Crossroad OS
- December 8, 2023
- Guy
- 2h median play time
Get on SteamCrossroad OS is a short, experimental adventure/puzzle game set in an ominous operating system environment. Players will navigate through decaying partitions filled with the hum of a CRT monitor, solving approachable puzzles and uncovering clues in dungeon-like spaces. The game promises unique vibes and aims to deliver horror that even Linux users may find intimidating. Join their Discord for more information.
Reviews
- Engaging and clever puzzles that introduce new mechanics progressively, keeping the gameplay fresh and interesting.
- Atmospheric design that evokes nostalgia for old operating systems, combined with a light horror theme that enhances the experience.
- Short playtime of around 2 hours makes it a perfect bite-sized experience, providing great value for its price.
- Some puzzles may feel too easy or lack challenge, leaving players wanting more difficulty.
- The game is quite short, which may leave players craving additional content or a longer experience.
- There are occasional bugs and issues with mouse controls that can detract from the overall experience.
- gameplay50 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The gameplay in this puzzle game is characterized by a variety of innovative mechanics that are introduced progressively, keeping the experience engaging and satisfying. While the puzzles are generally accessible and not overly difficult, they effectively challenge players by combining different elements in creative ways. The game is praised for its enjoyable atmosphere and intuitive design, though some players express a desire for more complex puzzles and expanded use of certain mechanics.
“The mechanics of the puzzles are really pushed to their limit, but also don't ever feel obtuse or unfair in their solution.”
“The slow introduction of mechanics crescendoing into a chaotic yet satisfying mix of mechanics was extremely fun.”
“This game is a great short puzzle experience, the mechanics it featured were very novel and lend themselves to some very interesting puzzle design.”
“There are a couple of cute surprise moments, but most of the non-puzzle gameplay is just a patchwork of random stuff with hardly any connection to the 'operating system' conceit.”
“The last gameplay segment could use some extra polishing up; it's more annoying than fun.”
“However, some mechanics don't appear very often at all, so I feel like there could be room for expansion of the mechanics shown if the developers are interested in that.”
- atmosphere39 mentions
- 62 % positive mentions
- 31 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its unique blend of creepiness and nostalgia, effectively enhancing the puzzle-solving experience. While it leans heavily on puzzles, many players appreciate the atmospheric tension and clever design that keeps them engaged. Overall, the combination of intriguing aesthetics, sound design, and occasional jump scares contributes to a memorable and immersive environment.
“A great short puzzle game with some unique ideas, as well as a spooky atmosphere to go with it.”
“The atmosphere is creepy and uncanny.”
“An absolute blast of a puzzle game with an incredible spooky atmosphere, consistently introducing new ideas and never overstaying its welcome.”
“This game isn't really that scary (unless you have equinophobia), but even so the game did get the jump on me a couple of times, and absolutely contains the atmosphere for a jump scare or two.”
“It's not bad, but it really is 95% puzzles 5% atmosphere.”
“I don't play a ton of this kind of game, but it managed to maintain an uncomfortable and threatening atmosphere in spite of the fact that I'm using an operating system to pretend to use a different operating system in which I control a screensaver.”
- graphics31 mentions
- 68 % positive mentions
- 23 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The game's graphics are widely praised for their unique low-poly, webcore aesthetic that evokes nostalgia for early computer graphics, particularly reminiscent of Windows 95 and XP. Reviewers highlight the combination of eerie atmospheres, clever art design, and engaging visuals that enhance the overall experience, despite the game's short length. The graphics, along with the sound and puzzle mechanics, contribute to a charming and immersive gameplay experience.
“The graphics create this beautiful atmosphere, and I actually tensed up a bit in the part where you have to solve the puzzles while being chased!”
“Brilliant albeit short game with that feeling of the vintage, pioneering days of computer graphics with equal amounts of creepy.”
“Great eerie atmosphere brought together with the game's soundtrack and amazing visuals reminiscent of old operating systems.”
“The aesthetic really manages to capture that old Windows 95 vibe, not just with the maze itself but also with a small Myst-style segment.”
“It's a Sokoban game with an odd aesthetic, and nothing more.”
“Brilliant albeit short game with that feeling of vintage, pioneering days of computer graphics with equal amounts of creepy.”
- story15 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 47 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The story in the game is generally seen as entertaining but often takes a back seat to the puzzles, with many players noting its disjointed nature and occasional confusion. While some appreciate the charming easter eggs and the potential for deeper narrative exploration, others feel that the story lacks cohesion and connection to the gameplay. Overall, the narrative elements are engaging enough to maintain interest, but players primarily enjoy the well-crafted puzzles.
“There is a story and it seems tailor-made for YouTubers to make theory videos about, but honestly I dig that stuff, so I'm all for it.”
“Upon finishing after 4 hours of gameplay, I must congratulate the devs for making such an intriguing game. I personally hate sokoban puzzles, yet I still had fun because the puzzles are well built, and I was rewarded to see the 'real story' after solving the puzzle, which makes this game outstanding and special.”
“I'm invested to see where the story goes, and the aesthetic is fantastic.”
“The goofy scraps of story don't add up to much, and none of it relates to the actual puzzles.”
“I don't fully understand the story, as it is confusing (I don't know, maybe there isn't even more to see story-wise), but the puzzles are really fun, and also intuitive.”
“There seem to be little bits of story that feel somewhat detached from each other, and it left me feeling a little bit confused at the end, but I personally don't really mind that, as I'm more in it for the puzzles.”
- humor9 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game effectively blends clever puzzles and spooky themes with a strong sense of humor, drawing on early internet culture and delivering unexpected comedic moments, particularly with its memorable horse-related jokes. Players appreciate the balance between creepy atmosphere and humor, noting that the jokes are well-crafted and enhance the overall experience without overwhelming the tension. Overall, the humor is described as enjoyable, surprising, and well-integrated into the gameplay.
“The game mixes clever puzzles, unnerving cursed graphics, funny encounters (rip the horse) and hilarious jokes related to the early internet/windows culture.”
“Thematically, Crossroad OS is successfully creepy and tense without resorting to jumpscares (aside from a couple very mild ones), and has a good sense of humor to keep things from feeling too melodramatic.”
“What I really loved was the perfect blend of spooky vibes and humor.”
- music7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The music in the game is consistently praised for enhancing the overall atmosphere, with many reviewers highlighting its quality and how it complements the visuals and gameplay. The soundtrack is described as immersive, contributing to a surreal and eerie experience, while also featuring unexpected themes like Metroid music. Overall, the combination of excellent music and visuals creates a captivating environment that enriches the puzzle-solving experience.
“A surreal little puzzle game with immaculate visuals, sounds, and music.”
“Great eerie atmosphere brought together with the game's soundtrack and amazing visuals reminiscent of old operating systems.”
“Atmosphere and music are really cool.”
“Crossroad OS is a pretty short puzzle game with interesting mechanics, a killer theme, and Metroid music for some reason?”
- stability3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Overall, the game exhibits a stable performance with only minor bugs that do not significantly impact gameplay. While some glitches may simplify certain puzzles, they are generally considered manageable and do not detract from the overall experience.
“As for the bad, it's a tad buggy, but it's not a big deal.”
“Slightly on the buggy side but nothing game-breaking.”
“It has great atmosphere, the puzzles are fun (though there are a few glitches, most of which make a few puzzles easier) and I thought it was a good balance of challenge and pacing.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players generally feel that the game's optimization offers excellent value for its low price, with many considering it a worthwhile investment for the performance it delivers.
“I personally think this game offers excellent cost performance; it's the best $4.99 I've ever spent.”
