Game Preview: CrossCode

CrossCode is a retro-inspired 2D Action RPG set in the distant future, combining 16-bit SNES-style graphics with butter-smooth physics, a fast-paced combat system, and engaging puzzle mechanics, served with a gripping sci-fi story. The game is set to release this year, but no official date yet. CrossCode will be available for PC, Mac, and Linux.

Official Trailer

In the game, you will play as Lea, as she logs into "CrossWorlds" - a fictional MMO of the distant future. Lea is not your average player though. She hast lost her memory and is (literally) mute. Now the only way to regain her memory is to play CrossWorlds, discovering all the places the game has to offer and meeting other players on the way - hoping they won't mistake her for a bot. As Lea’s memory returns, a deep mystery surrounding CrossWorlds will be unraveled - and you may come to understand why a mute player is stuck in this game in the first place.

CrossCode combines features of the Action-Adventure and RPG genre, delivering both, a great variety of puzzles and an engaging, fast-paced combat system with plenty of options for character growth.

The game is also available on Steam.

I had a chance to play this demo thanks to one of the recruiters from Steam, and let me tell you, this game is really awesome! CrossCode was very engaging from the start till now and for the first time, I spent 5 hours on a PC game in one day, which I never done before. I am not a PC guy and to play this fun-engaging game just tells you how good this game really is. The screenshot I took above where Lea has to go through different puzzles to finish her stages, was very difficult at first, but after a while, I started to get the hand of it by aiming around those 4 objects to hit the middle button to open the door.

From the start of the game, you will learn the basic combat moves and movements as Lea, as you journey to different worlds and face your rivals. In CrossWorlds, Lea will learn more fighting and aiming techniques with the help of captain Jet and Carla, who is an assistant to a scientist named Sergey. Now Sergey is the person that adds words for Lea so she can communicate normally and bring back her memory she lost when created. In CrossWorlds, Lea will bump into a girl named Emilie, whose nickname is “Emilienator,” as they set to compete in their final stages in “Rhombus Square” in “Newcomer’s Bridge,” where all avatar rookies attend and complete their stages.

Gameplay Demo (Part 1 of 2)

Gameplay Demo (Part 2 of 2)

After defeating the boss and completing her final stage, Lea came out of the building and saw Emilie again. After both Lea and Emilie chatted for a while, an accuser named Apollo, called out Lea and accused her of cheating by reaching level 4, which no one has done in CrossWorlds. Suddenly, a man named Joern, who is a friend of Apollo’s, did not believe him and apologized to both Lea and Emilie for his actions. After Joern left, Apollo told Lea boldly that they will meet again soon and walks away.

Then, Emilie suggest that both she and Lea should travel to “Rookie Harbor,” where rookies meet and complete their quests. Lea agreed with the suggestion and both them suddenly became friends. Along the way, both Lea and Emilie will meet Lukas, also known as “Schneider,” (Emilie’s friend), as he gave them a small tour around Rookie Harbor.

The screenshot I took above is inside the “Quest Hub” building, where rookie avatars pick up their quests. Do you see where the arrow is pointing at on your right, which is where you will go to a new quest called “Track of the Ancients.” A recruiter will introduce new players about the quest, in which you have to collect 4 elements: Heat, Cold, Shock, and Wave, in order to complete the quest. After accepting the quest, both Lea and Emilie will become “party members,” where you can click on their icon and invite them to join your party in your character profile when you press “tab” under the “social” button. To complete quests, you have to enter “Autumn Rise” to defeat different enemies, including: hedgehogs, bulls, rats, etc. Once you complete your quests, you will receive great rewards, along with leveling up your character and party member.

I am currently level 5 at the moment and got beat by Apollo (level 10) in an awesome “duel battle,” which can last for 5 rounds.

There is one thing that needs to be pointed out though. When searching for missing items, the quest should indicate where the items or a person are located, so that avatars can easily find them without searching for them.

Overall, this game is very engaging and fun for young and old gamers alike. I enjoyed every bit of this game and will continue to practice so I can finally beat Apollo in a duel battle.

1st Video Credits: RadicalFishGames

2nd Video Credits: Chris Caine

3rd Video Credits: Chris Caine

#CrossCode #PC #Mac #Linux #Lea #Emilie #Sergey #Satoshi #Carla #Apollo #Joern #Lukas