For fans of: MMORPG Vibes, Twin-stick shooters, Dexterity/Logic Puzzles, RPGs, Collecting.

Story/World:
As someone who grew up playing a lot of World of Warcraft and other such MMOs, I have some nostalgia for playing those games, unfortunately these days I just don't have the time to go back to one. CrossCode does an amazing job of recreating a world that makes you actually believe you are playing an MMO, but in a completely single player game. The dialogue is well crafted to help you forget you are playing by yourself. There are even NPCs running around acting like other players that help with that feeling.
Somehow the way the main character is written, who has only a few lines intentionally, is able to make me feel like she has a personality. The characters you meet along the way have very fun and unique personalities that you can't help but liking. To go with these characters, the story is engaging as well with some mystery to unravel along the way. It's not a totally predictable story either which I always enjoy since it keeps me wanting to see what is next.

Gameplay:
The main structure of the game is focused on a twin-stick style of control. You can throw projectiles or use a melee weapon for hitting things around and use a dodge or shield to protect yourself. Not only do you use these in combat, but they are heavily required in the puzzles throughout the game.
There isn't too much to say about combat other than it offers a good challenge, and each enemy typically has a way that makes it easier to defeat it. You just need to figure out what that is, sometimes it's as easy as being weak to an element, sometimes it's a little more complex like bouncing an attack to hit it's back to stun it.
The puzzles can be quite difficult with timing of actions. Later in the game there are some that require you to do about 15 actions in a row and if you mess up you need to go back and try again. There are no penalties for failing otherwise which is nice, so you can take your time to plan everything out.
While all of this can be quite challenging, the game offers some nice accessibility options such as reducing puzzle speed or reduce incoming damage.

Music:
The music is just fantastic! It brings you back to those classic JRPGs of yester-year. The songs meld into the world, and I found myself never growing tired of hearing them despite constantly hearing them while playing. I can't forget to mention the song that plays when you get an S-Rank Combo, it goes hard and gets you pumped up for the S-Rank farming.

Art:
The game uses the tried and true pixel art and it is quite well done. There are so many different characters and enemies, and besides some colour swaps, they all have very unique designs. Some of the world can be difficult to navigate though with different elevations blending together.
Every new environment stands out from the previous areas, so it's a nice thing to look forward to.

Closing Thoughts:
Overall the game as a package is amazing, it all fits together very well. The collecting of items gives me some of those MMO grinding vibes without overstaying it's welcome. There are some other fun, unique side quests to experience such as a tower defense mini game, as well as some environmental navigating puzzles that reward you with some items.
If you enjoy the random pop culture reference, there are definitely plenty of those strewn about the game, thankfully it isn't hammering you over the head with them.
CrossCode is easily one of my favourite games ever, it just brings me so much nostalgia and happiness when playing, while also giving my brain that tingly feeling of solving or overcoming a difficult challenge.