30XX, crafted by the imaginative minds at Batterystaple Games, charges forward into the roguish action genre with a combination of nimble platforming and fevered combat that aims to elevate the player’s gaming experience. The game resonates an electrifying energy, leaving a monumental impression despite its minor shortcomings, standing tall amidst the innumerable catalog of roguelike action platformers.
Gameplay Mechanics
Firstly, one cannot deny the inventiveness of its gameplay mechanics. The game showcases a joyful blend of precision-oriented platforming and intense combative action. Keeping its players on their toes and always ready for the next big challenge. However, it manages to walk the thin line between challenge and frustration, leading to rewarding gameplay. Resonating with some players, the learning curve might initially pose a relentless challenge, but once you have grasped the essence, it’s hard not to be spellbound.
The game’s unique Powers and Cores system adds an extra layer of depth to the gameplay. That said, it’s worth highlighting player feedback pointing to the lack of clarity in the wording of how these elements function. An expanded tutorial or more descriptive guides could be a considerable improvement for an already great game, especially for new players treading unfamiliar territory.
Story & Characters
Nestled in this precision-cut platformer is a surprisingly rich narrative thread. The breadcrumbs of lore strewn across the game’s ever-shifting worlds, anchored by the robust character dynamics, provide moments of engrossing storytelling. However, the game doesn’t lean too heavily into narratives, primarily focusing on its addictive gameplay loop.
Visuals & Graphics
The visual aesthetics of 30XX are somewhat divisive. The crisp sprite work, reminiscent of classic 16-bit action platformers, projects a nostalgic charm. However, for some player critiques, this style might cause certain elements to blend a little too well into the background. Which can deprive the game of the accessible clarity many action platformers effectively employ.
Sound & Music
The sound design and music, however, are indisputably impressive. The ancillary effects contribute to the overall immersion while the pulsating synth-wave soundtrack keeps you hooked with thrilling beats. It’s the audio equivalent of a charged power cell – ceaselessly feeding energy into the relentless flow of action.
Difficulty & Replayability
In terms of difficulty, 30XX positions itself firmly in the roguelike sphere, unforgiving yet alluring. It’s a demanding game that will challenge even the most seasoned platformer player, but without depriving them of the sense of impending victory. This occasionally steep difficulty curve is, ironically, what lends to the game’s replayability. Each run offers a fresh challenge and an opportunity to conquer.
Conclusion
Overwhelmingly, Batterystaple Games has developed a game that–despite its few, albeit significant, rough edges–makes quite an impact. 30XX offers a unique synthesis of initiated swift action, engaging platforming, and a distinctive ambiance with an inherent replayability factor that compels its players for one more run after another.
Having digested the game in its entirety, I, SpeedyGamer99, rate 30XX a solid 4 out of 5 stars. It’s a game that appeals to both seasoned platforming veterans and newcomers alike, offering a nostalgic yet unique approach to the roguelike action platforming genre. With potential room for improvements, especially in the realms of tutorial expansion and aesthetic distinction, there may yet be undiscovered heights this game could reach.
Trivia
30XX is a sequel to 20XX, and despite some players’ preferring the original over the sequel, it seems Batterystaple Games has predominantly hit the right notes if their Very Positive All-Time reviews are to be believed.
