Cross Country Express

Cross Country Express is a 2D side-scrolling platform action game set in a contemporary world, developed and published by Oddfellows Software. Released in 2020 for Windows, the game features direct control mechanics and a free-to-play model, initially launched as a commercial title. Players navigate through scrolling environments, tackling challenges in a dynamic, fast-paced setting.

Cross Country Express: A Modern Homage to Classic Platforming

Introduction

In the vast, ever-evolving landscape of video games, few titles manage to capture the essence of retro gaming while infusing it with modern sensibilities. Cross Country Express, developed and published by Oddfellows Software, is one such title. Released on April 10, 2020, this game is a contemporary reimagining of the 1983 classic Cross Country by ScrolgoVision Corp. At its core, Cross Country Express is a 2D side-scrolling platformer that challenges players to traverse a series of obstacles in a race against time. But beneath its simple premise lies a game that pays homage to the golden age of arcade platformers while offering a fresh, engaging experience for modern audiences.

This review aims to dissect Cross Country Express in its entirety, exploring its development history, gameplay mechanics, artistic direction, and its place in the broader context of video game history. By delving deep into its design, reception, and legacy, we can appreciate how this “Mini” title from Oddfellows Software stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic gameplay mechanics.

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Development History & Context

The Studio Behind the Game

Oddfellows Software, the brainchild behind Cross Country Express, is a small indie studio known for its commitment to reviving and reimagining classic gaming experiences. The studio’s philosophy revolves around creating “Mini” games—short, focused experiences that prioritize tight gameplay loops and nostalgic aesthetics. Cross Country Express is the first entry in this new line of “Mini series,” setting the tone for what players can expect from future releases.

The decision to remake Cross Country (1983) was not merely a nostalgic endeavor but a strategic move to introduce a classic gameplay formula to a new generation of gamers. The original Cross Country was a product of its time, featuring simple graphics and straightforward mechanics. Oddfellows Software saw an opportunity to modernize this formula, enhancing it with contemporary visuals, refined controls, and additional content while retaining the core essence that made the original game enjoyable.

Technological Constraints and Innovations

Developed using a “extremely limiting engine,” as noted by the studio, Cross Country Express faced several technical challenges. The engine’s limitations forced the developers to be creative with their design choices, ensuring that the game remained visually appealing and mechanically sound despite the constraints. This constraint-driven development approach is reminiscent of the early days of game design, where developers had to work within tight technical boundaries to create engaging experiences.

The game’s 2D side-scrolling perspective and direct control interface are a nod to the classic platformers of the 1980s. However, Oddfellows Software introduced several modern enhancements, including updated jumping animations, a revised scoring system, and a greater variety of environments. These additions not only modernize the gameplay but also make it more accessible to contemporary audiences who may not have experienced the original.

The Gaming Landscape at Release

Cross Country Express was released in April 2020, a time when the indie game scene was thriving. Platformers, in particular, were experiencing a renaissance, with titles like Celeste and Hollow Knight demonstrating the genre’s enduring appeal. Against this backdrop, Cross Country Express positioned itself as a lightweight, casual experience—a “deceptively simple runner game” that could be enjoyed in short bursts.

The game’s initial commercial release was met with modest success, but its transition to a free-to-play model in June 2021 significantly broadened its reach. This shift in business model allowed Cross Country Express to garner over 120,000 downloads, making it one of Oddfellows Software’s most successful releases to date. The decision to make the game free was strategic, aimed at raising awareness for the studio’s upcoming projects while providing players with a taste of their design philosophy.

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Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

The Premise: A Wild Goose Chase

At its heart, Cross Country Express is a game about urgency and perseverance. The narrative, though minimal, sets the stage for the player’s journey: you take on the role of a character tasked with collecting a flock of geese before the annual farm pageant. The premise is simple yet effective, evoking a sense of nostalgia for classic arcade games where the story was often secondary to the gameplay.

