CrossCode Thumbnail

CrossCode similar games & best alternatives

CrossCode

PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Linux • 2018

Related articles

Quick resume

A retro-inspired 2D Action RPG set in the distant future. 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.

Global score

93/100

Genres

Action, Adventure, Indie, Role-playing (RPG), Shooter, Puzzle

Similar games

    Pros

    • Deep and engaging combat system
    • Challenging and creative puzzles
    • Immersive mmo-in-a-game setting
    • Rich story and character development
    • Extensive exploration and content

    Cons

    • High puzzle density may frustrate some players
    • Navigation and platforming can be confusing due to isometric perspective
    • Some grind required for gear and progression
    • Lack of real multiplayer or social cooperation
    • Story pacing slow in early sections

    Motivations

    • Autonomy

      Game with the same Autonomy vibe

      4

      "Players have freedom to explore large open worlds, choose skill trees, customize weapons and armor, and solve puzzles with multiple tools."

      Capsule for Darksiders II Deathinitive Edition Darksiders II Deathinitive Edition

      "Players have freedom to explore the world, choose how to approach combat and puzzles, and customize skill trees, reflecting high personal control."

    • Competence

      Game with the same Competence vibe

      4

      "The game requires skillful combat, timing, and coordination, with challenging boss fights and puzzles that reward mastery and problem solving."

      Capsule for Full Metal Furies Full Metal Furies

      "The game requires skillful combat, puzzle solving, and platforming with increasing difficulty, providing strong feedback and mastery opportunities."

    • Competition

      Game with the same Competition vibe

      -3

      "Focus is on single-player experience with no PvP or ranked modes; competition is against game challenges and self-improvement."

      Capsule for Predynastic Egypt Predynastic Egypt

      "Focus is on single-player experience with no direct PvP or ranked modes; social elements simulate MMO but do not foster competition."

    • Continuation

      Game with the same Continuation vibe

      4

      "Many players report long playtimes, habitual engagement, and replayability including new game plus and DLC content."

      Capsule for Horizon Forbidden West™ Complete Edition Horizon Forbidden West™ Complete Edition

      "Players report long playtimes, deep engagement, and desire to keep playing including DLC and new game plus modes."

    • Cooperation

      Game with the same Cooperation vibe

      -4

      "Game is primarily single-player with AI companions; no multiplayer or cooperative gameplay elements described."

      Capsule for SAND LAND SAND LAND

      "Gameplay is primarily single-player with AI companions; social MMO-like elements are simulated but no real multiplayer cooperation."

    • Creativity

      Game with the same Creativity vibe

      3

      "Players engage in creative problem solving and puzzle exploration, though within designed game structures."

      Capsule for USAC: Code Breach USAC: Code Breach

      "Players creatively solve puzzles, explore complex maps, and customize builds, though within designed game systems."

    • Domination

      Game with the same Domination vibe

      -4

      "Interactions emphasize shared experience and cooperation; no evidence of dominance or power over others."

      Capsule for PANICORE PANICORE

      "Interactions emphasize equality and shared experiences; no evidence of power assertion or dominance over others."

    • Escapism

      Game with the same Escapism vibe

      4

      "Players engage deeply in a rich fictional world, using the game as a form of immersive escape from reality."

      Capsule for The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel

      "Players use the immersive MMO-in-a-game setting to escape real life, enjoying a rich fictional world and story."

    • Expectation

      Game with the same Expectation vibe

      -4

      "Players engage voluntarily out of intrinsic interest and enjoyment, with no obligation or external pressure noted."

      Capsule for Cross Blitz Cross Blitz

      "Players engage voluntarily out of intrinsic interest and enjoyment, with no obligation or external pressure noted."

    • Experimenting

      Game with the same Experimenting vibe

      3

      "Players try different combat tactics, explore environments, and experiment with abilities and puzzle solutions."

      Capsule for Kena: Bridge of Spirits Kena: Bridge of Spirits

      "Players experiment with different combat styles, skill builds, and puzzle solutions, exploring game mechanics deeply."

    • Exploration

      Game with the same Exploration vibe

      5

      "Large, varied map with many secrets and collectibles; exploration is a core and rewarding gameplay element."

      Capsule for Turbo Kid Turbo Kid

      "Exploration of large, multi-layered maps with hidden paths and treasures is a core part of gameplay."

    • Expression

      Game with the same Expression vibe

      2

      "Players customize their combat style and abilities, though character customization is limited."

      Capsule for Clone Drone in the Hyperdome Clone Drone in the Hyperdome

      "Character customization is limited but players express themselves through skill builds and choices in combat style."

    • Fantasy

      Game with the same Fantasy vibe

      5

      "Set in a fictional virtual reality MMORPG world with fantasy elements, original characters, and alternate storylines."

      Capsule for Sword Art Online Re: Hollow Fragment Sword Art Online Re: Hollow Fragment

      "Set in a fictional futuristic MMO world with sci-fi and fantasy elements, strong imaginative fiction."

    • Fellowship

      Game with the same Fellowship vibe

      -3

      "Limited social interaction mostly with AI NPCs; no strong community or multiplayer social features."

