Info about CrossCode:

Official game description:
This retro-inspired 2D **Action RPG** might outright surprise you. CrossCode combines 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.  
CrossCode is all about **how it plays**! That's why there is a **free Steam demo**! Go give it a try! Take the best out of two popular genres, find a good balance between them and make a great game. That’s what CrossCode does. You get the puzzles of Zelda-esque dungeons and are rewarded with the great variety of equipment you know and love from RPGs. During the fast-paced battles you will use the tools you find on your journey to reveal and exploit the enemies' weaknesses and at the same time will be able to choose equipment and skills for a more in-depth approach in fighting your enemies.  
What's included in the full version:  
*   Dive into a massive adventure with a playtime of around **30-80 hours**  
*   Explore a large world with **7 unique areas** and hidden secrets all over the place  
*   Fight over **120 enemy types** including **30+ boss fights**  
*   Enter **7 expansive dungeons**, all with with unique themes and puzzle mechanics  
*   Master over **90 combat arts** and even more passive skills  
*   Solve over **100 quests** with a great variety of tasks and unique challenges  
*   **60+ music tracks** made by a rice ball (yes)
Check the Reviews to see who loves the game. We're sure you will, too!

Release date: Sep 20, 2018

Categories: Action RPG, Puzzle Solving, Exploration, 2D Platformer, Elemental Combat System, Skill Tree and Progression System, Zelda-like Dungeon Design, Boss Rush


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Challenging yet rewarding gameplay (weight 0.96): The game offers a high difficulty curve that is balanced with fair challenges, adjustable settings, and rewarding progression. Players appreciate the brain-teasing puzzles, strategic combat, and skill-based mechanics that encourage replayability.
- Engaging and well-designed puzzles (weight 0.96): Puzzles are a major highlight, praised for their creativity, logical progression, and integration with combat and exploration. Players enjoy the sense of achievement from solving intricate and varied puzzles, though some note they can be challenging.
- Exceptional storytelling and characters (weight 0.74): The game's narrative is consistently praised for its emotional depth, unexpected twists, and well-developed characters. Players highlight the engaging plot, strong foreshadowing, and satisfying payoff, making the story a standout feature.
- Fluid and dynamic combat system (weight 0.61): Combat is frequently described as smooth, fast-paced, and deeply satisfying, with a unique blend of elemental mechanics, parrying, and strategic depth. Players enjoy the variety in attacks, animations, and customization options.
- Rich exploration and world-building (weight 0.31): Exploration is a key strength, with well-designed maps, hidden chests, and dungeons that encourage discovery. Players enjoy the sense of adventure, unique environmental puzzles, and the integration of exploration with storytelling.
- Beautiful pixel art and art style (weight 0.26): The game's pixel art is consistently lauded for its detail, expressiveness, and aesthetic appeal. The art style enhances immersion, with smooth animations and a charming visual presentation that fits the game's tone.
- Immersive soundtrack and sound design (weight 0.15): The music and sound design are highly praised for their atmospheric quality, adaptability to action, and emotional resonance. The soundtrack enhances the game's mood and is often described as memorable and fitting.
- Great value for price and content (weight 0.1): The game is frequently cited as offering excellent value for its price, with players highlighting the extensive content, high-quality design, and overall satisfaction. Even at full price, the game is considered a worthwhile investment.

Common complaints:
- Poor pacing and slow progression (weight 0.55): The game suffers from slow pacing, with excessive content, repetitive tasks, and lengthy dungeons. Players feel the story drags, especially after the opening sections, and side quests often feel mandatory but unrewarding.
- Repetitive and unrewarding quests (weight 0.52): Side quests are often repetitive, lack meaningful rewards, or feel like fetch quests. Players report frustration with mandatory quests that disrupt story progression or offer trivial loot.
- Poor map and navigation design (weight 0.22): The map is criticized for lacking detail, unclear elevation markers, and frustrating navigation. Players report getting lost, backtracking excessively, or struggling with labyrinth-like level design.
- Frustrating platforming mechanics (weight 0.18): Platforming sections are poorly designed, with unclear height differences, auto-jump issues, and confusing 2D/3D perspectives. This leads to frustration, especially when combined with puzzles or treasure hunting.
- High difficulty for casual players (weight 0.14): The game’s difficulty, especially in puzzles and combat, is described as overly challenging or punishing for casual players. Some players feel the difficulty is artificially inflated or inconsistent.
- Clunky and unintuitive controls (weight 0.11): Controls are criticized for being complex, unresponsive, or poorly optimized for both keyboard/mouse and controllers. This affects combat, puzzles, and overall gameplay fluidity.
- Tedious grinding and progression (weight 0.1): Grinding for EXP, gear, or materials is described as tedious and overwhelming. The leveling system is bland, and gear progression lacks visual or mechanical variety, making it feel unrewarding.
- Unsatisfying loot system (weight 0.07): Loot in chests is often junk or low-value items, and collecting chests for achievements feels tedious. The loot system lacks variety and meaningful progression, discouraging exploration.
- DLC-dependent story resolution (weight 0.05): The main story ends on a cliffhanger, with key plot points locked behind DLC. Players feel the base game’s narrative is incomplete without purchasing additional content.

