Developer Radical Fish Games has just announced that their 2D action role-playing game CrossCode will be launching for consoles early next month. Initially launched for PC, Mac, and Linux via Steam in September of 2018, CrossCode has since garnered acclaim both from critics and audiences for its unique take on the RPG genre paired with its SNES-style aesthetics.
CrossCode, according to its developers and its Steam page, is “all about how it plays”. The game is set in the world of CrossWorlds: a virtual playground populated with avatars that are controlled by players remotely and serve as a battleground of sorts for the MMO of the future. I skimmed through the demo on Steam and so far, two playable characters are available for players to try out: Shizuka and Lea. As stated in its description, the game employs “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 demo’s bulk is taken up mostly by Lea’s story: a past player of CrossWorlds who has lost her memory. By logging in again, she must go and retrieve it, but along the way, she will encounter multiple characters that can either help or hurt her mission.
CrossCode is best described as a mini hack-and-slash title with puzzle elements. Some levels see you just wallop and slash enemies with the satisfying thump that accompanies attacks. Sometimes, using the VRP (Virtual Ricochet Projectiles) is your best bet, with bullets bouncing around the screen with enjoyable plinking sounds that go along with each shot. The game offers a playtime of around 30 to 80 hours depending on if you’re in it for the story, or are a completionist trying to get all achievements.
CrossCode will launch for the PlayStation 4 via the PlayStation Store, Xbox One via the Microsoft Store, and Nintendo Switch via the Nintendo eShop on July 8 for $19.99. ININ Games will also publish physical editions for the PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch.
