Competing in the oversaturated market of multiplayer shooters, where everyone is striving to be the next Call of Duty or Apex Legends, is a challenge. The draw of “free-to-play” is no longer enough to leave a lasting impression unless you’re an established publisher like Ubisoft. Personally, I had almost forgotten about Ubisoft’s upcoming arena shooter, XDefiant, until I received an email for closed beta access.
XDefiant takes place in a vibrant punk rock setting and offers a fast-paced 6v6 shooter experience where players take on the roles of gunmen from Ubisoft’s flagship franchises, such as Splinter Cell and Far Cry. Each character has unique skills and traits, adding a level of depth to the gameplay. While this concept sounds fantastic on paper, after spending a few hours playing the closed beta, I remain unconvinced.
XDefiant does deliver a high-octane experience with instant respawns that ensure you’re always engaged in the battle. The ability to switch between classes and customize weapon loadouts adds to the excitement, similar to Overwatch. As expected from a work-in-progress product, there were some issues with long matchmaking times, micro stutters, and loading problems. However, these are expected and can be improved over time.
I won’t dwell on the technical aspects of the closed beta, but I did encounter difficulties with filling lobbies and a lack of a quick exit option after finishing a match. The game’s main menu layout is reminiscent of Rainbow Six Siege, featuring faction members and their abilities. It’s worth noting that XDefiant is a multiplayer-only game that requires a continuous internet connection.
The game offers five factions to choose from, including Cleaners, Phantoms, Libertards, Echelons, and DedSec. Each faction has its own unique abilities and playstyles. During the closed beta, the Libertard faction seemed to be the popular choice among players due to its straightforward and independent medic abilities. Players could freely roam the map and focus on fragging without worrying about teamwork.
Personally, I enjoyed playing as the Cleaners, who are attack-minded pyromaniacs equipped with incendiary bullet rounds and a flying drone that spits flames. Unfortunately, the closed beta did not allow access to the DedSec faction, which Ubisoft promised would be available in the future. This faction has cyber attackers with a unique ability to stun enemies with a Spider Bot.
While the abilities of each faction are important, gunplay and positioning remain crucial to winning matches. The weapons in XDefiant have a unique recoil pattern that sprays bullets horizontally, requiring precise aiming. Movement is fluid, allowing players to slide around the map, although vaulting over obstacles can sometimes feel clunky.
As you play, your actions in XDefiant fill up the Ultra meter, granting access to powerful, game-changing abilities. These abilities are an essential part of the gameplay and add depth to the matches. Each faction’s Ultra ability offers a unique advantage, such as the Cleaners’ flamethrower or the Echelons’ invisibility cloak.
The game offers various game modes, including the Escort mode, where teams push a giant robot across the map to a delivery point. XDefiant’s take on this mode is fast-paced, with multiple routes and verticality for strategic advantages. Other modes include Occupy, Zone Control, and Domination, which offer control-based objectives.
XDefiant’s weapon customization system is user-friendly, allowing players to easily swap out attachments and monitor their effects on the guns’ performance. As you progress, more firearms and attachments are unlocked, giving players the chance to customize their loadouts. The game also includes a battle pass system that allows customization of operator and gun appearances through skins.
While XDefiant’s core gameplay is well-executed and enjoyable, I question its long-term appeal. In a market already saturated with arcade shooters, it’s challenging for a new IP to stand out. However, with Ubisoft’s reputation and the potential for collaborations and updates, XDefiant may have a chance to carve its own niche in the genre.
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Eugen Boglaru is an AI aficionado covering the fascinating and rapidly advancing field of Artificial Intelligence. From machine learning breakthroughs to ethical considerations, Eugen provides readers with a deep dive into the world of AI, demystifying complex concepts and exploring the transformative impact of intelligent technologies.