Crosscode is one of my favourite experiences in an indie game I think i've ever had the pleasure of playing. The story is fantastic, it pulls at your heart and makes you fall in love with the world and characters to the point of being invested in their struggles. The gameplay is absolutely peak! The fighting, the way abilities stack together, the fact you can change them to fit ANY style you want and the game not only encourages it, but sometimes demands it, it's so SO fun. I put 80 hours into the game on my first playthrough and I easily could have beaten it in half that if I wanted to, but I didn't. This game made me want to explore, made me want to complete every side quest, every extra piece of content, every fight. I wish more games even came close to the pure feeling of joy that crosscode puts in me. The game really opens up after the first dungeon and you get to explore with the different elements. I HIGHLY recommend that anyone who is even thinking of playing give it a shot, the game constantly goes on sale on steam and other platforms so you can even just get it cheap. I would happily pay full price for this game, and bought it for 3 other friends who also love the genre.
I think the best part about Crosscode is that, despite the style being reminiscent of Zelda, I never once thought while playing "this makes me think of that one thing from Zelda". Crosscode felt fun, unique, and (most importantly) rewarding. Also maybe an odd note, but I liked that there were certain fights you could "canonically lose" without being forced into a "But Thou Must!" moment. I definitely was _not_ good enough at the combat to have beat all those story challenges and it felt oddly refreshing for the game to just continue without praising me as some unbeatable hero, haha.
Crosscode is truly genius. The combat is phenomenal, the dungeons are great, the puzzles are clever... And the story actually DOES stuff with the premise that is has. It goes to some truly surprising and even dark places. One of my favourites of all time.
Glad someone else noticed it - first playing CrossCode, I could not help but be reminded of what Zelda's dungeons were like. A perfect mix of mind-numbing puzzles and feverish combat with a pretty cool twist early on in each dungeon. Great video!
Alabaster Dawn is currently my most anticipated game (maybe ever) and I'm so hoping it managed to nail those setpiece bosses you were talking about. The more dynamic camera and pixel system makes me think they're going to be able to work some wild magic with them
crazy to see ppl talk about the game so recently, I only discovered it this very year and I am still on my first playthrough at around 60 hours now and ofc, as everyone should do, no guides for the first run are used
honestly my favorite boss (at first) the large snail with too much health. Then, it was the final boss. then, it was the boss for the dlc dungeon. they absolutely know how to make things feel like a spectacle.
The DLC dungeon's bossfight is just so good. Sometimes I boot up the game just for a few rounds in its arena rematch. First round I've platinumed, iirc, and now my time is under 5 minutes
I love how often you come back to making a video about CrossCode. This game is a masterpiece in my eyes and deserves more attention. And I feel like you covered exactly why I love the combat in this game so much. So many action games think simply giving the player a good moveset automatically means the combat is great (looking at you FF16). But in this game, not only does the player have a good moveset (from the elements and various arts you can use as well as the base dodge, guard and throw and melee), but they also designed enemies to have their own deep movesets and puzzle elements for defeating them. The game never feels stale because the enemies actually feel like an obstacle you have overcome by learning from them and they constantly throw new enemies at you with unique puzzle elements. Even some of the stronger recolored enemies in this game have 1 or 2 new moves you have to consider.
Shizuka. Can't talk about it much cause spoilers but... -Great Music (leitmotifs!!!) -High Emotional/Story Stakes -A.I that'll change strategies to specifically target YOU THE PLAYER -Buildup Combine those and you get peak gaming.
I just beat Gravity Circuit last night and immediately thought about going back to Cross Code to see it through to the end. Thank you for reminding me of what I have been missing. I do also miss older Zelda but at least we can go back and play them still. Skyward Sword is my personal favorite. Thanks for all your videos and content.
Thank you so much for this fantastic video! Of course we are huge zelda fans and were very inspired by the games, even stolen -err borrowed- some things directly haha
I see, CrossCode is Zelda with YS combat style 🗿 YS is Amazing Action RPG series, i really adore this games, so i hear about CrossCode as a YS Inspired game, but i don't think that pixelated indie game copying mechanics from late games, i think this is just like old titles and that's why i delay playing CrossCode... But now i see that i need play this game after complete YS 10!
Phenomenal combat and catchy music. This game deserves more attention. There is also a new project in development named as: "Alabaster Dawn (Previously Project Terra)", be sure to check it out!
Btw what was your favorite boss? I can think of a few like the whale and the ape, Shizuka, the ultimate experience, the final bosses of the DLC, the vermillion turtle boss etc...
Shizuka doesn't really have the kind of puzzle mechanics discussed in the video, but absolutely everything else about the boss makes her early the best boss in the base game. (Whether or not she's better than the Kulero Temple boss is up for debate). The music, the environment, the pathos, and the no-frills one on one duel...
I would wager a guess that it is our dear Developer that is mhswoocers favourite Boss. If we can include DLC, mine would be the Boss of the Kulero Dungeon. Stunning Visuals good difficulty and all four elements at your disposal. Great Video :D
This reminds me more of another game on the SNES that my uncle showed me once, but I can't remember the name of it. The only things I remember about it were the deep combat, some glowing shapes around a waterfall (I think for the save files but could have been fast travel), a Cyclops inside a house you have to pass through to get between two areas, and a segment where the MC's girlfriend follows behind him.
I'm a modder of this game and its actually incredible to see how CrossCode is actually underrated. I Started playing it last year, and its a masterpiece
I see a Crosscode apreciation video I instantly like it. This game it's so good, one of my fav of all time. I'm waiting for "Project Terra" (the next game from the studio) eagerly.
