Are you ready to point fingers and swing those fists? Grab your proton slinger and put on your best investigative hat! Today, we're diving deep into 'Double Cross', a platformer that’s a mix of mystery, combat, and grappling hooks. This game boasts challenges that will have you cursing at your screen while simultaneously wondering why you didn’t pick an easier hobby, like knitting. Let’s jump in and see if Zahra Sinclair's interdimensional hijinks will leave your palms sweaty or your heart racing—and I don’t mean in a heart attack kind of way.
'Double Cross' has players stepping into the shoes of Zahra Sinclair, a member of RIFT (which sounds like either a cool agency or a fancy snack brand). As you control Zahra, you’ll need to master the art of jumping, wall-jumping, combat rolling, and of course, harnessing your proton slinger to chuck yourself across levels. Sound easy? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because it's going to be a wild ride. The game is structured around thirteen levels spread across three distinct worlds. Unlike your typical linear adventure, this game lets you tackle these worlds in any order you fancy—like picking toppings on your pizza, but with more robots and fewer olives. Each level requires players not only to platform their way through challenging environments but also to collect clues and complete sidequests to unlock the final gauntlet. The enemies aren’t just fodder; they demand your full attention. Combat requires timing, precision, and an occasional distraction (who doesn't enjoy yelling at enemies to buy you some time?). Zahra can learn new combat moves and upgrade her abilities by collecting Upgradium. Yes, Upgradium. It’s like upgrading your phone but without the long lines and overpriced cases. To succeed in the challenging boss fights that punctuate the game, you’ll need to leave your comfort zone and tap into every platforming skill you’ve mastered. Just when you think you’ve got the hang of it, you’ll face a boss that makes you question all of your life decisions.
Visually, 'Double Cross' embraces a quirky 2D aesthetic that looks like it could come alive in a Sunday morning cartoon. Character sprites display vibrant animations that pop more than a toddler on a sugar high. The worlds are colorful and varied, each providing a unique atmosphere—from the swampy waters of Reptarria to the mechanical ensemble that is the Funderdome. The graphics handle steep climbs and dizzying descents with flair, ensuring that even when you plummet to your demise, you’ll do so in style. Just be prepared for the repeated sight of Zahra trying to revive herself after a failed jump—because watching your character's embarrassing blunders is totally a new form of entertainment.
'Double Cross' is like that friend who always drags you into a venture without telling you how difficult it’ll be—but you still love them anyway. The platforming will get your heart racing, while the combat mechanics will test your reflexes and problem-solving skills. Mind you, the game has its fair share of flaws—combat can become repetitive and the mystery-solving sidequests might feel more tedious than a two-hour trip to a DMV. Ultimately, 'Double Cross' finds its footing in entertaining platforming, beautiful visuals, and engaging gameplay that keeps players on their toes. Does it hit all the right notes? Not necessarily. But when it does, it makes you feel like a hero swinging through worlds, tackling challenges like a pro. For a 7/10, you might just find yourself giggling in frustration, or joy, or a confusing mix of both as you dive into each new dimension. So, grab your Switch, take a deep breath, and prepare to double-cross your limitations!