PAX Online 2020 Highlight – 30XX

30XX is the latest title from Batterystaple Games and is a sequel to 2013’s well-received 20XX. It is a side-scrolling action-platformer taking its inspiration from the Mega Man series. It features an added co-op mode, lush 16 bit inspired graphics and a pumping throwback soundtrack. A demo was featured as part of PAX Online 2020, and even though PAX Online is over, the demo is still live on Steam.

See for yourself:

Yes, feel those 90s memories come rushing back, all of the colours and noise. Looking at all the action happening all around the scene, it really takes me back. To be fair, I always found the Mega Man games too difficult and the precision required to make it through was just too much for my childhood gaming skills. Some will swear on the series design but for me, it always felt like it needed to change.

30XX introduces Mega Mode, which makes life a little easier. With no permadeath, if you don’t make it through the level you do not lose all of your progress; you are transported back to home base and can have another go at a different stage. Perhaps you can pick up a handy item/ability that will help you along the way. It also removes the procedural generation, so on each playthrough the levels will be fixed so you can retry and have a fair idea of what is in store for you.

You can find out a bit more about the Mega Mode feature of 30XX here from the PAX Online spotlight.

Disclaimer: I was not able to actually play the PAX demo. But from everything I have seen and read, 30XX nails the visual and sound department, and the gameplay is looking solid. We know it’s coming sometime in 2021, and I will definitely be keeping an eye on this one until a firmer release date is confirmed. At least it looks like it is coming along nicely.

Want to see more of Checkpoints indie highlights from PAX Online 2020? They’re all right here.