I've watched probably 10 of these by now and I'll never say no to a video glazing this absolute incredible gem! CrossCode is both seemingly well known and beloved but also hidden from so many gamers' eyes. I have replayed this game many many times with 600+ hours on steam in it. It's such a charming and fun game! I cannot wait for Alabaster Dawn! (Radical Fish's next game)
I heard that Radical Fish used 1-3-2 design in the CrossCode dungeons. They would introduce a concept, complicate it, and then pull back a little to let the player show their mastery without feeling overwhelmed. That might be part of why you like the puzzles in this game specifically. (I can't remember where I heard this from though so there's a chance I was thinking of another game...)
At this point we might as well start calling you the crosscode guy. Great video, my friend. Might push me to finally complete the game, since I dropped it at a 20 hour mark.
I really enjoy your content man. I'm subbed to a lot of gaming channels and nobody is able to expertly break down good games and their mechanics the way you do (maybe Dunkie when he's being serious). I bet you would make a great game dev. I appreciate you highlighting and bringing awareness to indie gems like this btw. I've bought many of the games you recommend, including this one.
I don't know why it took me so long to try CrossCode! Simply an impressive mix of Action RPG, with engaging combat mechanics, puzzles, satisfying exploration and an incredible story with a mind-blowing plot. All this in beautiful pixel art!
Any vid about Crosscode is welcome. My daughter is finishing it now. It's been fun watching her puzzle through things. That it has an amazing story is so cool also.
I feel like the title would make sense if this video was released a few months ago before Nintendo announced the first 2D Zelda in a decade and the previews already confirmed the return of dungeons.
That really depends on how they end up designing those dungeons. They've expressed plans to continue the open-ended puzzle design of TotK, so those dungeons might not have the older style of puzzle design.
@@Kitsunary it leaked. And I do know some things. How I wont say. The dungeons arent like traditional dungeons. Closer than the new crap but far from where it needs to be.
That 2D Zelda is ok, but still feels a bit on the cheap side. I think many people would like a proper, full fledged old-style Zelda game. Or if they're gonna do 2D, flesh it out more and get rid of the terrible looking mobile art style. Make it feel like a big deal and not just some low-mid budget release to placate people and fill out their release calendar.
eyy!! I asked for a crosscode video and you delivered!!! thanks!! keep it up! always looking forward on your next upload! This is my Top 1 best Indie Game of all time!! I still can't get enough of this game.
I played CrossCode for the first time while it was in early access, after playing the demo which hooked me in. At this point I have 150hrs from 3 playthroughs, and 100% acheivments and it's easily my favourite game of all time, from the combat,movement, puzzles, progression, music, characters, story and themes (which was surprisingly relevant back in 2017, and somehow only became more relavant in recent years, iykyk). My least fav part of the game is the DLC ngl, it was kinda mid, or I was tired of the game at that point to where I wasn't even bothered to 100% it. Tho saying that feel unfair so IG imma reinstall the game and do that. I remember waking up on 1.0 lauch day at 3am on a *school day*, and playing *that* section up till a big cutscene before leaving that zone, where I had to stop to go to school. And can't tell anyone about it (my only friend who's owned CC obv couldn't play it that morning) while it was in my thoughts all day. Here's hoping to Alabaster Dawn being able to tick all the right boxes all over again.
lol, this came up to watch from your video about Berserk Boy, and I'm currently getting ready to finish up CrossCode (it's on the other screen on my computer)
My greatest wish in gaming is that Nintendo would take serious notes on a game like Crosscode. It's strange to say this, but I feel Nintendo has a lot to learn.
So, are we saying that Cross Code saved interesting and engaging dungeon design? I haven't played far into the game yet, outside of the tutorial, but from what I played through; I might have to agree. The last Zelda game I played was BotW, so I can't say much about TotK, but I'm assuming they followed the same core of Shrines being their mini dungeons, which is fine too; but compared to how Zelda used to be in having massive dungeons to dive into...I'm in agreement. Though, I'd argue given the design of how BotW/TotK is, they give you the tools needed from the get-go to tackle on any and all of them, and utilizing the player's creativity to process through them; while Cross Code follows that tried and true design of older Zelda games, which it shines at with masterfully crafted puzzles. Though, it still would be great to see more fully structured dungeons with their own rules to follow, or gimmicks, in order to progress through; like moving a asset to multiple floors of the dungeon in order to fully open a Boss door. Limitation would then breed even more creativity, given the sandbox that the newer Zelda titles are in, and possibly not being able to cheese it either.
There's mixed opinions on it. I dont think anybody will deny that Crosscode has very in-depth dungeons with great puzzles. The problem moreso, for some of us at least, is the sheer size of the dungeons. They're generally like multiple times the size of a typical Zelda dungeon and with constantly mentally demanding puzzles, often one after another. I really feel like they should have cut like 20% of the puzzles out of each dungeon. Again, not because they aren't good, just that it's mentally exhausting after a while. I would usually tackle Crosscode dungeons over like 2-3 play sessions. And yes, Crosscode does lack that kind of 'dungeon-wide' gimmick or puzzle aspect like with older Zelda games. All the puzzles are basically self contained, so there's no greater thing you're working towards.