      Capsule for Football Life Simulator Football Life Simulator

      "Social aspects are simulated NPCs and AI companions; minimal real social connection or community participation."

    • Growth

      Game with the same Growth vibe

      4

      "Players learn combat timing, develop strategies, and improve skills through progression and puzzles."

      Capsule for Escape from Ever After Escape from Ever After

      "Players develop skills, learn combat mechanics, and progress through increasingly complex puzzles and challenges."

    • Health

      Game with the same Health vibe

      -4

      "Typical sedentary gameplay; no evidence of physical activity or health-related features."

      Capsule for Caves of Qud Caves of Qud

      "Typical sedentary gameplay with no physical activity; no evidence of physical health engagement."

    • Idle

      Game with the same Idle vibe

      -4

      "Requires focused attention on combat, puzzles, and exploration; not suited for idle or background play."

      Capsule for Darksiders™ Darksiders™

      "Requires focused attention for combat, puzzles, and exploration; not suited for idle or background play."

    • Intimacy

      Game with the same Intimacy vibe

      -3

      "Limited emotional connection mainly through narrative and character interaction, but no social or close relationship formation."

      Capsule for Little Nightmares II Little Nightmares II

      "Limited emotional connection mainly through story and character interactions; no close social relationships formed."

    • Leadership

      Game with the same Leadership vibe

      -4

      "No player leadership roles; companion character assists but player does not lead others."

      Capsule for Soulstice Soulstice

      "No player leadership roles; AI companions assist but player does not lead others."

    • Progression

      Game with the same Progression vibe

      5

      "Strong progression through leveling, skill trees, equipment upgrades, and unlocking new abilities."

      Capsule for Salt and Sanctuary Salt and Sanctuary

      "Strong progression through leveling, skill trees, gear acquisition, and unlocking new abilities."

    • Relaxation

      Game with the same Relaxation vibe

      2

      "While some find the game relaxing and immersive, others note sustained tension from challenging combat and puzzles."

      Capsule for Divinity: Original Sin - Enhanced Edition Divinity: Original Sin - Enhanced Edition

      "While some find the game relaxing and immersive, the challenging puzzles and combat create tension and focus."

    • Sensation

      Game with the same Sensation vibe

      3

      "Enjoyable pixel art and music provide sensory stimulation and emotional engagement."

      Capsule for Lofi Ping Pong Lofi Ping Pong

      "Enjoyable pixel art visuals and music provide sensory stimulation and emotional engagement."

    • Status

      Game with the same Status vibe

      -4

      "No social status or recognition systems; achievements and progress are personal and not publicly ranked."

      Capsule for Horizon Forbidden West™ Complete Edition Horizon Forbidden West™ Complete Edition

      "No social status or recognition systems; achievements and progress are personal and not publicly ranked."

    • Story

      Game with the same Story vibe

      5

      "Strong narrative immersion with detailed characters, plot twists, and lore integral to gameplay."

      Capsule for Nancy Drew®: Curse of Blackmoor Manor Nancy Drew®: Curse of Blackmoor Manor

      "Strong narrative immersion with engaging characters, plot twists, and lore integrated into gameplay."

    • Strategy

      Game with the same Strategy vibe

      4

      "Combat and puzzles require strategic thinking and planning."

      Capsule for Labyronia RPG 2 Labyronia RPG 2

      "Combat and puzzles require planning, timing, and problem solving, rewarding strategic thinking."

    • Thrill

      Game with the same Thrill vibe

      3

      "Combat and puzzles provide moments of suspense and excitement."

      Capsule for Legend of Grimrock 2 Legend of Grimrock 2

      "Combat and timed puzzles provide moments of tension and excitement, though balanced with exploration."

    • Value

      Game with the same Value vibe

      5

      "Players report high value for time and money with extensive content and replayability."

      Capsule for Cult of the Lamb Cult of the Lamb

      "Players report high value for time and money due to extensive content, polish, and replayability."

    • Violence

      Game with the same Violence vibe

      3

      "Combat involves defeating enemies with weapons and skills; violence is stylized and part of gameplay."

      Capsule for ATLYSS ATLYSS

      "Combat involves defeating enemies with attacks and elemental powers; violence is stylized and part of gameplay."

    • Survival

      Game with the same Survival vibe

      2

      "Combat involves avoiding defeat and managing resources, but not extreme survival mechanics."

      Capsule for Kingdoms of the Dump Kingdoms of the Dump

      "Combat requires avoiding damage and managing resources, but no extreme survival mechanics present."

    Analysis

    A very typical example of its motivational profile. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Fellowship, Cooperation, Leadership, Violence. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Story, Exploration, Value.

    How to use the graph
    Similar games map

    Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Motivations” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

    • Larger dot with a light outline: the game you are viewing.
    • Colour: groups of games with comparable motivation patterns (statistical clusters).
    • Hover a dot to see the game name; click to open its page.
    • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

    Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers.

    Where to buy

    Come talk about it on Discord!

    Last update: 30/04/2026