The game’s setting is contemporary, with environments that include fences, barrels, trees, and other rural obstacles. This choice of setting reinforces the game’s casual, lighthearted tone, making it accessible to players of all ages. The absence of a complex narrative allows the gameplay to take center stage, ensuring that the focus remains on the platforming mechanics.

Themes of Speed and Precision

While Cross Country Express may lack a deep narrative, it compensates with strong thematic elements centered around speed and precision. The game’s tagline—”And whatever you do, don’t trip”—encapsulates its core challenge. Players must navigate a series of obstacles with split-second timing, emphasizing the importance of quick reflexes and precise movements.

The theme of urgency is further reinforced by the game’s scoring system, which rewards players for completing levels quickly and efficiently. This creates a sense of tension and excitement, as players strive to improve their scores and master the game’s mechanics. The emphasis on speed and precision is a hallmark of classic platformers, and Cross Country Express successfully captures this essence while adding modern refinements.

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Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Gameplay Loop

Cross Country Express is, at its core, a runner game. The player controls a character who must traverse a series of obstacles, including fences, barrels, and trees, in a race against time. The game’s mechanics are straightforward: players must jump over obstacles while collecting geese scattered throughout the level. The simplicity of the controls—typically just a jump button—makes the game easy to pick up but difficult to master.

The game’s difficulty curve is well-balanced, with early levels serving as a gentle introduction to the mechanics. As players progress, the obstacles become more challenging, requiring quicker reflexes and more precise timing. This gradual increase in difficulty ensures that players are constantly engaged, with each level presenting a new challenge to overcome.

Character Progression and Scoring

Unlike many modern platformers, Cross Country Express does not feature a traditional character progression system. Instead, the game’s progression is tied to the player’s skill and ability to navigate the obstacles efficiently. The scoring system serves as the primary measure of progression, with players earning points based on their performance in each level.

The updated scoring system in Cross Country Express is one of its standout features. Unlike the original Cross Country, which had a more rudimentary scoring mechanism, the modern iteration introduces a more nuanced system that rewards players for speed, accuracy, and completion. This encourages replayability, as players strive to achieve higher scores and perfect their runs.

UI and Controls

The game’s user interface (UI) is minimalist, reflecting its casual and accessible design. The HUD displays essential information such as the player’s score and the number of geese collected, ensuring that the focus remains on the gameplay. The controls are equally straightforward, with players using a single button to jump over obstacles. This simplicity makes the game easy to pick up, even for players who may not be familiar with classic platformers.

One of the game’s strengths is its responsive controls. The jumping mechanics are tight and precise, allowing players to execute jumps with confidence. This is crucial in a game where split-second timing can mean the difference between success and failure. The controls’ responsiveness ensures that the game feels fair, with any mistakes attributed to the player’s skill rather than the game’s mechanics.

Innovative and Flawed Systems

While Cross Country Express excels in its core gameplay mechanics, it is not without its flaws. One of the most notable criticisms is the game’s lack of depth. The absence of a character progression system or additional gameplay modes means that the experience can feel repetitive over time. While the scoring system encourages replayability, some players may find the lack of variety limiting.

Another potential flaw is the game’s difficulty spike in later levels. While the gradual increase in difficulty is well-balanced for the most part, some players may find the later levels frustratingly challenging. This is a common issue in classic platformers, where the difficulty can sometimes feel punishing rather than rewarding. However, for players who enjoy a challenge, this aspect of the game may be seen as a strength rather than a flaw.

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World-Building, Art & Sound

Setting and Atmosphere

Cross Country Express is set in a contemporary rural environment, with levels that feature a variety of obstacles such as fences, barrels, and trees. The game’s setting is simple but effective, evoking a sense of nostalgia for classic platformers while maintaining a modern aesthetic. The rural theme is reinforced by the game’s premise, which involves collecting geese before a farm pageant.

The game’s atmosphere is lighthearted and casual, making it accessible to players of all ages. The absence of a dark or complex narrative ensures that the focus remains on the gameplay, creating a sense of fun and excitement. The rural setting also provides a pleasant contrast to the often grim and serious themes found in many modern games, offering players a refreshing change of pace.