I liked most Cross Code puzzles just fine, but those really long late-game ricochet puzzles just went too fast. Figuring out what you're supposed to do was fun, but even if you knew exactly what you were SUPPOSED to do, doing it all quickly enough, with no mistakes at any point, just wasn't a fun challenge. Not an impossible challenge, I completed them eventually, but only after far too many tries to have any actual fun with them. I just wanted them to be over so I could go back to the combat and world exploring and such that I actually enjoyed. As such, the single biggest thing that makes me not want to go back and play the game ever again (and therefore stopped me from wanting the DLC as well, because I'd have to do a restart at this point,) is just not wanting to deal with those particular puzzles ever again. None of the twitch precision timing required by combat in that game was nearly as difficult or frustrating as some of the twitch timing precision required by the game's worst puzzles. Aside from that, on a purely personal taste level, I never really liked the "game within a game" aspect of the premise. Not here or in any other story that's ever used the concept. If I'm gonna fight imaginary monsters, they should at least be real threats within the imaginary setting, you know? The extent to which I enjoyed the game on a plot level was HIGHLY dependent on when the story was directly dealing with "real" people and "real" problems. As far as those plot elements went, the plot was quite engaging. I just wish the "game" elements of the setting mattered too.
Yeah, most of the puzzles in the game are fine, but it's those lengthy ricochet puzzles that really get on your nerves, because they demand perfection. Vermillion Tower and Ku'lero Temple, you will not be missed.
Since having to solve the puzzles fast was a dealbreaker for many players, the devs implemented assist sliders for puzzles, you can access them through the settings.
@@Cainenghis Yeah, but I can't seem to get a clear answer on exactly how they made the puzzles easier. I looked into it, and it seems like some discussion makes it sound like the changes don't help very much in some cases? To be clear, my puzzle problem is exclusively what that previous comment mentioned: the lengthy late game ricochet puzzles that demand several steps of consecutive perfection with virtually no time to spare. Does the slider change things in a way that definitely makes those puzzles easier? Because those ones are THE deal breakers for me that I don't want to suffer through again. (Doing them once was too many times already.) If those specific puzzles aren't somehow significantly eased, (ideally by just making the balls move more slowly and/or otherwise just plain slowing things other than direct player actions down,) then the assist slider isn't helping where it's actually needed.
@Alloveck the puzzle slider affects ball speed in ricochet and timer length more broadly. I exclusively have it set to the lowest possible speed, since I don't want to stress myself out by trying to do it fast (and ultimately failing)
Im realy sad that its basicaly already confirmed that there wont be any more classic zelda games. Now its up to Indie games to do that. Thats my goal for sometime in the future. And by that i mean 15+ years lol
I need to know your favorite boss! Is it the dojo boss? Also crosscode is serious one of my favorite games ever. Whether through the quests enemies puzzles story or bosses there really isn't much I have to say that I didn't like about the game. The fact that you only covered like half of the game shows how much there is to it!
Hiding this for spoilers, just click read more: While she doesn't perfectly represent a puzzle boss since the fight is much more fundamental focused, both the context of the fight, and the mechanics themselves were outstanding to me. I absolutely love fighting mirrored versions of the player character in games. So as you might've already guessed, the boss is Shizuka!
The sprites in this game are so lively and detailed despite being pixel art it's incredible. Lea is so expressive, it's one of the things that impressed me the most outside of gameplay Also I disagree, those "boss key" puzzles were incredibly intimidating on first approach lol
crazy to see how the quality of video has increased since the first crosscode video I saw from you, thanks for making me want to do yet another crosscode playthrough!
The final boss of CrossCode is one of my favourite ever in game design. The narrative, combat, and puzzle mechanics come together in such a wonderful way, and are supported by the epic visuals and score so well that my neural connectome is forever changed. I don't understand why all final bosses don't work so well.
Gonna say that Crosscode is my favorite game of all time, but I think saying that it's bossfights are better than Elden Ring and Bloodborne is a questionable take. The soulsbourne games are a lot about reading telegraphs and your reaction time which make thrilling bosses. Sure, some later Crosscode bosses emphasize reaction time but in general everything is clearly telegraphed and theres almost always one definite way that you should be defeating a boss via their puzzle or gimmick. Crosscode bosses are not as thrilling as more difficult games like the soulsbourne ones.
bloodborne have some of the best bosses from the souls series, but have some of the worsts too, crosscode have more good bosses in general and beat bloodborne for me, elden ring i didn't played, so yeah :)
Alright, alright, I’ll get the full game. I started the demo but haven’t gotten far in it because life keeps me busy. But you’ve convinced me to really give CrossCode a try.
underrated masterpiece. gameplay, story, characters, world, all is perfect imo. 115 hours to 100% and NEVER borred. i can say it : Crosscode is my game of the decade.
It's a universal constant. In fact, I don't even remember making this video. Shortly after I uploaded my last video I blacked out for 2 weeks and woke up yesterday morning with youtube studio open and the video ready to upload.
4:30 One of the biggest disappointment to the CrossCode devs' new game is that they announced they were gonna nerf the puzzles in their next game (Alabaster Dawn, it's on steam if you wanna wishlist). I'm not entirely sure what they meant by that but I would rather they kept the ball going with what they had in CrossCode instead of trying to make it more "accessible". It's just gonna make for a better game even if it's not for everyone BTW, since you seem to be an indie game youtuber, have you checked out Rain World?
There will still be hard puzzles like in Crosscode but they will appear in the optional content. The main dungeons will be shorter and introduce and teach concepts, while the side content fully explores the possibilities and combinations
I think that description of Tentalus is overglorifying it. "Shoot the big open eye" is such a staple that I can't thematically tie it to the dungeon. It was one of the most underwhelming bosses in that game for me, though in part because I couldn't take a giant Mike Wazowsky seriously The flipside to the "legendary feeling" argument is that Zelda bosses can't afford to offer the same challenge or mechanical complexity that CrossCode's do because they are adamant about keeping a very young casual audience ever since Wind Waker. A lot of Zelda bosses are trivial to execute for moderately experienced players. Just as some care more about spectacle, others care more about mechanical engagement.
