Double Cross Reviews
Double Cross could be a great game. The ideas are fantastic, but it's riddled with missed chances. The levels are good, but there should be more. The gameplay is good, but it lacks depth and challenge. In the end the game is good, but nothing more.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Overall, I was really impressed by Double Cross. It was an ambitious project from 13AM Games that succeeded in raising expectations for what you can expect from the team. While I’ve enjoyed the other titles from them, this one stood out, thanks to the clever plot, the characters and the platforming. Yes, it has some minor issues, but those can mostly be overlooked. For $9.99 you get at least 5-7 hours of game, and that’s if you just rush through. If you’re a completionist, there’s even more fun to be had, collecting all the Upgradium and achieving the various Commendations (basically in-game achievements). If you enjoy platformers and a quirky cast, you’ll enjoy this one. I’m impressed by 13AM’s latest outing, and hope this isn’t the last we’ve seen of Zahra Sinclair and the RIFT!
The whole experience is just a lot of fun to play. While the game is completely new it somehow has some of the spirit of many of the classic platformers. The combat is surprisingly deep, the platforming is equal parts satisfying and immensely punishing, it is all brilliantly balanced.
While Double Cross doesn't break any new ground in game development, it regardless offers an honest and engaging adventure from start to finish. What this game does, it does well, providing excellent art direction, satisfying platforming, a sometimes humorous, sometimes heartbreaking story, and just enough exploration and customization to encourage repeated playthroughs. This action platformer – infused with a measured dose of RPG elements – delivers on exactly what it promises: a fun adventure for $20 or less.
Double Cross doesn't do anything bad as a Jump'n'Run, but has hardly any charm, can't set its own mark in any way and is hardly worth mentioning on the Nintendo Switch compared to the strong competition.
Review in German | Read full review
All in all there’s quite a bit to like about Double Cross, as it manages to provide some challenge without being over the top or cruel. Certainly grabbing all of the crystals on all stages would take some formidable effort, in particular the ones along the way in action-oriented stages require some serious timing, skill, and luck. What’s nice is that though the perks and skills you get as you grab these are helpful they’re also not all 100% necessary either, the most beneficial ones tend to be at the front of the list so only getting a portion of them all should give you most of what’s truly useful. While its characters and story require a little too much pointless walking around they do at least try to give the game a little more depth and interest. Where the game shines most though is with its smart use of the grapple and varied puzzles that keep you thinking and consistently challenged. It stumbles in places but overall it’s a very enjoyable title.
GOOD - Double Cross is a fun action game that allows your character to gain upgrades by finding secret crystals. Some of the stage designs are really great and traversal of the world is fun. Combat becomes rather boring very quickly and the story really isn’t all that compelling. Luckily you can button mash your way through the not so great parts and still have a good time with the rest of the game!
There’s no doubting that Double Cross’ adventure is a fun one to be a part of and the level design itself is varied and on point throughout, but unfortunately some lacking combat mechanics hold it back from platforming greatness. I just never felt challenged throughout the game and with most foes easily taken down with just a bit of button mashing, it became difficult to feel particularly excited with each enemy encounter. It’s just so easy. It definitely has some neat ideas on show though and platforming-adventure fans will have fun making their way to the end of Double Cross’ tale – it’s just a shame that it doesn’t deliver in all areas of its design.