Game: Double Cross
System: Nintendo Switch
Developer: 13AM Games
Publisher: Graffiti & Headup Games
Price: £17.99|$19.99|€ 19,99
Rating: EU 7|America E10+
Release Date: 10th January 2019
Also available for Steam
(Review code kindly provided by Headup Games)
Double Cross is a brand-new platform adventure for the Nintendo Switch. Its story places gamers in the shoes of R.I.F.T (Regulators of Interdimensional Frontiers and Technology) agent Zahra Sinclair. Her mission, to foil the evil masked villain codenamed Suspect X (aka Big Pointy Nose). By using portal technology, Agent Sinclair must travel to other earth’s/dimensions, investigate criminal activity, find clues, build case files, and foil Suspect X’s plot, as well as disclose his identity. Double Cross boasts a good variety of gaming elements, and though it falls short in a few areas, it proves an entertaining first outing for Zahra Sinclair.
Here we go
At its heart, Double Cross is an ambitious attempt to mix both platforming and sleuthing elements into one title. The game is very story driven, so dialogue plays a big part. Right at the start, players must endure minutes of R.I.F.T briefings and other general chit chat which might seem tedious to some. In amongst all the chit-chat, Zahra is sent by R.I.F.T’s commissioner to train up, which allows players to get to grips with the game’s controls.
Regarding controls, I’m pleased to report that they work exceptionally well. Everything from running, jumping as well as wall jumping is fluid and responsive. Some may consider them to be a little floaty, but I like individual platformers to have a slightly different feel during play. I even gave my 7-year-old son time with the game, and he picked. up the basics quickly.
My only issue regarding controls is that Zahra’s flying kick attacks aren’t as tight as they could be.
The Proton Slinger
The game’s unique mechanic is called the Proton Slinger which enables Zahra to swing and zip through each stage by latching onto anchors spread throughout each level. For those to whom this may sound daunting, even my 7-year-old son was able to grasp it. The Slinger itself is triggered via the ZR shoulder button, which when pressed, causes time to slow down, and activates a targeting system which is both easy to control and use. While nearby, anchors within range display an arrow to highlight Zahra’s swing angle.
The Slinger can also be used to activate switches, fire goo, solve puzzles and catch projectiles, which can then be used against onscreen enemies. Without a doubt, the Proton Slinger is the major highlight of Double Cross.
Enjoyable Boss Battles
The game has a few bosses, some big, some small. Some provide more of a challenge than others, but each one is entertaining in their own right. Each boss has a unique attack pattern and weakness which is typical for games of this type. My favourite boss is probably the large robot controlled by Hancho, but there are two others, which I enjoyed, but can’t delve into further due to story spoilers.
Okay but slightly disappointing Combat.
Double Cross pits Zahra against a host of enemies that range from goo monsters, reptiles (big and small), and others with Ninja-like qualities. Sinclair boasts melee attacks which are enhanced as she levels up. Sadly, enemies are limited in terms of variety and offer little challenge. It’s a shame because the majority of the game is well designed. This doesn’t mean that Double Cross’ combat is completely flawed, on the contrary, I’ve had fun with it, and my 7-year-old son loves it. Agent Sinclair pulls off great moves, ranging from fast and hard punches, uppercuts, flying kicks and more. Another great addition is the power bar which enables Zahra to pull off powerful attacks. It’s just a shame that villains fail to offer a stronger challenge for more advanced gamers.
It’s no Sherlock Holmes
Sadly, the sleuthing aspect falls short too, because even though it adds a unique element to the game, it could have been used more effectively. The majority of it involves finding clues, submitting them to the commissioner, and interaction with R.I.F.T agents/officers. Regrettably, it requires little thought or input from players themselves apart from moving around R.I.F.T headquarters. Perhaps the devs could have just thrown in some multi-choice questions, to test players memory concerning past details, or at least allow them to have input regarding deductions derived from the clues themselves.
Overall
I think 13 AM Games have developed a game which could be the catalyst to a long-lasting franchise. Yes, the game has its issues, but that hasn’t stopped me from enjoying it. It’s a good first attempt at making a single player platform title, and I hope to see more from Agent Zahra Sinclair in the future.