Loved the sound design on this video - The little bonks when the bulls hit the wall were funny as hell! Greetings from one of the games smaller artists!
Thank you!!! I've been trying to incorporate sfx into my videos more often so I'm really glad you liked them! What part of crosscode did you make the art for? That sounds really cool!
as soon as i got a little bit into crosscode i felt like it had solved the puzzle issue. too many games, even classics, feel like they have puzzles just as filler work because "dungeons have to have puzzles." similarly to zelda, the puzzles are solved with the same tools you use for combat, and also like the combat, instead of just pushing blocks around all day, they often require quick thinking and action to pull off. the late game puzzles are almost like the songs in ocarina of time since you're familiar with the mechanics but you basically need to remember a sequence and perform it accurately. i haven't played a game with puzzles as engaging and i don't expect to until their next game comes out.
Yeaaaaahh Twilight Princess is the most underrated Zelda and my favorite! I purchased Crosscode forever ago because of your other videos... I'm in a state where I'm ready for a new game and the timing of this video is lining up perferctly for me to finally start it
i actually played legend of zelda: echoes of wisdom recently, and while its an easy game, it invokes a good amount of classic zelda feel while having a very fun, sandboxy spin on it. it might click with people who like crosscode, despite wildly different mechanics. also, the dodge is basically the crosscode spin lol. also, since im commenting, i figure i'd suggest an insanely good indie game for the pile; yellow taxi goes vroom. its an insanely well made 3d collectathon platformer that if you ask me, fucking mogs hat in time and any other modern collectathon. its movement is unique and surprisingly complex for the minimal inputs required, similar to 3d mario games. i'd sell more, but i think the near 100% positive reviews can do it infinitely better than i could in youtube comments.
Idk if i'd compare it to Zelda. In Zelda, puzzles were made by people who want to present gamers a little challenge, while in Crosscode, puzzles were made by psychopaths (in a good way tho)
Crosscode is Zelda for grown ass adult gaming enthusiasts. It's definitely over on the 'hardcore' side of the spectrum versus Zelda games being generally more on the casual side.
More crosscode vids is always appreciated(at least I'm pretty sure you've covered it before). I got it because people kept mentioning it in passing, and have had a lot of fun playing, although it does have missable achievements, and I had to reset my file because I didn't check to see if there were any. I feel like the new channel icon loses a lot of personality as compared to your old one. Not personally a fan, but who cares lol. I read what you said in response on the community post, and I don't think you need to change it back, but one with a little more personality would be cool, or perhaps something orange or red, as I don't really associate you with green in any way. Almost ignored the video because it was so unrecognizable
I liked it kinda but between the incredibly difficult puzzles and confusing map traversal and the elevations and stuff, mostly, but also the combat not being what i was feeling at the time, and also i was still playing at 100% difficulty which is very hard, i kinda petered off and couldn't really get back into it, I've tried once or twice, even lowering the difficulties, and still have no idea where to go or really how slowing the puzzles down will help me cos it was the angles and elevations which were the hard bit. Kinda just dropped off at the bit somewhere between the second element and the third.
I personally wouldn't think of linking crosscode to classic Zelda, but hey, it'll probably gain enough traction to introduce a few people to their new favourite game ;)
Crosscode is one of my favourite experiences in an indie game I think i've ever had the pleasure of playing. The story is fantastic, it pulls at your heart and makes you fall in love with the world and characters to the point of being invested in their struggles. The gameplay is absolutely peak! The fighting, the way abilities stack together, the fact you can change them to fit ANY style you want and the game not only encourages it, but sometimes demands it, it's so SO fun. I put 80 hours into the game on my first playthrough and I easily could have beaten it in half that if I wanted to, but I didn't. This game made me want to explore, made me want to complete every side quest, every extra piece of content, every fight. I wish more games even came close to the pure feeling of joy that crosscode puts in me. The game really opens up after the first dungeon and you get to explore with the different elements. I HIGHLY recommend that anyone who is even thinking of playing give it a shot, the game constantly goes on sale on steam and other platforms so you can even just get it cheap. I would happily pay full price for this game, and bought it for 3 other friends who also love the genre.
you said everything man 🤝
Not the same on console
I think the best part about Crosscode is that, despite the style being reminiscent of Zelda, I never once thought while playing "this makes me think of that one thing from Zelda".
Crosscode felt fun, unique, and (most importantly) rewarding.
Also maybe an odd note, but I liked that there were certain fights you could "canonically lose" without being forced into a "But Thou Must!" moment. I definitely was _not_ good enough at the combat to have beat all those story challenges and it felt oddly refreshing for the game to just continue without praising me as some unbeatable hero, haha.
Crosscode is truly genius. The combat is phenomenal, the dungeons are great, the puzzles are clever... And the story actually DOES stuff with the premise that is has. It goes to some truly surprising and even dark places.
One of my favourites of all time.
3:27 was the slickest call to action I've seen on RUclips
Glad someone else noticed it - first playing CrossCode, I could not help but be reminded of what Zelda's dungeons were like. A perfect mix of mind-numbing puzzles and feverish combat with a pretty cool twist early on in each dungeon. Great video!
Alabaster Dawn is currently my most anticipated game (maybe ever) and I'm so hoping it managed to nail those setpiece bosses you were talking about. The more dynamic camera and pixel system makes me think they're going to be able to work some wild magic with them
CROSS-CODE VID? LET'S GOOO 🗣🗣🗣🗣
the player yearn for the ultimate experience.
crazy to see ppl talk about the game so recently, I only discovered it this very year and I am still on my first playthrough at around 60 hours now
and ofc, as everyone should do, no guides for the first run are used
honestly my favorite boss (at first) the large snail with too much health. Then, it was the final boss. then, it was the boss for the dlc dungeon. they absolutely know how to make things feel like a spectacle.
