CrossCode

Release Date: September 20, 2018

RPG, science fiction, puzzle elements, 2D, top-down, indie games, action RPG, singleplayer

8.4

OpenCritic

93%

Steam

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A science-fiction arcade RPG developed by Radical Fish Games. We are taken to a distant future, to a world where humanity spends its free time by playing a futuristic MMO called CrossWorlds. Our hero – Lea – returns to the game after a long break, as the game’s administration suggests that her loss of memory may be averted by logging back to the game.

Plot
Mechanics
Technical Aspects

CrossCode is a science-fiction RPG released exclusively for PC and PS4. The game is mainly focused on arcade combat and riddle solving. It was developed by Radical Fish Games and released by Deck13 Interactive. During the development cycle, the authors were inspired by old-school titles from both SNES and PlayStation consoles. CrossCode was financed through a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo that managed to cover over 110% of required funds, and was made available as a part of Steam Early Access feature.

Plot

CrossCode takes us to a distant future, where humanity spends its free time by playing a futuristic MMO called CrossWorlds. The game’s huge, devoted audience comes from the fact that the game does not take place only in a virtual reality, but offers an augmented reality that places the players in real locations and enables other people to see their progress through virtual reality googles.

We assume the role of Lea – a former CrossWorlds player known for her characteristic avatar that presents her as a young, blue-haired girl. Her return to CrossWorlds has a therapeutic undertone, as the heroine suffers from frequent blackouts. The game’s administration claims that the return to CrossWorlds may help her regain her memories. However, it quickly turns out that some of the players recognize Lea, and will attempt to carry out their own, evil agenda…

Mechanics

CrossCode is a dynamic RPG full of arcade combat and logic puzzles. The arcade character of the game is further reinforced by a keyboard and mouse control system. The game is seen from a two-dimensional perspective, but the third dimension is also present – the player can increase the range of his weapon by climbing to an elevated location.

Our heroine is a Spheromancer. This means that her main weapons are energy spheres that can be fired in a short succession. Moreover, the spheres can be charged by holding the fire button, which increases their accuracy, damage dealt, as well as make them bounce off walls – this mechanic is especially useful when solving some of the puzzles. Interestingly enough, if the attack is performed when holding the crosshairs next to our hero, Lea won’t fire a sphere, and will perform a quick melee attack. Aside from projectiles, Lea can create a shield that absorbs some of the damage, or perform a dodge in any direction.

When it comes to other mechanics, our hero gathers experience and advances to new levels, which means new abilities that are bought from a special tree called Circuit. Aside from the above, we can equip items that influence our statistics or offer additional bonuses.

Technical Aspects

CrossCode for PC and PS4 was based on Impact.JS, a JavaScript game engine. The visuals and the soundtrack were inspired by games from 1990s released on both Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and PlayStation.

Last updated on June 7, 2017

Videos and Screens

[1:46] CrossCode trailer #1

8.4

OpenCritic Rating

Game is Recomended by 91% of Critics. There are 70 Critic Reviews.

OpenCritic

Metro GameCentral: 9 / 10

A fantastic retro-styled action role-player that honours the past but is in no way beholden to it, with great combat, an intriguing storyline, and a massive game world.

Full Review

God is a Geek: 10 / 10 by Lyle Carr

An incredible adventure from start to finish, CrossCode is a fictional MMO where the charm is anything but. With enthralling combat, intriguing puzzles and hours of enjoyable content, I cannot recommend this game enough.

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Destructoid: 7 / 10

On the other hand, if you can push all that story into the background and focus on the sheer thrill of the game's combat and the challenge of its puzzles, it has a lot more going for it. CrossCode puts its mechanics to good use in inventive ways, and at times, I found it to be legitimately impressive. However, without the beating heart of a convincing narrative, you may find yourself logging out too soon.

Full Review

93%