Really, is there anything better in gaming than when you settle into a niche title that turns out to be absolute magic? Crosscode is an indie sci-fi RPG crowdfunded on Indiegogo a few years ago. It’s already been on Steam for some time. Admittedly, I hadn’t heard of it until it was nearing its (now out) console release. I’m glad I got the chance to play it, because it’s become a personal all-time favourite for me.

CrossCode has quite a unique story. Players control a charming and (almost completely) mute blue-haired character by the name of Lea. The interesting spin here is that she’s a video game avatar, designed for play in the in-game fictional MMORPG called CrossWorlds. Unfortunately, she suffers from amnesia, with the only hints remaining of her past coming to her in dreams upon ‘logging off’ the CrossWorlds servers. These flashes appear to be past moments in her life, occurring within (and maybe even possibly outside) the game. So Lea must play through the game CrossWorlds, hoping that’ll spark some memory. Thankfully she won’t be alone.

Two interesting parallels are offered here. Lea, with the help of others outside of the game, is on a journey to just work out what in the hell is going on. At the same time, they’re taking on a true video game adventure. Plenty of side tasks and missions are on offer, but her sole objective in-game is to plunder dungeons, searching for and mastering the four different combat elements. I won’t give too much away here, but the story is an absolutely stellar ride full of wonderful twists and turns.

The world of CrossWorlds, based all inside CrossCode is a fully realised game world

CrossCode is a gorgeous little indie game that quite often bears homage to classic RPGs without ever crossing the line. Yes, it’s definitely going for that 2D, 16-bit SNES art style but it goes further. There are subtle scenery and iconography nods, such as a Trials of Mana–esque giant and important tree deep within a swamp-like forest. Then, more on the nose but still hilarious and fun is an encounter with a large katana-wielding mammal known as Sephisloth. I’ll leave you to pick up the obvious breadcrumbs there.

The other notable thing about the world of CrossCode is that it absolutely feels lived and breathed in. Whether players explore the snowy Bergen Trail or the enchanting jungle that is Gaia’s Garden, there’s plenty to see or do. Plenty of typical trading and shopping that can be found in RPGs is here, but just as important is interaction with those around you. With this, plenty of meta is explored: characters that appear to be typical NPCs will chat to you about updates or contents they ‘wish were coming to CrossWorlds.’ Nearing a portal to an area also sees that space populated with people rushing to enter it. The charm, iconography and in-jokes of MMOs are absolutely there, and it’s nailed.

Combat is another exciting beast in CrossCode. Our hero Lea is a class known as the Spheromancer. What this means is besides their typical melee attacks, they wield the power to fire projectile orbs to damage their enemies. At first, it appears a bit barebones. Fire a series of orbs, hack and slash a bit, repeat. However, it opens up vastly once you get your hands on and upgrade more of the aforementioned elements. Not only does this help you exploit foes’ weaknesses but mix things up greatly. Now, you’re shooting and slashing in style.

A simply stylish RPG adventure

You can use circuits to mod and customise the way you fight too. This allows for more leeway and a breath of relief for the tough, tough boss fights you’ll have ahead of you. Strong, powerful flame punches can be thrown and hell, you can even rain down strong powerful lightning on those that stand in your way. Party members, though uncontrollable, will also be with you most of the way. Thankfully, they too help significantly in packing some mean punches on smaller foes. If all else fails, there’s a slider you can adjust that lowers the damage you receive. Don’t be above using it, it’s your friend!

Remember those orbs I mentioned earlier that I said you’ll have at your disposal? They come into play in puzzling solving in a big way. Instead of trying to simply get from point A to B, more often than not you’ll be trying to activate certain switches in unique ways. Instances of these are incredible. Maybe you’ll rush to use your heat element to melt blocks of ice so that an ever steamrolling projectile can safely travel its planned route to a switch. Other times you’ll use magnets to manipulate and move objects, shoot a flame into a blob of water to steam power a device, or even direct the electric current through a long and testing path.

It’s very, very, very hard to find words to describe the complexity and brilliance of the puzzles in CrossCode. Often you’ll walk into a room overwhelmed by the size and scope of a puzzle ahead of you. You’ll think, “Just how on earth am I meant to do this?” However, when you work it out and watch the pieces slowly fit together, it’s awe-inspiring. I’m talking Portal 2 level quality. Just maybe don’t feel scared to use a guide or two every now and then. I certainly wasn’t.

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CrossCode achieves so much in its 35-40 hour campaign. Whether it’s simple nods to RPGs past and present, getting you to care about a frankly large and charming cast of main characters, or building upon itself in many ways, there’s plenty to see and love. If CrossCode were an entirely new game out this year, it would without a doubt be my game of the year so far.