The DLC dungeon's bossfight is just so good.
Sometimes I boot up the game just for a few rounds in its arena rematch.
First round I've platinumed, iirc, and now my time is under 5 minutes
Oh man, that snail with way too much health. XD
That entire mini-dungeon and what you *DO* in it was incredible.
The Snail is quite slow but getting that 10^10000 Damage is oh so sweet
I just started crosscode so seeing a vid by you on it is amazing
Can't wait for their next game
I love hearing other people talk about Crosscode, this game changed my life in a big way
crosscode truly deserves more attention
a Crosscode video!? lets gooo
just got to replay it and remind myself why this game is such a masterpiece and one of the best indie out there
I love how often you come back to making a video about CrossCode. This game is a masterpiece in my eyes and deserves more attention.
And I feel like you covered exactly why I love the combat in this game so much. So many action games think simply giving the player a good moveset automatically means the combat is great (looking at you FF16).
But in this game, not only does the player have a good moveset (from the elements and various arts you can use as well as the base dodge, guard and throw and melee), but they also designed enemies to have their own deep movesets and puzzle elements for defeating them. The game never feels stale because the enemies actually feel like an obstacle you have overcome by learning from them and they constantly throw new enemies at you with unique puzzle elements. Even some of the stronger recolored enemies in this game have 1 or 2 new moves you have to consider.
11:07 A'ight spill the beans what boss is better than all those gems?
Shizuka. Can't talk about it much cause spoilers but...
-Great Music (leitmotifs!!!)
-High Emotional/Story Stakes
-A.I that'll change strategies to specifically target YOU THE PLAYER
-Buildup
Combine those and you get peak gaming.
I just beat Gravity Circuit last night and immediately thought about going back to Cross Code to see it through to the end. Thank you for reminding me of what I have been missing.
I do also miss older Zelda but at least we can go back and play them still. Skyward Sword is my personal favorite. Thanks for all your videos and content.
Thank you so much for this fantastic video! Of course we are huge zelda fans and were very inspired by the games, even stolen -err borrowed- some things directly haha
11:04 That was diabolical
hehehehehe
I see crosscode, I press like
6:28 - sorry teacher 😶
Crosscode feels like a mix of Zelda and Dragon Ball Z Legacy of Goku 2. It's probably my favorite indie game.
I see, CrossCode is Zelda with YS combat style 🗿
YS is Amazing Action RPG series, i really adore this games, so i hear about CrossCode as a YS Inspired game, but i don't think that pixelated indie game copying mechanics from late games, i think this is just like old titles and that's why i delay playing CrossCode... But now i see that i need play this game after complete YS 10!
3:44 That was a mad tongue twister
Ain't nothing like the feeling of dashing across the digital highway when I see a flash of CrossCode on the other side.
Phenomenal combat and catchy music. This game deserves more attention. There is also a new project in development named as: "Alabaster Dawn (Previously Project Terra)", be sure to check it out!
Btw what was your favorite boss? I can think of a few like the whale and the ape, Shizuka, the ultimate experience, the final bosses of the DLC, the vermillion turtle boss etc...
Shizuka! Absolutely outstanding boss
@@mhswoocer outstanding boss, the music by itself is one of the best in the ost
Shizuka doesn't really have the kind of puzzle mechanics discussed in the video, but absolutely everything else about the boss makes her early the best boss in the base game. (Whether or not she's better than the Kulero Temple boss is up for debate).
The music, the environment, the pathos, and the no-frills one on one duel...
I would wager a guess that it is our dear Developer that is mhswoocers favourite Boss. If we can include DLC, mine would be the Boss of the Kulero Dungeon. Stunning Visuals good difficulty and all four elements at your disposal. Great Video :D
Can't believe swoocer made a video to talk about how much he likes geometry puzzles. That's my youtuber right there! A true math enjoyer!
The final dungeon boss had me sweating in this game more than any other (except maybe Kena Bridge of spirits on master difficulty).
This reminds me more of another game on the SNES that my uncle showed me once, but I can't remember the name of it. The only things I remember about it were the deep combat, some glowing shapes around a waterfall (I think for the save files but could have been fast travel), a Cyclops inside a house you have to pass through to get between two areas, and a segment where the MC's girlfriend follows behind him.
I'm a modder of this game and its actually incredible to see how CrossCode is actually underrated. I Started playing it last year, and its a masterpiece
I see a Crosscode apreciation video I instantly like it. This game it's so good, one of my fav of all time.
I'm waiting for "Project Terra" (the next game from the studio) eagerly.
Project Terra actually has a proper name by now, Alabaster Dawn! Even got a Steam page up already, though with no set release date just yet.
It's always a pleasure to hear you talking about CrossCode
I've watched probably 10 of these by now and I'll never say no to a video glazing this absolute incredible gem! CrossCode is both seemingly well known and beloved but also hidden from so many gamers' eyes. I have replayed this game many many times with 600+ hours on steam in it. It's such a charming and fun game! I cannot wait for Alabaster Dawn! (Radical Fish's next game)
0:34 that's why I games. Play of logic & command. I'm a PUZZZZZZLE detective.
I heard that Radical Fish used 1-3-2 design in the CrossCode dungeons. They would introduce a concept, complicate it, and then pull back a little to let the player show their mastery without feeling overwhelmed. That might be part of why you like the puzzles in this game specifically. (I can't remember where I heard this from though so there's a chance I was thinking of another game...)
