30XX

Genre: Action-Platformer / Roguelike

Players: Players: 1-2 Co-Op (Local, Local Wireless, Online)

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Review:

30XX is an Action-Platformer and Roguelike released in 2023 on PC and Nintendo Switch. The sequel to 2017’s 20XX, this game follows its predecessor’s formula in numerous ways, once again being a game that channels the look, gameplay, and spirit of the Mega Man franchise (and specifically the Mega Man X spin-off series). However, this time around, there are multiple new additions that take this game above and beyond its predecessor.

First, the presentation has been reworked this time to feature pixel art visuals that perfectly fit the games this is seeking to imitate, with tons of color and personality. This is backed by a great chiptune soundtrack that is also right in line with the classic Mega Man X titles, with some of the highlights being the Title Theme, Embers of Hope (Hub Theme), Hollows (Echocave), Atomichron (Clockzone), and Fathom (Deepverse). Suffice it to say that this game does an exemplary job of duplicating the look and sound of the Mega Man X series without going so far as to infringe on copyright.

However, that’s not to say that 30XX is content to merely copy the Mega Man X franchise. As with 20XX, the core of this game is a Roguelike mode that is akin to doing a one-life run of a Mega Man X game, albeit with randomized levels (which doesn’t generally amount to much, as they generally feature the same types of enemies, mechanics, and challenges), and when you fail, you start over with improvements that should make subsequent runs more successful. Also like 20XX, this game offers the ability to play as Nina (this game’s equivalent to Mega Man X’s plasma-shooting X character) or Ace (this game’s take on Mega Man X’s sword-wielding Zero), with each getting their own upgrades as they progress.

However, there are definitely some new gameplay modes this time around that really shake things up. First is the Mega Mode, which gives players who prefer the classic Mega Man style of gameplay where players select which order to tackle the game’s levels. This version strips out the “permadeath” Roguelike elements back out of the game, though players can still purchase permanent upgrades much in the same way they can in the primary game mode. I feel that the addition of this game mode is an outstanding way to give players options, letting them decide how much “Roguelike” they want to have in their game.

What’s more, this game also adds in a wonderful selection of community- created levels created within the PC version’s 30XX Maker, a Super Mario Maker-style custom level builder… that is not present in the Nintendo Switch version of the game. While I do still appreciate access to community levels here, I really feel that giving Nintendo Switch owners the level builder as well would have really pushed this game over the top and made it something truly special. Trust me when I say, if I see this feature ever gets added back in, I feel there’s a good chance I’ll need to give this game another look.

However, until then, 30XX will have to be satisfied with being the absolute best Mega Man X game since the release of Mega Man X4 in 1997… and it’s not even an actual Mega Man X game. This is a quality Action-Platformer, and it’s a blast to play regardless of whether you play it with or without its Roguelike elements. Yes, it’s a shame the PC version’s level builder didn’t make it into the Nintendo Switch version of the game, but even without it this is a must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner with a love for the classic Mega Man games.

tl;dr – 30XX is an Action-Platformer that’s a sequel to 20XX, and like that game, it gives players a Roguelike-style take on the classic Mega Man X series… but this time around, you can also opt to play the game much in the same way as the actual Mega Man games. Either way, this is an exceptionally well-crafted game that so perfectly imitates Mega Man-style gameplay that it’s better than everything that series has released in the past two decades. It’s just a shame the PC version’s level builder didn’t make it into the Nintendo Switch version of the game, but even without it this is an outstanding Action-Platformer.

Grade: B+

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This game has been nominated for one or more of eShopperReviews 2023 Game Awards:

Runner-Up: Best Roguelike, Best Action Game, Best Sequel

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