Gameplay feedback:
- Puzzle-heavy core gameplay (weight 0.57): The game prominently features puzzles as a central mechanic, integrating them into dungeons, bosses, and overworld exploration. Puzzles vary in complexity, requiring observation, timing, and elemental combinations, often blending with platforming and combat.
- Zelda-like dungeon design (weight 0.56): Dungeons are structured similarly to *The Legend of Zelda*, emphasizing puzzle-solving (80%) with intermittent combat (20%). They feature progressive difficulty, elemental themes, and iterative puzzle gauntlets, often restricting multiplayer access.
- Boss battles with puzzle elements (weight 0.56): Boss fights combine combat and puzzle-solving, requiring players to adapt tactics (e.g., elemental reflection, timing-based mechanics) or exploit weak points. Some bosses integrate gimmicks like environmental interactions or sequence-based attacks.
- Adjustable difficulty settings (weight 0.5): The game offers scalable difficulty for puzzles, combat, and bosses, with optional hard challenges. Players can tweak settings mid-game to balance accessibility and engagement, including a difficulty slider for puzzles.
- Action RPG hybrid mechanics (weight 0.46): The game blends action RPG combat (real-time dodging, blocking, melee/ranged attacks) with MMO-inspired elements (guilds, raids) in a single-player setting. It also incorporates JRPG roots, like turn-based combat and skill trees.
- Elemental combat system (weight 0.43): Combat revolves around five elemental types (e.g., Fire, Frost, Shock) with unique properties, resistances, and combo mechanics. Players must adapt strategies based on elemental weaknesses and break meters to exploit enemy vulnerabilities.
- Platforming and exploration integration (weight 0.24): Platforming is central to gameplay, with layered stages, narrow platforms, and height-based puzzles. Exploration is rewarded with hidden chests, secret paths, and tiered loot, often requiring parkour or puzzle-solving to access.
- Side quests with unique mechanics (weight 0.16): Side content includes varied quests with unique mechanics (e.g., tower defense, town combat) and rewards. While some are repetitive, others offer narrative depth, hidden bosses, or easter eggs, balancing main story progression.
- Skill tree and progression system (weight 0.14): Progression is tied to skill trees (e.g., elemental circuits, talent points) and leveling systems, unlocking new abilities, techniques, and equipment. Side quests and exploration contribute to experience and gear upgrades.
- New Game+ with enhancements (weight 0.06): New Game+ mode introduces additional dialogue, modifiers, and gimmicks (e.g., trophy requirements), allowing players to replay the story with retained progress or added challenges.

Performance notes:
- Strong low-end hardware support (weight 0.05): The game is praised for running smoothly on older or low-end hardware, including 'potato PCs,' and maintains performance across multiple platforms. This broadens accessibility for players with less powerful systems.
- Steam Deck performance issues (weight 0.03): Players report display problems (e.g., color rendering, shadows, whiteout) and aiming difficulties on Steam Deck. A compatibility fix (Steam Linux Runtime 1.0) is suggested to address these issues.
- Inconvenient controller layout (weight 0.03): The default controller layout is uncomfortable on gamepads and Steam Deck, requiring key remapping for a better experience. This affects accessibility for controller users.
- Stuttering and FPS workarounds (weight 0.02): Stuttering issues on PCs can be mitigated by adjusting pixel size, while FPS limitations may resolve controller-related problems. These workarounds are critical for smoother gameplay.
- Linux native version stuttering (weight 0.02): The Linux-native version of the game exhibits stuttering, which could deter Linux users from a seamless experience. This contrasts with the otherwise polished Linux port.
- Crashes after extended play (weight 0.01): The game crashes after approximately 3.5 hours of continuous play, which may disrupt long gaming sessions and frustrate players.
- Screen tearing without V-Sync (weight 0.01): Players experience screen tearing due to the lack of a vertical sync option, which can degrade visual quality and immersion during fast-paced gameplay.
- Cursor lag on high refresh rate screens (weight 0.01): Interface cursor lag is reported on high refresh rate displays, which may disrupt gameplay or navigation. This issue primarily impacts players with premium monitors.
- MacOS controller compatibility issues (weight 0.01): Controller compatibility problems are reported on MacOS, limiting input options for Mac users and potentially affecting gameplay fluidity.
- Browser-based gameplay support (weight 0.01): The game is accessible via web browsers, offering an additional platform for players who prefer or require browser-based gaming.