Visual Direction

Visually, Cross Country Express is a modern take on classic 2D platformers. The game features colorful, cartoonish graphics that are reminiscent of early arcade games but with a contemporary polish. The environments are varied, with each level introducing new obstacles and visual elements to keep the gameplay fresh.

One of the standout features of the game’s visual design is its attention to detail. The jumping animations, in particular, are smooth and fluid, adding a sense of polish to the gameplay. The obstacles are also well-designed, with each one presenting a unique challenge that requires players to adapt their strategies. The visual variety ensures that the game remains engaging, even as players progress through the levels.

Sound Design

The sound design in Cross Country Express is minimalist but effective. The game features a simple, upbeat soundtrack that complements the lighthearted tone of the gameplay. The sound effects are equally straightforward, with each jump and obstacle interaction accompanied by a satisfying audio cue.

While the sound design may not be as elaborate as that of larger-budget games, it serves its purpose well. The upbeat music and satisfying sound effects enhance the gameplay experience, creating a sense of immersion that draws players into the game’s world. The minimalist approach to sound design ensures that the focus remains on the gameplay, reinforcing the game’s casual and accessible nature.

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Reception & Legacy

Critical and Commercial Reception

Cross Country Express received a mixed but generally positive reception upon its release. The game’s simple yet challenging gameplay was praised by many players, who appreciated its nostalgic appeal and modern refinements. The updated scoring system and variety of environments were also highlighted as strengths, adding depth to the gameplay experience.

However, the game’s lack of depth and repetitive nature were noted as potential drawbacks. Some players found the experience too simplistic, with the absence of a character progression system or additional gameplay modes limiting its long-term appeal. Despite these criticisms, the game’s transition to a free-to-play model in June 2021 significantly broadened its reach, allowing it to garner over 120,000 downloads.

Evolution of Reputation

Since its release, Cross Country Express has developed a reputation as a fun, casual platformer that appeals to both nostalgic gamers and newcomers to the genre. The game’s success has also raised the profile of Oddfellows Software, positioning the studio as a developer to watch in the indie gaming scene. The decision to make the game free has further cemented its status as a fan favorite, with many players praising its accessibility and engaging gameplay.

Influence on Subsequent Games

While Cross Country Express may not have had a direct influence on the broader gaming industry, it serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic platformers. The game’s success demonstrates that there is still a market for simple, well-designed games that prioritize tight gameplay mechanics over complex narratives or cutting-edge graphics.

The game’s legacy is also tied to its role in Oddfellows Software’s “Mini series.” As the first entry in this line of games, Cross Country Express set the tone for what players can expect from future releases. The studio’s commitment to reviving classic gaming experiences while infusing them with modern sensibilities has resonated with players, ensuring that the legacy of Cross Country Express will endure.

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Conclusion

Cross Country Express is a charming, well-crafted homage to the classic platformers of the 1980s. Developed by Oddfellows Software, the game successfully modernizes the gameplay mechanics of its predecessor while retaining the simplicity and accessibility that made the original so enjoyable. With its tight controls, engaging scoring system, and lighthearted tone, Cross Country Express offers a fun, casual experience that appeals to both nostalgic gamers and newcomers alike.

While the game may lack the depth and variety of larger-budget titles, its strengths lie in its focus on core gameplay mechanics. The absence of a complex narrative or character progression system ensures that the focus remains on the platforming, creating a sense of urgency and excitement that keeps players engaged. The game’s transition to a free-to-play model has further broadened its appeal, allowing it to reach a wider audience and cement its status as a fan favorite.

In the grand tapestry of video game history, Cross Country Express stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic platformers. It is a reminder that great games do not always require cutting-edge graphics or complex narratives—sometimes, all it takes is tight gameplay mechanics, responsive controls, and a lighthearted tone to create an experience that resonates with players. For those seeking a fun, challenging platformer that harkens back to the golden age of arcade gaming, Cross Country Express is a journey worth taking.