Considering how Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass service has featured several day one launches this year already, such as Ubisoft’s Rainbow Six Extraction, it shouldn’t be too much of a surprise to see Remedy and co-developer Smilegate get in on the action too. As a result, CrossfireX is set to become the next game to land on Game Pass on the same day that it becomes available for all Xbox owners. Besides being another high-profile day one release for Microsoft, there’s plenty of other reasons why players should keep the collaborative project on their radar. In almost every area of note, CrossfireX has something of an intriguing dual personality.
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CrossfireX’s Dual Identity
Back during the reveal event for the Xbox Series X and S in July 2020, Microsoft took to the virtual stage to announce a surprising partnership. There, the publisher revealed that Remedy Entertainment and the South Korea-based Smilegate Entertainment had agreed to work together on a collaborative project under the watchful eyes of Xbox Game Studios. CrossfireX, a first-person shooter set within a world ravaged by shady private military factions, was the result. While the title is a rare Xbox ecosystem exclusive that’s releasing without a PC port, players on that platform might recognize the game as the 6th installment in a franchise that started in 2007.
Over the years the Crossfire series has become a major force in the gaming industry under Smilegate’s stewardship, with players in China and South Korea having helped to make it one of the most played franchises in the world. This success has even spawned a successful Chinese TV show, and a feature length movie which is currently in development between Sony and Tencent. More than 1 billion players are reported to have played the original Crossfire game though, which is a multiplayer-centric first-person experience. In an effort to get the series into western hands, Smilegate envisioned CrossfireX as a sort of hybrid game, one where it would handle the latest versions of the franchise’s multiplayer modes and Remedy would be tasked with creating an accompanying singleplayer story.
CrossfireX’s Multiplayer Modes
When CrossfireX launches on February 10 it will subsequently feature a multiplayer suite of modes that fans of the series will recognize. Unlike Remedy’s singleplayer adventure, though, it should be noted that each of these will be free-to-play to all regardless of whether a player has invested in Xbox Game Pass. Like its overarching dual mode identity, CrossfireX’s multiplayer is also broken down into two distinct camps. On one side there’s Classic Mode, which revolves around Counter-Strike inspired bomb-disposal mechanics and objectives. In these modes, players can’t aim down sights or sprint for added nostalgia.
Alternatively, a separate playlist will also be available called Modern Mode, which plays and feels a lot more like recent entries in the Call of Duty series. Here, sprinting and aiming is possible, while a set of perks is also accessible for those looking to customize their play style. Based on the last year’s beta test of CrossfireX’s multiplayer, it looks as though Smilegate has focused on ensuring tactical team-based cooperation is paramount in both suites. One final option known as Spectre Mode is also playable at launch and of particular note, as it incorporates some of the franchise’s near-future tech ideas. Here, attacking players are equipped with only a knife and the ability to become invisible.
CrossfireX’s Single Player Campaign
It can be argued that despite the efforts Smilegate has clearly made to bring its multiplayer vision to life, for many the real appeal of CrossfireX will be its Remedy developed singleplayer campaign. Ever since it created the Max Payne series for Rockstar Games, the studio has developed a reputation for making some of the most satisfying third-person shooter mechanics in gaming. In addition to this, recent titles like Control have really underlined Remedy’s ability to tell captivating stories that keep players engaged. How the studio tackles another developer’s property, and a first-person experience to boot, is going to be interesting to see considering these accomplishments.
When CrossfireX’s singleplayer launches on Xbox Game Pass on February 10, the experience will be broken down into separate operations. Two will be available out of the gate for players to try on launch day, with each being packaged in episodic-style chapters. In terms of story, CrossfireX focuses on two private military groups known as Black List and Global Risk as they engage each other in a global conflict. From the story trailers that Remedy has released ahead of the game’s launch, it appears as though the singleplayer portion will feature some chaotic set pieces as players explore a near-future setting torn apart by the destructive advancement of war.
CrossfireX is set to launch on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S on February 10.
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