Upon first impression, XDefiant appeared to be a mishmash of Ubisoft IPs, blending elements from different games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and Overwatch 2. However, as I delved deeper into the game, I was pleasantly surprised by how it successfully combined these diverse gameplay styles. Since starting to play ahead of Season 1, I’ve found it hard to put down.
What I initially perceived as weaknesses in XDefiant turned out to be its strengths. It manages to offer the power fantasy of a hero shooter while also delivering the engaging missions and intricate gunplay characteristic of military shooters. The level of customization extends beyond just heroes or weapons, allowing players to tinker with both simultaneously. Although there are areas where XDefiant’s presentation could be improved, it remains a fun homage to the featured Ubisoft franchises.
From a gameplay perspective, XDefiant strikes a balance between the gameplay styles of Call of Duty and Overwatch. Players choose a faction before each game, each based on a different Ubisoft game, with three customizable agents per faction. While individual characters lack unique abilities, the factions themselves offer distinct powers. Personally, I was drawn to the Echelon faction inspired by Splinter Cell, enjoying abilities like temporary invisibility and wall penetration that felt well-balanced within the game.
Other faction abilities are equally compelling, such as Rainbow Six Siege’s GSK trap placement and Far Cry 6’s Libertad’s healing advantages. This diversity ensures that every faction feels useful and balanced, allowing players to choose based on their preferred playstyle. This freedom eliminates the need for role queues or strict team compositions typically seen in hero shooters, though strategic choices are still crucial in Ranked mode.
While some gameplay elements are reminiscent of Overwatch 2, the overall game feel is closer to military shooters like Call of Duty or Battlefield. The influence of Call of Duty developers is evident in the fluid gunplay, faction-specific voiceovers, and rewarding weapon progression and customization present in XDefiant.
In contrast to the quick “time to kill” in Call of Duty games, XDefiant offers longer engagement times, allowing players to invest in weapon progression. This shift made me appreciate LMG weapons more and encouraged me to focus on upgrading and customizing my loadouts.
XDefiant successfully blends elements from different shooter genres, providing a unique multiplayer gaming experience. While it does have some drawbacks such as cumbersome menus and a lack of narrative focus, its hybrid design caters to players looking for a tailored multiplayer shooter experience. I recommend giving XDefiant a try if you’re seeking a new addition to your multiplayer gaming rotation.
XDefiant is available for free on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