Oh man the pixel art alone got me impressed. Really beautiful, has more style than your average indie game
At this point we might as well start calling you the crosscode guy. Great video, my friend. Might push me to finally complete the game, since I dropped it at a 20 hour mark.
I really enjoy your content man. I'm subbed to a lot of gaming channels and nobody is able to expertly break down good games and their mechanics the way you do (maybe Dunkie when he's being serious). I bet you would make a great game dev. I appreciate you highlighting and bringing awareness to indie gems like this btw. I've bought many of the games you recommend, including this one.
I don't know why it took me so long to try CrossCode!
Simply an impressive mix of Action RPG, with engaging combat mechanics, puzzles, satisfying exploration and an incredible story with a mind-blowing plot.
All this in beautiful pixel art!
Any vid about Crosscode is welcome. My daughter is finishing it now. It's been fun watching her puzzle through things. That it has an amazing story is so cool also.
One of my personal favorite treats - CrossCode glazing.
I feel like the title would make sense if this video was released a few months ago before Nintendo announced the first 2D Zelda in a decade and the previews already confirmed the return of dungeons.
That really depends on how they end up designing those dungeons. They've expressed plans to continue the open-ended puzzle design of TotK, so those dungeons might not have the older style of puzzle design.
@@Kitsunary it leaked. And I do know some things. How I wont say. The dungeons arent like traditional dungeons. Closer than the new crap but far from where it needs to be.
@@Goosewitdajuice317 🙄🙄🙄
That 2D Zelda is ok, but still feels a bit on the cheap side. I think many people would like a proper, full fledged old-style Zelda game. Or if they're gonna do 2D, flesh it out more and get rid of the terrible looking mobile art style. Make it feel like a big deal and not just some low-mid budget release to placate people and fill out their release calendar.
eyy!! I asked for a crosscode video and you delivered!!! thanks!! keep it up! always looking forward on your next upload! This is my Top 1 best Indie Game of all time!! I still can't get enough of this game.
I loved that game. The "snail" boss battle is pretty epic, i suppose that will be the best boss for most people
I played CrossCode for the first time while it was in early access, after playing the demo which hooked me in. At this point I have 150hrs from 3 playthroughs, and 100% acheivments and it's easily my favourite game of all time, from the combat,movement, puzzles, progression, music, characters, story and themes (which was surprisingly relevant back in 2017, and somehow only became more relavant in recent years, iykyk). My least fav part of the game is the DLC ngl, it was kinda mid, or I was tired of the game at that point to where I wasn't even bothered to 100% it. Tho saying that feel unfair so IG imma reinstall the game and do that.
I remember waking up on 1.0 lauch day at 3am on a *school day*, and playing *that* section up till a big cutscene before leaving that zone, where I had to stop to go to school. And can't tell anyone about it (my only friend who's owned CC obv couldn't play it that morning) while it was in my thoughts all day.
Here's hoping to Alabaster Dawn being able to tick all the right boxes all over again.
Ok I apparantly did 100% the DLC but I seriously just forgot
lol, this came up to watch from your video about Berserk Boy, and I'm currently getting ready to finish up CrossCode (it's on the other screen on my computer)
Didn’t know about this great gem! Thanks for talking about it. Already wishlisted. Will buy as soon as the full price gets lower and I stop laughing 😊
As an ex MMO player, this game was just... perfect, period.
Just waiting for the studio' next game now 🙏
My greatest wish in gaming is that Nintendo would take serious notes on a game like Crosscode. It's strange to say this, but I feel Nintendo has a lot to learn.
So, are we saying that Cross Code saved interesting and engaging dungeon design? I haven't played far into the game yet, outside of the tutorial, but from what I played through; I might have to agree. The last Zelda game I played was BotW, so I can't say much about TotK, but I'm assuming they followed the same core of Shrines being their mini dungeons, which is fine too; but compared to how Zelda used to be in having massive dungeons to dive into...I'm in agreement. Though, I'd argue given the design of how BotW/TotK is, they give you the tools needed from the get-go to tackle on any and all of them, and utilizing the player's creativity to process through them; while Cross Code follows that tried and true design of older Zelda games, which it shines at with masterfully crafted puzzles.
Though, it still would be great to see more fully structured dungeons with their own rules to follow, or gimmicks, in order to progress through; like moving a asset to multiple floors of the dungeon in order to fully open a Boss door. Limitation would then breed even more creativity, given the sandbox that the newer Zelda titles are in, and possibly not being able to cheese it either.
There's mixed opinions on it. I dont think anybody will deny that Crosscode has very in-depth dungeons with great puzzles. The problem moreso, for some of us at least, is the sheer size of the dungeons. They're generally like multiple times the size of a typical Zelda dungeon and with constantly mentally demanding puzzles, often one after another. I really feel like they should have cut like 20% of the puzzles out of each dungeon. Again, not because they aren't good, just that it's mentally exhausting after a while. I would usually tackle Crosscode dungeons over like 2-3 play sessions. And yes, Crosscode does lack that kind of 'dungeon-wide' gimmick or puzzle aspect like with older Zelda games. All the puzzles are basically self contained, so there's no greater thing you're working towards.
I liked most Cross Code puzzles just fine, but those really long late-game ricochet puzzles just went too fast. Figuring out what you're supposed to do was fun, but even if you knew exactly what you were SUPPOSED to do, doing it all quickly enough, with no mistakes at any point, just wasn't a fun challenge. Not an impossible challenge, I completed them eventually, but only after far too many tries to have any actual fun with them. I just wanted them to be over so I could go back to the combat and world exploring and such that I actually enjoyed.
