the map without worrying about teamwork.
The gunplay in XDefiant is robust, although all weapons have a peculiar recoil pattern that causes them to spray bullets in a shaky, horizontal manner. This made it easier for me to secure kills by spamming headshots rather than spraying wildly. Movement is fluid, reminiscent of Apex Legends, but vaulting over obstacles can be a bit clunky at times.
Actions in XDefiant contribute to the Ultra meter, which unlocks special abilities that can turn the tide of battle. These abilities, similar to Ultimate abilities in games like Valorant and Overwatch, are tied to each faction’s playstyle. For example, Cleaners are granted an overpowered flamethrower when their Ultra meter hits 100%. Echelons become stealthy agents with the ability to temporarily turn invisible, revealing all enemies on the map. These abilities add an extra layer of strategy to the game.
XDefiant offers various game modes, including an Escort mode where teams push a giant robot across the map to a delivery point. This mode is fast-paced with alternative routes and verticality, making it different from similar modes in other games. There are also control-based modes like Occupy, Zone Control, and Domination, providing different gameplay experiences.
The weapon customization system in XDefiant is easy to understand, allowing players to swap out attachments and monitor how they affect their guns’ attributes. As you play, you unlock more weapons and attachments, similar to the progression system in games like Battlefield. The game also features a battle pass, which allows players to customize the visual aspects of their operator or guns through skins.
While XDefiant’s core gameplay is well-executed, I’m not sure about its long-term appeal. In a market saturated with multiplayer shooters, it will be challenging for XDefiant to carve out its own niche. However, with further development and improvements based on feedback from the closed beta, it has the potential to be a solid and enjoyable game for fans of the genre.
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Basant Kasayap is an entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to Bollywood to regional cinema, she offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.