Ever since I got my Nintendo Switch I’ve found myself playing more indie RPGs than ever before. Many of these games are older titles I never would have found if they hadn’t been ported over to the portable console. So imagine my delight when I start playing CrossCode fall in love immediately.
CrossCode is an Indie RPG from Radical Fish Games that was originally released in 2015. It was ported over to the Nintendo Switch in 2020 only to be then ravenously consumed by me. If you’re looking for a good RPG, CrossCode is absolutely worth playing right now.
CrossCode Review
With elements of games like Legend of Zelda and Pokémon, CrossCode is 2D action RPG with nostalgic 16-bit SNES-style graphics and great mechanics. With a whole host of unique enemies, enjoyable characters, and engaging puzzles, it has everything you could ever want from a Switch indie game.
I was first drawn to CrossCode because of its cyberpunk sci-fi storyline, but it was the fast-paced combat system that held my interest. Some of the boss battles can be challenging, but having the ability to level up allows you to continue progressing no matter what.
An Excellent Sci-Fi Plot
Although it looks and feels like a retro game, CrossCode has a surprisingly fresh and intriguing storyline. It takes place in a far off world that is primarily populated by avatars. CrossWorlds is more than just a place, it is a fully immersive MMORPG filled with people logging in and out of the game. You play as a girl named Lea with no memories of your past and a helpful digital guide to point you in the right direction.
While the game is meant to look and feel like an MMORPG, you are only pretending to play the game while a larger plan unfolds. As you make friends along the way and learn more about CrossWorlds, the plot just keeps pulling you in. All in all, it’s a gripping story that dives into the futuristic world of gaming and artificial intelligence.
Combat Mechanics and Gameplay
Despite the limited 16-bit graphics, Crosscode offers some buttery smooth combat mechanics that are rewarding to master. You play as something called a Spheromancer and have the ability to chuck orbs of energy toward your enemies. You also have a melee attack with a simple combo to add more power.
While these combat methods sound fairly simple, it’s the execution of them that offers a delightful challenge. Switching between melee and ranged combat is surprisingly difficult, and when you factor in dodges and blocks it only gets more complicated. You also have a variety of special attacks with an SP bar that builds up as you fight enemies.
Similar to metroidvania games, each of the enemies has an attack pattern you can learn to predict and counteract. Using a combination of ranged, melee, and special attacks, CrossCode has some excellent boss battles that bring a real feeling of triumph for overcoming.
Leveling Up and Upgrading Gear
CrossCode is one of those games that hits all of the RPG elements just right. You gain experience from fighting enemies, completing quests, and taking on epic boss monsters. With each level your stats automatically increase and you also get circuit points to spend within various skill trees. As you conquer each of the 4 elements the game has to offer, you open up additional skill trees that you can switch between.
The game also offers a variety of unique gear you can get from quests and merchants to upgrade your stats. There are also various quests that encourage you to smash plants and enemies to collect information and resources from them.
Availability
I got my version of CrossCode at the Nintendo eShop for $20, but the game is available on other platforms as well. You can also pick up a copy for the PC on Steam, or purchase a digital copy for PS4 and Xbox Series X.
There is also a recently released a DLC for the game called A New Home that offers a post-game episode. It is only available on PC however, so you cannot play it on the Nintendo Switch.
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