As such, the single biggest thing that makes me not want to go back and play the game ever again (and therefore stopped me from wanting the DLC as well, because I'd have to do a restart at this point,) is just not wanting to deal with those particular puzzles ever again. None of the twitch precision timing required by combat in that game was nearly as difficult or frustrating as some of the twitch timing precision required by the game's worst puzzles.
Aside from that, on a purely personal taste level, I never really liked the "game within a game" aspect of the premise. Not here or in any other story that's ever used the concept. If I'm gonna fight imaginary monsters, they should at least be real threats within the imaginary setting, you know? The extent to which I enjoyed the game on a plot level was HIGHLY dependent on when the story was directly dealing with "real" people and "real" problems. As far as those plot elements went, the plot was quite engaging. I just wish the "game" elements of the setting mattered too.
Yeah, most of the puzzles in the game are fine, but it's those lengthy ricochet puzzles that really get on your nerves, because they demand perfection.
Vermillion Tower and Ku'lero Temple, you will not be missed.
Since having to solve the puzzles fast was a dealbreaker for many players, the devs implemented assist sliders for puzzles, you can access them through the settings.
@@Cainenghis Yeah, but I can't seem to get a clear answer on exactly how they made the puzzles easier. I looked into it, and it seems like some discussion makes it sound like the changes don't help very much in some cases?
To be clear, my puzzle problem is exclusively what that previous comment mentioned: the lengthy late game ricochet puzzles that demand several steps of consecutive perfection with virtually no time to spare. Does the slider change things in a way that definitely makes those puzzles easier? Because those ones are THE deal breakers for me that I don't want to suffer through again. (Doing them once was too many times already.) If those specific puzzles aren't somehow significantly eased, (ideally by just making the balls move more slowly and/or otherwise just plain slowing things other than direct player actions down,) then the assist slider isn't helping where it's actually needed.
@Alloveck the puzzle slider affects ball speed in ricochet and timer length more broadly.
I exclusively have it set to the lowest possible speed, since I don't want to stress myself out by trying to do it fast (and ultimately failing)
3:48 OH MY ALLITERATION BATMAN
Im realy sad that its basicaly already confirmed that there wont be any more classic zelda games. Now its up to Indie games to do that. Thats my goal for sometime in the future. And by that i mean 15+ years lol
You can do it!!
I need to know your favorite boss! Is it the dojo boss? Also crosscode is serious one of my favorite games ever. Whether through the quests enemies puzzles story or bosses there really isn't much I have to say that I didn't like about the game. The fact that you only covered like half of the game shows how much there is to it!
Hiding this for spoilers, just click read more:
While she doesn't perfectly represent a puzzle boss since the fight is much more fundamental focused, both the context of the fight, and the mechanics themselves were outstanding to me. I absolutely love fighting mirrored versions of the player character in games. So as you might've already guessed, the boss is Shizuka!
i never realized that cross-code could be this deep~
nice video~
The sprites in this game are so lively and detailed despite being pixel art it's incredible. Lea is so expressive, it's one of the things that impressed me the most outside of gameplay
Also I disagree, those "boss key" puzzles were incredibly intimidating on first approach lol
haven’t even started the video yet just wanted to say WOOOOOOO CROSSCODE YEAAAAAA
Crosscode is incredible. One of the best indies made. Just a ton of love and good game design blended together
This game and video is certified hood classic.
Glad I backed this game, one of my favorites games now!
crazy to see how the quality of video has increased since the first crosscode video I saw from you, thanks for making me want to do yet another crosscode playthrough!
The final boss of CrossCode is one of my favourite ever in game design. The narrative, combat, and puzzle mechanics come together in such a wonderful way, and are supported by the epic visuals and score so well that my neural connectome is forever changed. I don't understand why all final bosses don't work so well.
Alabaster Dawn, from the same developer as Cross Code has been announced. It's not a sequel, but is a game play successor.
Gonna say that Crosscode is my favorite game of all time, but I think saying that it's bossfights are better than Elden Ring and Bloodborne is a questionable take. The soulsbourne games are a lot about reading telegraphs and your reaction time which make thrilling bosses. Sure, some later Crosscode bosses emphasize reaction time but in general everything is clearly telegraphed and theres almost always one definite way that you should be defeating a boss via their puzzle or gimmick. Crosscode bosses are not as thrilling as more difficult games like the soulsbourne ones.
bloodborne have some of the best bosses from the souls series, but have some of the worsts too, crosscode have more good bosses in general and beat bloodborne for me, elden ring i didn't played, so yeah :)
The balls off the walls is both dirty and very fun
Alright, alright, I’ll get the full game. I started the demo but haven’t gotten far in it because life keeps me busy. But you’ve convinced me to really give CrossCode a try.
underrated masterpiece.
gameplay, story, characters, world, all is perfect imo.
115 hours to 100% and NEVER borred.
i can say it : Crosscode is my game of the decade.
That chain of F-Words was sick and funny!! :)
I loved these puzzles but I think their difficulty might cause some Zelda players to bounce from the game.
From time to time Mhswoocer just has to make a Crosscode video. Must be in his contract.
Can't fault him, though. It deserves a thousand.
It's a universal constant. In fact, I don't even remember making this video. Shortly after I uploaded my last video I blacked out for 2 weeks and woke up yesterday morning with youtube studio open and the video ready to upload.
So what you're saying is there are various creative ways to address a wide variety of enemies
Neat
4:30 One of the biggest disappointment to the CrossCode devs' new game is that they announced they were gonna nerf the puzzles in their next game (Alabaster Dawn, it's on steam if you wanna wishlist). I'm not entirely sure what they meant by that but I would rather they kept the ball going with what they had in CrossCode instead of trying to make it more "accessible". It's just gonna make for a better game even if it's not for everyone
BTW, since you seem to be an indie game youtuber, have you checked out Rain World?
