• News
  • Features
  • Video Games
    • Previews
    • PC
    • PS5
    • Xbox Series X/S
    • Nintendo Switch
    • Xbox One
    • PS4
    • Android
    • iOS
    • Tabletop
  • Film
  • TV
  • Anime
  • Comics
    • BOOM! Studios
    • Dark Horse Comics
    • DC Comics
    • IDW Publishing
    • Image Comics
    • Indie Comics
    • Marvel Comics
    • Oni-Lion Forge
    • Valiant Comics
    • Vault Comics
  • Podcast
  • Support Us
  • More
    • Interviews
    • BWT Recommends
    • RSS Feeds
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Support Us
But Why Tho?
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube Discord
Trending:
  • Features
    Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Episode 18 - But Why Tho

    Everything You Need to Know About Mahito

    11/23/2023
    trauma cowboy bebop

    You’re Gonna Carry That Weight: Confronting Trauma With Cowboy Bebop

    11/22/2023
    Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Episode 17 - But Why Tho (3)

    Everything to Know About Ryōmen Sukuna — The King of Curses

    11/16/2023
    Kento Nanami - But Why Tho (1)

    Everything to Know About Kento Nanami

    11/15/2023
    Megumi Fushiguro - But Why Tho (3)

    Everything To Know About Megumi Fushiguro

    11/13/2023
  • Black Friday Deals
  • Netflix
  • Jujutsu Kaisen
  • Star Wars
  • MCU
But Why Tho?
Home » Events » PAX EAST 2020: ‘30XX’ – Mega Man, but as a Roguelike

PAX EAST 2020: ‘30XX’ – Mega Man, but as a Roguelike

Charles HartfordBy Charles Hartford02/29/20203 Mins Read
Share
Facebook Twitter Pinterest Reddit WhatsApp Email

30XX is a 2D side-scrolling platformer roguelike sequel to the game 20XX that is published and developed by Batterystaple Games. Up to two players get to take on challenging, randomly generated levels filled with harrowing platforming and viscous robotic enemies while earning lasting power-ups that will aid them in their subsequent attempts to survive the game.

The first thing most players will notice when starting this game up is its obvious inspiration. From the blue robot wielding an arm cannon to the futuristic vibe of the hostile machine infested levels, everything about the look of this game screams Mega Man. Even the second character option, a red armor-wearing, sword-swinging character harkens back to Mega Man’s ally Zero.  It’s when you get to the game’s roguelike game structure that 30XX quickly becomes more than an homage to a classic character.

The roguelike genre is known for its challenging gameplay. Unforgiving bosses and random levels are hallmarks of these types of games. And 30XX looks to continue those trends. But fear not! Batterystaple Games isn’t leaving players completely at the mercy of randomly generated levels. They have promised some upgrades will carry over from playthrough to playthrough. Not so much that the game will ever lose its teeth, but enough so players can see progress being made.

30XX

But before any progress happens, players first choose their character. Two options present themselves to players as they boot up the game. The biggest distinction is that one character has a sword while the other fires a gun. At least initially, there didn’t seem to be much point in choosing the sword over the gun. With upgrades present in the game, I’m sure the sword wielder’s usefulness would become more apparent with time and playthroughs.

The ability to play a roguelike co-op was something I haven’t seen before. It made for some fun moments. The developer I spoke to assured me that there was nothing in the games randomly generated levels players wouldn’t be able to accomplish while playing solo.

As I fought my way through 30XX’s lovely 2D level presented in the demo, I was impressed with how well the level played out. There was a fair helping of everything the game had to offer. From tricky wall bouncing jumps to swarms of enemies to fend off. When I asked if there was a single demo level the developer assured me that players were experiencing the random generation the game always uses. I was certainly impressed. There was a significant challenge present amid a wonderful blend of obstacles and enemies. One of the smoother randomized experiences I’ve had.

Of course, a lot of what makes roguelikes fun is their replayability. Which, of course, is a key element one cannot gauge from a ten-minute demo. However, if the progression and level variety can match the quality of my playthrough this afternoon, I’d say that players have a lot to look forward to when 30XX launches.

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Email
Previous ArticlePAX EAST 2020: ‘Final Fantasy VII Remake’ is a New Look at Old Friends
Next Article REVIEW: ‘The Plot,’ Part #1
Charles Hartford
  • X (Twitter)

Lifelong geek who enjoys comics, video games, movies, reading and board games . Over the past year I’ve taken a more active interest in artistic pursuits including digital painting, and now writing. I look forward to growing as a writer and bettering my craft in my time here!

Related Posts

REVIEW: ‘Cobalt Core’ Lets You Play Your Way (PC)

11/08/2023

REVIEW: ‘Gargoyles Remastered’ Is A Relic (Switch)

10/19/2023
Fantastic Fest 2023 - But Why Tho

FANTASTIC FEST: Fantastic Fest Goes Old School

09/23/2023
TRENDING POSTS
Studio Ghibli Movies BWT Recommends

Every Studio Ghibli Film Ranked

By Allyson Johnson11/20/2023

From ‘Porco Rosso’ to ‘The Tale of the Princess Kaguya,’ here’s how we rank every movie from Studio Ghibli.

TV

REVIEW: ‘Strong Girl Nam-soon’ Episodes 13-14

By Sarah Musnicky11/22/2023

Strong Girl Nam-soon Episodes 13-14 removes the last barrier in place to get the stakes going, resulting in actual consequences.

The Buccaneers Episode 5 TV

REVIEW: ‘The Buccaneers’ Episode 5 — “Failed Betrayal”

By Allyson Johnson11/22/2023

The Buccaneers Episode 5 “Failed Betrayal” regroups the characters as Nan learns about Guy’s intercepted telegram from Episode 4.

But Why Tho?
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest RSS
  • CONTACT US
  • ABOUT US
  • PRIVACY POLICY
Sometimes we include links to online retail stores. If you click on one and make a purchase we may receive a small contribution.
Written Content is Copyright © 2023 But Why Tho? A Geek Community

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.