Riot Games’ upcoming free-to-play fighting game, 2XKO, is based on the popular MOBA League of Legends. Despite the genre difference, Riot Games has successfully attracted League of Legends fans to 2XKO. However, fighting game laymen who played the Alpha Test struggled to get to grips with the game, citing combo length and matchmaking as major complaints.
Riot Games has made 2XKO one of the most beginner-friendly fighting games by simplifying inputs, combo structure, and dashing. Special moves are performed by pressing a direction and a single button, and combo structure has been simplified with light, medium, heavy serving as a true string for every character.
The Fuse system is another innovative feature that allows players to pick a buff for their team before a match. The Pulse Fuse, in particular, makes combos easier to perform by allowing players to mash a single button. This system is a genius piece of design that allows new players to pick up the game immediately without investing a lot of time.
However, Riot Games has not focused on teaching new players why these systems are useful in the first place. For example, dashing is simple to execute, but new players may not know why they should be using it to mix up their opponent. A mode that specifically focuses on guidance and universal instructions would be beneficial in helping new players understand the game mechanics.
As a free-to-play fighting game, 2XKO has the potential to evolve into a resource that anyone can access. A playable version of The Fighting Game Glossary would be a great addition to the game, providing new players with a comprehensive guide to fighting game terminology and mechanics.
In conclusion, 2XKO has done a great job of appealing to new players without sacrificing complexity, but it still needs to address the gap in genre familiarity. With a focus on guidance and education, 2XKO can reach its full potential and attract a new generation of fighting game enthusiasts.