Jonathan Rose

XDefiant is a profoundly disappointing experience. The gameplay is unimaginably bland, featuring some of the least responsive shooter mechanics I've encountered in recent memory. Movement feels floaty and unresponsive, and shooting lacks any satisfying feedback. The overall execution feels half-baked, with little to distinguish it from countless other FPS titles. Reviews consistently highlight that XDefiant offers nothing new to the genre, making it feel like a recycled, uninspired effort. While it might scratch an arcade shooter itch for some, it ultimately fails to innovate or provide any memorable experiences. Overpowered Snipers: Snipers in this game are a nightmare. They dominate from absurd to up close distances, making other playstyles almost irrelevant. Getting killed repeatedly from across the map by campers takes away any enjoyment and reduces the game to a frustrating experience. Lack of Effective Counters: There are very few viable counters to snipers, making encounters feel one-sided and unfair. Players often find themselves either having to use snipers or resort to ineffective tactics, which kills the game's diversity. In conclusion, XDefiant is a lackluster addition to the crowded FPS genre. Despite borrowing elements from successful games, it fails to carve out a unique identity, resulting in a derivative and uninspired experience. The gameplay is marred by unresponsive controls and floaty movement, detracting from any potential enjoyment. Additionally, the game's attempt to blend arcade and realism feels confused and poorly executed, offering nothing groundbreaking or innovative. While it might scratch a specific itch for some, the overall messy design and lack of originality make it hard to recommend.