Recommendations:
- Strong replayability and value (weight 0.3): Reviewers highlight the game's replayability, recommending multiple playthroughs to fully experience its content. The base game and DLC are often cited as offering excellent value for their price, with additional story content enhancing the experience.
- Highly recommended for hardcore RPG fans (weight 0.29): The game is frequently praised for its challenging puzzles, deep combat customization, and narrative-driven gameplay, making it ideal for players seeking difficulty akin to SNES-era RPGs or Zelda games. It is less suited for casual or entertainment-focused players.
- Not for everyone, but rewarding for fans (weight 0.24): While the game is highly praised, reviewers acknowledge its niche appeal. Players who dislike puzzles, repetitive combat, or high difficulty may find it less enjoyable, but those who persist are often deeply rewarded.
- Playstyle and pacing advice (weight 0.24): Reviewers recommend taking the game slowly to fully appreciate its depth, engaging with side content, and pacing oneself to avoid burnout. Playing blind is also suggested for the best experience.
- Heartfelt story and memorable experience (weight 0.21): The game's narrative, humor, and soundtrack are praised as standout features, contributing to a deeply engaging and emotionally rewarding experience. Many reviewers describe it as one of their all-time favorites.
- DLC highly recommended for fans (weight 0.1): The DLC is frequently cited as a worthwhile addition, offering additional story content, improved pacing, and endgame challenges. It is especially recommended for players who enjoy the base game.
- Demo recommended for unsure players (weight 0.06): The free demo is frequently suggested as a representative sample of the full game, allowing players to determine if the challenging puzzles and gameplay style align with their preferences before purchasing.
- Accessibility for non-English speakers (weight 0.01): A French patch is recommended for non-English speakers to fully enjoy the game's story and dialogue, highlighting the importance of language accessibility for broader appeal.

