Crossed Wires Review (PC)

Crossed Wires is a puzzle adventure that blends humor with difficult challenges. As a supercomputer, the game tasks players to protect a clueless human from one disaster after another.  From rogue to glitchy robot encounters, humans are constantly stumbling into danger, and its up to you to stand between him and chaos. With puzzles and a storyline full of humor and surprises, Crossed Wires is a thrilling adventure. In this review, we’ll explore all the elements that make this PC adventure a must-play for puzzle fans. 

AI Goes Sarcastic

In Crossed Wires, players assume the role of a sarcastic supercomputer. Their main mission is to protect a friendly but clueless human who has a knack for wandering straight into danger. This human’s lack of awareness turns every moment into a potential disaster, which includes rogue cleaning robots, malfunctioning gadgets, and more. As the supercomputer, you’re not only solving puzzles. Instead, you are also responsible for guiding and sometimes saving their unaware companion.

The game sets up a funny and charming dynamic between the AI and the human. The supercomputer constantly mutters sarcastic remarks about the human’s clumsy behavior. However, the human, blissfully unaware of the AI’s commentary, continues to blunder through each level. This in turn sets up a sequence of amusing moments, which ultimately gives Crossed Wires its unique storytelling style and lighten the puzzle-solving experience.

This AI-human relationship flips the usual roles found in puzzle games, where humans are typically in control while AI comes in as an assistant. In this game, the AI is both the hero and the voice of reason, while the human serves as a lovable but clueless companion. While this humor-driven relationship is fun, it might get a bit repetitive for players who aren’t fans of dry jokes. Some players may also feel that the human character could use a bit more personality, as he mostly exists to give the AI something to joke about.

More Than Just Puzzles

One of the coolest things about Crossed Wires is its variety of gameplay modes. This isn’t just a point-and-click puzzle game. Instead, it mixes up its mechanics in ways that feel constantly fresh. On one level, you’re hacking into rogue electronics and solving puzzles by activating circuits, redirecting wires, or disabling traps. In the next, you’re in a top-down driving mode, weaving through obstacles while dodging traffic in a tense race to avoid crashes.

This mix of puzzle-solving with different gameplay styles is impressive. It keeps players on their toes and prevents the experience from becoming dry. Surprisingly, some levels let you control a drone or android shell, exploring abandoned spaces on foot to collect vital items. Each change in perspective demands a new way of thinking, giving players a mental workout.

However, the frequent shifts in control schemes might be a turn-off for players who prefer a more traditional or consistent style. Some might find the transitions a bit off, especially since each mode introduces new mechanics. Additionally, the controls can feel overwhelming at times. Particularly, this happens when switching from hacking devices to suddenly navigating a speeding car through hazards.

The Ultimate Challenge

For players who like their puzzles on the tough side, Crossed Wires offers a well-thought-out approach to difficulty. The game lets you pick from three difficulty levels, each scaling puzzle complexity and the intensity of obstacles. If you’re a casual player who enjoys a laid-back experience, the easier mode offers an easier playthrough. The mode offers puzzles that don’t require a lot of backtracking or trial and error. On the other hand, hard mode takes the challenge up a notch, adding complexity to each puzzle. It’s perfect for veterans seeking a brain-bending experience.

One thoughtful aspect is that players can adjust the difficulty at any time. So, if a puzzle becomes frustrating, you can level things down and keep moving forward. This adaptability makes Crossed Wires accessible to a wide range of players without compromising the challenge.

Despite this flexibility, some might find the scaling a bit uneven. In certain instances, the difficulty spike between levels feels extreme, particularly in later stages. Those who crave a perfectly balanced puzzle experience might feel that the pacing could be smoother. Occasionally, puzzles feel almost too straightforward in easy mode and frustratingly complex in hard mode, which could discourage replaying in different difficulty settings.

Hidden Gems

Crossed Wires enhances its puzzle adventure with a unique twist on replayability. The game uses a persistent health system and hidden secrets to keep players engaged. Unlike many puzzle games, where one wrong move can mean starting over, Crossed Wires lets players retry levels without losing all their progress. Consequently, players aim to complete each level with minimal health loss. Similarly, it allows them to improve their performance over multiple playthroughs.

Additionally, the game rewards exploration by hiding secrets throughout each level. These hidden gems offer special bonuses and extra story elements. Its satisfying for players who enjoy investigating every corner in a game. The cool thing about discovering these secrets is that they give players an incentive to revisit previous levels. As a result, players can try out new strategies or look for anything they may have missed.

For completionists, these hidden elements add depth and excitement to each level. Even players who prefer a straightforward run-through may find themselves coming back to see what they overlooked. Ultimately, it boosts the game’s replay value. With so much to uncover, Crossed Wires makes each playthrough feel fresh and full of new stuff. 

A Retro Charm with Modern Flair

Crossed Wires brings its world to life through vibrant, nostalgic pixel art that pays homage to classic games while adding a modern twist. The game’s visuals is a delightful blend of retro aesthetics and fresh design. Every detail, from the rogue robots to the playful environments, is crafted to perfectly fit the game’s humorous tone.

On the other hand, the isometric pixel art style gives Crossed Wires a distinctive look. It’s easy to get absorbed in its colorful universe. Characters, gadgets, and environments feel alive, and each level is packed with amusing details that enhance the story and gameplay. The retro visuals are not only pleasing to the eye but also help cement the game’s lighthearted world, making every interaction feel more engaging.

For players who have a fondness for pixel art or grew up on classic games, Crossed Wires delivers a satisfying dose of nostalgia. Even for those that are new to the style, the charming design and thoughtful details make it visually memorable. Ultimately, the pixel art gives each level the look and feel of a true puzzle adventure classic with a modern touch.

Play Your Way

Aleth Labs made Crossed Wires highly accessible by supporting multiple control options, including a controller, keyboard, and mouse. This flexibility lets players choose their preferred setup. Whether it’s an Xbox controller or a classic mouse-and-keyboard configuration, the game’s interface adapts smoothly to each.

This versatility is amazing, especially for a game that features various gameplay styles. It allows players to switch between the controls based on comfort and preference. For a puzzle game with modes as diverse as hacking and driving, having multiple input options enhances the experience. 

While the game’s controls are generally responsive, certain modes could benefit from a bit more refinement. The driving sequences, for example, can feel a little imprecise when using a keyboard, making it tougher to dodge obstacles accurately. 

For players who prioritize precision, this might add a slight learning curve, particularly in levels where quick reactions are essential. However, Crossed Wires still excels in letting players experience the game their way. Players can enjoy every puzzle and challenge with the control setup that feels best.

Verdict

Crossed Wires brings a fresh twist to the puzzle genre with its funny, engaging gameplay and memorable characters. The game keeps players entertained through humorous dialogue and a mix of challenging puzzles. Each level offers new gameplay styles, which keeps things both interesting and challenging.

The game’s retro pixel art gives it a charming, nostalgic feel, adding to its unique style. Additionally, the adjustable difficulty levels make it accessible for everyone, from beginners to seasoned puzzle fans. Although a few areas may feel a bit underpolished, Crossed Wires still delivers a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Packed with hidden secrets and a persistent health system, Crossed Wires offers excellent replay value. It gives players a reason to dive back in for another round of exploration. For those who enjoy puzzles mixed with humor and surprises, this game is a fantastic choice. The lighthearted adventure makes each level feel rewarding and fun.

Overall, Crossed Wires stands out in the puzzle genre. Undoubtedly, it offers a unique blend of humor, engaging puzzles, and replayable content. It’s a fun, lighthearted experience and a refreshing addition to any puzzle game collection.