CrossCode – Preview (PC)

Disclosure: The developer provided us a free Steam game code of CrossCode.

CrossCode is a 2D Action RPG (Role Playing Game) developed by Radical Fish Games using the ImpactJS HTML5 game engine. Its development dates way back in 2013 and had a crowd-funding campaign launched on Indiegogo in February 2015 ^[1][2]. A few months later, CrossCode was released on Steam as an Early Access game then had its Linux port made available to Steam users in February 2016 ^[3][4].

Features

• SNES-style 2D graphics with detailed movement system.
• Fast-paced combat system featuring close combat, ranged attacks, guarding, dashing and great variety of special attacks.
• Complete RPG system with leveling, equipment, consumable items and skill trees.

CrossCode’s combat system is simple and can be learned in a short amount of time. But don’t assume the game is easy. Enemies get tougher as you progress and fights get harder especially when multiple enemies gang up on you. AI-controlled party members can die and you cannot rely on them to do the majority of the fighting for you. Special attacks deal great damage but cannot be used repeatedly in quick succession. If in a tight spot, you can use Guard to block attacks. Blocking only reduces damage taken and it offers no protection if the attack is coming from the rear. Healing items can be used during combat but its use can be interrupted if hit by an enemy attack.

Leveling up does not help much in fighting stronger enemies. It’s main purpose is to earn “CIrcuit Points” so you can unlock more abilities and special attacks. Getting better equipment either by trading or buying is the key to progressing further in areas with stronger enemies. Side quests can also be completed to get better equipment.

One of the notable features of CrossCode is “Circuits” which is basically a skill tree system. The offensive attacks unlocked are divided into 2 categories – ranged and melee. Each are further sub-divided into crowd-control attacks and single-enemy attacks. More “Circuit Points” are needed as you go deeper into skill tree.

The game is currently available at Steam for PhP 499.95 and at GOG for $ 19.99. Whether you choose to buy at Steam or at GOG, you only purchase CrossCode once and you can play it on Linux, Mac, and Windows. In terms of game play, we can wholeheartedly recommend CrossCode even if it is still in Early Access stage. However, the story, an important part of any RPG, is still incomplete and the developer expects to release the full game in Early 2018. Unless you want to support the development, we suggest you put CrossCode in your Steam wish list for now. The game is in active development and you can check out their YouTube channel and Steam Discussions if you are interested in the progress of its development. If you want to first test the game before buying, you can try the browser-based demo of CrossCode.

We will publish a full review of CrossCode once it leaves Early Access stage.