Other player notes:
- Passionate indie development (weight 0.04): Players frequently highlight the game's dedication to craftsmanship and love poured into its development, contrasting it with corporate practices. This sentiment reflects a strong appreciation for the developers' attention to detail.
- Cyberpunk VR MMO setting (weight 0.03): The game is praised for its unique cyberpunk-themed virtual reality MMO world, offering a distinct immersive experience. This setting is a key draw for players interested in futuristic and VR-based gameplay.
- Player-driven replayability (weight 0.03): Players report replaying the game multiple times, suggesting high replay value. Features like New Game Plus and arena challenges contribute to this engagement.
- Nostalgic SNES/PS1 RPG tribute (weight 0.03): The game is celebrated as a homage to classic RPGs from the SNES and PS1 eras, appealing to fans of retro-style gameplay and storytelling.
- Achievements with in-game rewards (weight 0.02): The game incentivizes completionist activities by offering in-game rewards for achievements. This feature enhances replayability and player engagement.
- Accessible text and NPC interactions (weight 0.02): Features like a text log and auto-playing NPC dialogue enhance accessibility and immersion, allowing players to engage with the story and world more conveniently.
- Deep character storytelling (weight 0.01): Leah's character design and emotional arc are frequently mentioned, indicating strong narrative elements and character development that resonate with players.
- Humanized game mechanics (weight 0.01): The game includes player-friendly mechanics like auto-saving and teleportation, which reduce frustration and enhance accessibility without breaking immersion.
- Detailed crafting and equipment (weight 0.01): The game features robust crafting and equipment systems, providing depth for players who enjoy customization and progression through gear and item creation.
- Pop culture and meme references (weight 0.01): The inclusion of pop culture references and memes adds humor and relatability, appealing to players who enjoy lighthearted or meta-commentary in games.
- Themes of gaming and reality (weight 0.01): The game explores thought-provoking themes around the intersection of gaming and reality, adding depth to its narrative and world-building.
- Modding community support (weight 0.01): The existence of mods, such as translation tools, indicates an active modding community, which extends the game's longevity and accessibility for non-native speakers.
- Combat rank system for loot (weight 0.01): The combat rank system influences material drops, adding a layer of strategy and progression to combat encounters and resource gathering.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.25): Players frequently cite excessive, tedious, or poorly designed puzzles as a major source of frustration, often describing them as overly complex, unclear, or requiring precise timing. Additionally, issues with platforming mechanics—such as unclear height differences, awkward controls, and punishing enemy placements—further exacerbate the difficulty and disrupt gameplay flow.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.11): Players derive satisfaction from the game's engaging blend of well-designed puzzles, combat, and storytelling, often highlighting the rewarding feeling of overcoming tough challenges. The balance of exploration, progression, and responsive gameplay mechanics, along with the emotional weight of the narrative, contributes to a deeply fulfilling experience.
- Admiration (weight 0.1): The game earns admiration for its high-quality craftsmanship, including detailed art direction, a masterful blend of genres, and a richly developed story and characters. Players praise the developers' attention to detail, polish, and the seamless integration of combat, puzzles, and world-building, often calling it one of the best RPGs they’ve played.
- Excitement (weight 0.08): Players feel excitement due to the game's engaging and fast-paced combat, creative puzzles, and immersive storytelling, which often exceed their expectations. The variety in gameplay mechanics, boss fights, and exploration, along with the anticipation of replaying or continuing the journey through expansions, fuels a sense of thrill and discovery.
- Joy (weight 0.06): Joy stems from the game's emotional storytelling, satisfying combat, and rewarding exploration, particularly when overcoming difficult puzzles or uncovering hidden secrets. The lighthearted charm, retro aesthetics, and heartfelt connections to characters create a delightful and memorable experience for many players.
- Disappointment (weight 0.06): Disappointment arises from unmet expectations, such as a lack of engaging content early in the game, abrupt endings, or poorly executed mechanics that overshadow the story. Players also express frustration with grind-heavy progression, unclear puzzles, and technical issues that hinder their ability to enjoy the game as intended.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.04): Players enjoy the game's fun and immersive combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving mechanics, often describing the experience as fresh and satisfying. The progression of challenges, combined with a well-crafted story and world, keeps players engaged and entertained throughout their playthrough.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.04): The game evokes nostalgia by drawing comparisons to classic RPGs, Zelda games, and old-school MMORPGs, often reminding players of past gaming experiences. Its retro aesthetics, music, and gameplay mechanics create a strong emotional connection to earlier eras of gaming.
- Appreciation (weight 0.03): Players appreciate the game's depth, polish, and the evident passion put into its development, often praising its beautiful art style, soundtrack, and engaging mechanics. The overall quality and attention to detail, even in areas where the game may not be a perfect fit, earn admiration and respect.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.03): Enthusiasm is driven by the game's high replayability, unique mechanics, and overall depth, with players often recommending it as a must-play or classic in its genre. The engaging story, challenging puzzles, and satisfying combat inspire strong positive feelings and a desire to share the experience with others.
- Gratitude (weight 0.02): Players express gratitude for the game's impact on their lives, whether as a source of comfort during difficult times or as a hidden gem discovered by chance. The developers' effort in creating a complete, immersive, and emotionally resonant experience is deeply appreciated.
- Affection (weight 0.01): Affection is directed toward the game's lovable characters, particularly the protagonist, and their expressive designs and interactions. The emotional connections formed with these characters, along with the game's soundtrack and scenarios, foster a strong sense of attachment.
- Engagement (weight 0.01): The game's immersive storytelling, well-paced narrative, and deep puzzles keep players heavily invested in the characters and world. The non-repetitive gameplay and rewarding progression contribute to a consistently engaging experience.
- Anticipation (weight 0.01): Players look forward to sequels or new projects from the developers, such as *Alabaster Dawn*, often expressing excitement for potential improvements, New Game+ features, or expanded storytelling based on their positive experiences with the current game.
- Relief (weight 0.01): Relief is felt when players overcome initial frustrations, such as adjusting to controls, solving persistent gameplay issues, or completing the game after a challenging journey. These moments often lead to a renewed appreciation for the game's design and mechanics.
- Amusement (weight 0.01): Amusement arises from the game's humor, well-written NPCs, and creative gameplay quirks, such as cheesing challenges with unconventional strategies. Players also find entertainment in the developers' playful interactions with the community or the game's ability to evoke strong reactions.
- Curiosity (weight 0.01): Curiosity is sparked by the game's intriguing world-building, non-verbal protagonist, and suspenseful narrative, which encourage players to explore and imagine scenarios beyond the main story. The rich lore and character interactions further deepen this sense of wonder.
- Love (weight 0.01): Players express a deep love for the game's overall experience, often citing its story, art style, music, and gameplay as reasons for their admiration. Despite minor frustrations, the game's ability to evoke strong emotional connections makes it a standout experience.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Surprise comes from the game's unexpected plot twists, high-quality execution despite initial skepticism, and the depth of its content. Players are often pleasantly surprised by how the game grows on them or exceeds their expectations in terms of storytelling and mechanics.
- Boredom (weight 0.01): Boredom arises from repetitive or shallow gameplay mechanics, such as uninspired side quests, lack of meaningful content after extended playtime, or puzzles that fail to evolve in complexity. These issues can lead players to take breaks or disengage from the game entirely.}