Nobody asked for Tom Clancy’s XDefiant. And after its worldwide reveal trailer, gamers certainly weren’t sold on it. Not only do comments all over social media echo that sentiment, but a thoroughly scientific poll on our Instagram page (@downtimebros) suggests it, too.
Why aren’t people excited?
On July 18th 2021, the official Ubisoft Twitter account tweeted that the following day would bring the “reveal of a brand-new game in the Tom Clancy’s universe.” Speculation was rife and many were hoping for a brand-new entry in the long dormant but beloved Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell series. After all, the last entry in the series was back in 2013 – nearly a decade ago.
Alas, it was not to be. Instead, Ubisoft treated us to Tom Clancy’s XDefiant. Which, outside of the prefix tacked onto its name, seems to have virtually nothing to do with Tom Clancy. And boy, did people catch on quickly.
Yeah, it features factions from Ghost Recon, Splinter Cell, and The Division. But its zany Apex Legends style PvP premise couldn’t be further from the detailed espionage and realistic military-science novels its namesake was famous for. It’s safe to say that XDefiant is facing an uphill battle.
Still, it’s not all bad. The game’s release is a way off. And Ubisoft has implied player feedback is integral to the game being a success.
So, without further ado, here are 3 important things you need to know about Tom Clancy’s XDefiant:
#1 – You can be a part of Tom Clancy’s XDefiant’s early beta tests
You may love the look of XDefiant. You might also think it could use some work. Whatever the case may be, Ubisoft are extending the opportunity to gamers eager to get involved with the game’s pre-launch beta testing phase.
This means that you could not only get your hands on the game before everyone else but also be instrumental in the quality of the finished product. Let’s face it, the game sure looks like it could use an outsiders perspective or two. So Ubisoft providing this opportunity carries a big mutual benefit.
How do you register for Tom Clancy’s XDefiant beta?
Interested players must simply visit www.playxdefiant.com, and register their interest. The initial play test begins on August 5th for PC players, but more are planned for other platforms this winter. If you’re interested, you’d better hurry because there are only a limited number of spots.
#2 – XDefiant promises a “new take on the competitive FPS genre”
I think we’ve heard that one before…
Whether you believe it or not, Ubisoft San Francisco, the game’s developers, are touting Tom Clancy’s XDefiant as something of a groundbreaking title. From what we’ve seen, we’re not sold – and crucially, neither are other gamers.
Tom Clancy’s XDefiant looks very much like dozens of other PvP FPS games from the past five-or-so years. But Ubisoft believe it has something new to offer, and maybe they’re right.
In the press release announcing the game, Ubisoft said XDefiant “offers players a high-octane gameplay experience, combining fluid and visceral combat with unprecedented freedom and personalization.”
On top of that, they said the game “will immerse players at the forefront of the Tom Clancy universe at iconic locations in the throes of technicolor chaos, with maps mixing indoor and outdoor environments, ensuring smooth gameplay and unpredictable engagements.”
They’re some bold claims. And Ubisoft have a way to go in proving they’re all true.
#3 – Tom Clancy’s XDefiant will feature crossplay at launch
Those interested in the game will be asking: is Tom Clancy’s XDefiant crossplay? The answer is yes. According to Ubisoft, “full crossplay [is] expected at launch.”
While the word “expected” throws in an element of doubt that it may not be available right away, Ubisoft’s intention is clear. It should come as no surprise given the Ubisoft Connect service which the company has touted as bridging the gap between platforms.
Most interesting is that XDefiant won’t just feautre cross-generation/platform progression, but full blown crossplay allowing players to battle their friends on different platforms. For a free-to-play PvP shooter, this is a big win. And should help make Tom Clancy’s XDefiant as accessible as possible. This is great news for groups of friends looking to play together.
Are you excited for Tom Clancy’s XDefiant? Or are you not sold on it yet? Let us know in the comment section below and don’t forget to check out our other gaming articles…