There will still be hard puzzles like in Crosscode but they will appear in the optional content. The main dungeons will be shorter and introduce and teach concepts, while the side content fully explores the possibilities and combinations
This game reminds me more of the pokemon ranger trilogy for characters, esthetic, overworld enemies, story progression and especially the puzzles
I think that description of Tentalus is overglorifying it. "Shoot the big open eye" is such a staple that I can't thematically tie it to the dungeon. It was one of the most underwhelming bosses in that game for me, though in part because I couldn't take a giant Mike Wazowsky seriously
The flipside to the "legendary feeling" argument is that Zelda bosses can't afford to offer the same challenge or mechanical complexity that CrossCode's do because they are adamant about keeping a very young casual audience ever since Wind Waker. A lot of Zelda bosses are trivial to execute for moderately experienced players. Just as some care more about spectacle, others care more about mechanical engagement.
The one game I always recommend to people. Most of them just brush it off but for the few people that tried it love it.
Loved the sound design on this video - The little bonks when the bulls hit the wall were funny as hell! Greetings from one of the games smaller artists!
Thank you!!! I've been trying to incorporate sfx into my videos more often so I'm really glad you liked them! What part of crosscode did you make the art for? That sounds really cool!
@@mhswoocer I'm one of the pixel artists and made a few of the environment assets! :)
as soon as i got a little bit into crosscode i felt like it had solved the puzzle issue. too many games, even classics, feel like they have puzzles just as filler work because "dungeons have to have puzzles." similarly to zelda, the puzzles are solved with the same tools you use for combat, and also like the combat, instead of just pushing blocks around all day, they often require quick thinking and action to pull off. the late game puzzles are almost like the songs in ocarina of time since you're familiar with the mechanics but you basically need to remember a sequence and perform it accurately. i haven't played a game with puzzles as engaging and i don't expect to until their next game comes out.
HO-LYYYY! How do these subscribe button bits keep getting BETTER? This video's was the slickest I've ever seen.
The 100th crosscode video from mhswoocer, PEAK
Yeaaaaahh Twilight Princess is the most underrated Zelda and my favorite! I purchased Crosscode forever ago because of your other videos... I'm in a state where I'm ready for a new game and the timing of this video is lining up perferctly for me to finally start it
7:32 I don’t think you can add years like that bro 😂
quality of videos massivly improved ! good video!
i actually played legend of zelda: echoes of wisdom recently, and while its an easy game, it invokes a good amount of classic zelda feel while having a very fun, sandboxy spin on it. it might click with people who like crosscode, despite wildly different mechanics. also, the dodge is basically the crosscode spin lol.
also, since im commenting, i figure i'd suggest an insanely good indie game for the pile; yellow taxi goes vroom. its an insanely well made 3d collectathon platformer that if you ask me, fucking mogs hat in time and any other modern collectathon. its movement is unique and surprisingly complex for the minimal inputs required, similar to 3d mario games. i'd sell more, but i think the near 100% positive reviews can do it infinitely better than i could in youtube comments.
3:48 dat alliteration! 🔥
man your subscribe calls to action are smooth as hell
"I'm gonna spoil some bosses from Twilight Princess and Skyward Sword. I know they're over 30 years old"
HUH?????
"combined"
Oh.
Idk if i'd compare it to Zelda. In Zelda, puzzles were made by people who want to present gamers a little challenge, while in Crosscode, puzzles were made by psychopaths (in a good way tho)
Crosscode is Zelda for grown ass adult gaming enthusiasts. It's definitely over on the 'hardcore' side of the spectrum versus Zelda games being generally more on the casual side.
Crosscod is astonishingly good!!! Never thought I'd spend 30+ hours on this game
I own 3 copies of this game including the Collector's Edition and I've never even opened the game lol... Might give it a try now
Using the combined age seems like a hack to sppil new games as long as you're also spoiling... Like Final Fantasy 2 as well!
More crosscode vids is always appreciated(at least I'm pretty sure you've covered it before). I got it because people kept mentioning it in passing, and have had a lot of fun playing, although it does have missable achievements, and I had to reset my file because I didn't check to see if there were any.
I feel like the new channel icon loses a lot of personality as compared to your old one. Not personally a fan, but who cares lol. I read what you said in response on the community post, and I don't think you need to change it back, but one with a little more personality would be cool, or perhaps something orange or red, as I don't really associate you with green in any way. Almost ignored the video because it was so unrecognizable
Coming back to this with the color change, that's a lot better IMO than the green
11:06 its okay to be wrong tho, great game, great video
I'm really stupid so some of those later puzzles did feel overwhelming...
Final boss drom dlc has a super banger theme
Damn, I really love your videos man
I liked it kinda but between the incredibly difficult puzzles and confusing map traversal and the elevations and stuff, mostly, but also the combat not being what i was feeling at the time, and also i was still playing at 100% difficulty which is very hard, i kinda petered off and couldn't really get back into it, I've tried once or twice, even lowering the difficulties, and still have no idea where to go or really how slowing the puzzles down will help me cos it was the angles and elevations which were the hard bit. Kinda just dropped off at the bit somewhere between the second element and the third.
love crosscode, devs are coming up with their next game as well
I personally wouldn't think of linking crosscode to classic Zelda, but hey, it'll probably gain enough traction to introduce a few people to their new favourite game ;)
You would be one of very few. Comparing CrossCode dungeon design to classic Zelda comes _very_ naturally to most people who played both.
Thankfully we're getting another CrossCode