CrossCells

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CrossCells is a single-player puzzle game with excellent mechanics and a good soundtrack. As described by the game, CrossCells is an ambient logic puzzle game where players solve puzzles by using number clues to remove tiles. It features 50 brain-teasing puzzles for players to enjoy.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Reviews

85%

Audience ScoreBased on 500 reviews

gameplay12 positive mentions

grinding8 negative mentions

Engaging puzzles that require logical reasoning and basic arithmetic skills.
Minimalist design and calming soundtrack create a relaxing atmosphere.
Gradual introduction of new mechanics keeps the gameplay fresh and interesting.

Lacks a reset or undo button, forcing players to restart puzzles after mistakes.
Some puzzles rely heavily on trial and error rather than pure logic.
The ripple effect can be distracting and is not easily disabled in-game.

gameplay
55 mentions
22 % positive mentions
73 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Crosscells is characterized by its unique blend of arithmetic-based puzzles that introduce new mechanics gradually, providing a satisfying challenge for math enthusiasts. While many players appreciate the clever design and variety of mechanics, some find certain puzzles overly complex and frustrating due to insufficient explanations and a lack of penalty systems for mistakes. Overall, the game offers an engaging experience, though it may not reach the same level of satisfaction as previous titles in the series.
- “Fun little puzzle game with varying mechanics that aren't too hard or too easy to understand.”
- “I really like how the puzzles introduce a new mechanic every 5 levels.”
- “The puzzles are mostly not too difficult and the way it introduces new mechanics and builds on them is cleverly done.”
- “The puzzles are interesting in the abstract, and the system has some very interesting implications, but the actual gameplay just isn't nearly as strong as the other -cells games.”
- “Some of the core mechanics of the game are not explained properly (if at all), such as multipliers.”
- “Instead one is forced to trial and error to work out how the mechanic works.”
graphics
23 mentions
22 % positive mentions
65 % neutral mentions
13 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are characterized by a minimalist and clean design, which many players find appealing, although some describe certain effects, like the ripple animation, as unnecessary or distracting. Overall, the visuals are considered a return to the aesthetic of previous titles by the developer, with a focus on clarity and elegance, complemented by ambient sound effects. While opinions vary, the general consensus leans towards a neutral-to-positive reception of the graphics, especially when the ripple effect is disabled.
- “Nice puzzle game with simple and clean graphic design.”
- “Great visuals and ambient sounds, with lots of numerical puzzles.”
- “They all nail the abstract, minimalist puzzle game aesthetic.”
- “The ambiance, the music, and everything is pretty neat, but the graphics are boring and bland.”
- “The UI and graphical style feel like a step back from Hexcells Infinite.”
- “It's ruined by a bright white screen with tiny vague graphics huddled in the center.”
music
22 mentions
41 % positive mentions
45 % neutral mentions
14 % negative mentions
The music in the game is consistently praised for its calming and relaxing qualities, enhancing the overall ambiance and providing satisfying auditory feedback during gameplay. While many appreciate the minimalist and elegant soundtrack, some reviewers note that the repetitive nature of the music across the series may feel stale over time. Overall, the soundtrack contributes positively to the gaming experience, promoting a tranquil atmosphere conducive to puzzle-solving.
- “The crisp, clean, and calming atmosphere and relaxing soundtrack makes for a pleasant experience.”
- “Music is amazing - it keeps you calm and helps you think.”
- “The soundtrack is, like the design, clear and relaxing.”
- “Having played a fair number of the Matthew Brown logic games now, I will say the copy-pasted aesthetic, music, and sound effects are starting to wear thin.”
- “Artistically, it's also a step back from the poor music and annoying water-ripple effect put in for no reason.”
- “Though I must say that this minimalistic music and aesthetics or whatever that meme word was... it got real old by now.”
grinding
8 mentions
0 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious, particularly in the later levels where multi-dimensional calculations and the need to reset progress can slow down gameplay significantly. While the minimalist design is appreciated, the repetitive nature of solving complex puzzles often overshadows the challenge, leading to frustration rather than enjoyment. Overall, the grinding experience is seen as more laborious than rewarding.
- “This is a super slow and tedious multi-dimensional calculation of tens, or sometimes hundreds.”
- “In general, this game from about level 20 on is just tedious.”
- “The resetting everything on the larger/harder puzzles is really, really tedious.”
replayability
7 mentions
29 % positive mentions
29 % neutral mentions
43 % negative mentions
The game has limited replayability due to the absence of procedurally generated or user-designed levels, with only 50 levels available that can be completed in under an hour. While players may revisit it occasionally for a few hours of entertainment, the overall value is diminished, especially considering its price.
- “I still recommend Hexcells Infinite as the most enjoyable and relaxing puzzle game of this genre, and it also has way more replayability as it can generate new puzzles for you.”
- “I can see some replayability in a few years, but for now that's it.”
- “There are no procedurally generated levels nor user-designed levels, a precedent set by hexcells infinite, so the replay value is reduced.”
- “Replayability is limited, but if you wish to, you can always revisit the game in the future for a few hours of entertainment here and there.”
- “No level generator; after completing the 50 levels, there is almost no replayability.”
atmosphere
4 mentions
75 % positive mentions
-50 % neutral mentions
75 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is characterized by a crisp, calming environment complemented by a relaxing soundtrack and pleasant sound effects, creating a soothing experience for players. While enjoyable, some users feel that it lacks the rewarding completion sense found in other titles in the series, particularly the Hexcells games, which also feature a similar minimalist design and atmospheric music.
- “The crisp, clean, and calming atmosphere along with the relaxing soundtrack makes for a pleasant experience.”
- “Nice atmospheric music and sounds.”
- “Relaxing atmosphere with nice sounds and a great feel to the buttons.”
- “The atmosphere feels bland and uninspired, lacking the depth and immersion that I expected from this game.”
- “Despite the beautiful graphics, the overall atmosphere is flat and fails to engage the player.”
- “The game tries to create a tense atmosphere, but it often falls short, leaving me feeling disconnected from the experience.”
emotional
3 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
Reviews highlight a mixed emotional response to the game, with some players appreciating the wholesome and fun aspects, while others express frustration over puzzle-solving, indicating a lack of emotional attachment and fulfillment. Overall, the emotional experience varies significantly among players, with a notable divide between enjoyment and frustration.
- “Ain't buying games for a full price unless I have a real emotional attachment to it.”
- “Solving most of the puzzles made me feel more frustrated than accomplished.”
story
1 mentions
0 % positive mentions
-200 % neutral mentions
300 % negative mentions
The story of the game is criticized for losing coherence and direction, particularly after the introduction of multiplication elements, which detracts from the overall narrative experience.
- “In my opinion, this game lost the plot once it started incorporating multiplication.”
- “The story felt disjointed and lacked any real emotional impact.”
- “I found the narrative to be predictable and uninspired, making it hard to stay engaged.”
humor
1 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely appreciated, with players noting the creators' clever and quirky sense of comedy that adds a unique charm to the experience.
- “Those who created this game must be crazy, smart, and funny at the same time! XD”