2.5 /10 27

CrossfireX represented an ambitious but ultimately unsuccessful attempt to bring Smilegate’s popular PC franchise to console audiences. Developed by Remedy Entertainment for its single-player campaign and Smilegate for multiplayer, the game launched on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S in February 2022 with significant promise but fell victim to poor execution, technical issues, and criticism for generic storytelling. Players will discover why this title became Metacritic’s second-worst game of 2022, featuring broken mechanics, animation glitches, and controls that fundamentally undermined both campaign and multiplayer experiences before the service shut down permanently in May 2023.

How to Play CrossfireX

CrossfireX combines team-based multiplayer action with two single-player campaigns set in a global conflict between private military factions. The core gameplay loop involves objective-based missions, squad management, and tactical positioning in large maps.

1. Controls – Standard FPS controller layout on Xbox, though poor implementation resulted in sluggish aiming and delayed response, making combat frustrating even after sensitivity adjustments
2. Progression – Campaign missions unlock sequentially across two storylines (Operation Catalyst and Operation Spectre), with multiplayer ranks tied to match completions
3. Combat/Mechanics – Squad-switching in the first campaign allows players to control different soldiers and utilize unique abilities; multiplayer features limited game modes with atrocious gunplay
4. Tips – Avoid expecting competitive-level shooting mechanics; focus instead on campaign’s squad-swap mechanic if playing for narrative content

Who Should Play CrossfireX

Given the game’s permanent shutdown, no one can play CrossfireX anymore. Historically, the game appealed primarily to franchise loyalists and Xbox players seeking military shooters, though even they were disappointed.

• Crossfire Fans – Players familiar with the original PC version found the console port lacking the polish and balance of the source material
• Story Hunters – Those interested in Remedy’s narrative direction were let down by bland characterization and generic military tropes
• Multiplayer Competitors – FPS players hoping for Counter-Strike-style tactical gameplay encountered unresponsive controls and limited content
• Skip if – You expect professional-grade shooting mechanics, are new to the Crossfire franchise, or value active online communities (service permanently ended)

CrossfireX Platform Performance

Cross-platform performance remained inconsistent throughout the game’s lifecycle. Xbox Series X delivered 4K/1440p visuals at 60/120fps options, but animation glitches plagued all versions equally. Frame rate stability suffered during intense combat sequences, and players reported consistent visual bugs like character models vibrating and sliding uncontrollably across maps.

CrossfireX System Requirements

As a console exclusive, CrossfireX had no official PC requirements. However, estimated specifications based on Xbox Series X architecture suggest moderate PC requirements for equivalent performance. The game required broadband internet for all multiplayer functionality and approximately 30GB of storage space across platforms.

Similar Games to CrossfireX

Before shutdown, CrossfireX attempted to compete in the console FPS space against established franchises. Games offering comparable experiences include tactical team-based shooters and narrative-driven military campaigns that succeeded where CrossfireX failed.

• Halo Infinite – Free-to-play Xbox multiplayer with significantly superior gunplay mechanics and active player base
• Call of Duty Modern Warfare III – Premium military campaign and multiplayer with polished mechanics and consistent updates
• Destiny 2 – Cooperative shooter with squad-based gameplay and long-term engagement systems
• Apex Legends – Team-focused competitive shooter available on Xbox with superior netcode and responsive controls

CrossfireX vs Competitors

CrossfireX entered an oversaturated console FPS market dominated by established franchises. Direct competition came from free-to-play titles offering superior mechanics and content libraries. The game’s limited map variety (one mode per map), poor gunplay, and technical issues made it uncompetitive against alternatives offering proven experiences and active development support.

CrossfireX Story and World

The two single-player campaigns follow Global Risk and Black List, fictional private military factions, as they clash in the fictional country of Ascarzia. Operation Catalyst casts players as Global Risk operatives executing a leadership assassination mission, while Operation Spectre shifts perspective to Black List. Despite the international conflict premise, storytelling suffers from predictable military tropes, one-dimensional character writing, and little of Remedy Entertainment’s signature narrative creativity. The campaigns lack twists, emotional investment, or thematic depth, feeling more like generic military simulations than distinctive narrative experiences. Remedy’s typically inventive storytelling approach is entirely absent, resulting in by-the-numbers mission structures and forgettable squad members with no discernible personality.

CrossfireX Multiplayer and Online

Multiplayer formed the core experience but suffered from severe design and technical limitations. Available at launch, only one game mode per map existed, drastically limiting variety. The economy-focused matchmaking sometimes took excessive time, and server selection options were restricted. Cross-play was not implemented despite platform diversity, further fragmenting the already-small player base.

• Team Deathmatch – Standard 5v5 elimination across limited map pool; questionable weapon balance
• Demolition – Objective-based mode with bomb planting mechanics; only available on designated maps
• Defuse – Counter-Strike inspired search-and-destroy variant; poorly implemented on console controls
• Cross-Play – Not supported; Xbox One, Series S, and Series X players remained separated

CrossfireX DLC and Expansions

No meaningful post-launch content was released before the game’s termination. Smilegate announced in February 2023 that development was ceasing and the game would shut down on May 18, 2023. Plans for seasonal content, new maps, and balance updates were abandoned immediately. The decision to cease further development and pull the game from storefronts indicated fundamental commercial failure within months of launch.

• No DLC Released – All planned content was cancelled before implementation
• No Seasonal Passes – Cosmetic progression systems were never developed
• No Balance Updates – Broken mechanics remained untouched after day one
• Server Closure – Permanent service termination on May 18, 2023, with no option to play offline

CrossfireX Community and Support

The community never developed meaningfully due to the game’s poor quality and rapid shutdown. Official support channels were abandoned shortly after launch as player numbers plummeted. Reddit communities expressed frustration rather than enthusiasm, and the game never achieved the community infrastructure necessary for long-term engagement or creator content.

• Official Forums – Smilegate provided minimal forum support; closed indefinitely
• Reddit/Discord – Small communities existed but were primarily complaint-focused rather than constructive
• Content Creation – Few YouTubers or streamers created consistent content due to game’s unpopularity
• Updates – Zero patch frequency post-launch; the game launched in a broken state and never improved