30XX takes the foundations of classic action platformers and reshapes them around the unpredictability and repeated progression of a modern roguelike. Developed and published by Batterystaple Games, it follows 20XX while significantly expanding the concept through randomized stages, distinct playable characters, cooperative multiplayer, persistent progression, and extensive customization. Instead of relying entirely on predetermined stages, the game constantly rearranges its challenges, creating an adventure where mechanical skill remains important but adaptability is equally essential.
Set roughly a thousand years after the events of 20XX, the story begins with the heroes awakening in a radically transformed world. Humanity has changed following the arrival of the Synthetic Mind, and civilization has lost much of the ambition that once pushed it toward the stars. The planet has become an unexpectedly lush yet restrictive environment, leaving the protagonists to discover what happened during their long absence and determine what remains worth saving. The premise gives context to the game's recurring cycle of fighting, failing, learning, and beginning again without allowing extensive storytelling to interfere with the pace of the action.
Movement is arguably the heart of the experience. 30XX emphasizes responsive jumping, rapid attacks, careful positioning, and demanding platforming, giving players the freedom to move through stages with considerable speed once they understand its mechanics. Combat frequently overlaps with environmental hazards, forcing players to think about where they are moving while simultaneously dealing with enemies. The controls are precise enough that difficult sequences generally feel like challenges that can be mastered rather than arbitrary obstacles. Failure consequently becomes part of learning how to move efficiently through increasingly dangerous situations.
Ace and Nina provide substantially different approaches to combat. Ace is suited to aggressive close-range play and possesses fast Techniques capable of producing satisfying combinations. Nina is built around ranged combat and a more experimental Power Fusion system, allowing acquired abilities to interact in interesting ways. The distinction between them greatly benefits replayability because changing characters can alter how players evaluate upgrades and approach enemies. Mastering one does not automatically mean mastering the other, giving the campaign additional depth beyond simply repeating randomized levels.
The roguelike structure is what most clearly separates 30XX from a conventional action platformer. Levels, items, and powers change between attempts, meaning players cannot depend entirely on memorizing an identical sequence of encounters. Each run becomes a combination of mechanical execution and improvisation as players determine how to make the most of whatever equipment and abilities become available. This creates satisfying moments when seemingly ordinary upgrades combine into an unexpectedly powerful build. At the same time, procedural generation inevitably means that some stage arrangements feel more compelling than others. Players who strongly prefer meticulously handcrafted campaigns may occasionally miss the deliberate pacing provided by traditional fixed levels.
Progression helps make repeated attempts worthwhile. Roguelike systems allow players to modify aspects of the experience and adjust its difficulty as they continue playing. More importantly, customization remains relevant after achieving a successful run, encouraging experienced players to continue experimenting rather than treating the first victory as the end of the game. The result is an effective balance between temporary run-specific discoveries and broader progression. Even unsuccessful attempts can contribute knowledge about enemies, movement techniques, upgrades, and character abilities.
The visual presentation complements the gameplay especially well. Detailed pixel-based spritework gives 30XX a strong connection to classic action platformers without making the presentation feel like a simple imitation of an older generation. Environments are colorful and energetic, while enemies, projectiles, hazards, and playable characters generally remain readable during fast encounters. That clarity becomes particularly important when combat and precise platforming occur simultaneously. The science-fiction setting also gives the colorful environments an interesting contrast with the more unsettling idea of humanity's radically altered future.
A particularly valuable addition is the robust level editor. Players are given tools based on those used to construct the game's own content and can create anything from individual level sections to complete custom campaigns. This substantially increases the potential longevity of 30XX. Procedural generation already ensures considerable variation, but custom content provides an alternative for players who want deliberately constructed challenges. It also transforms the game into a creative platform where dedicated players can explore level design instead of exclusively consuming existing stages.
Multiplayer further strengthens the package. Both local and online cooperative play are supported, allowing two players to experience the action together. Cooperative gameplay naturally changes the rhythm of encounters, particularly when Ace and Nina's contrasting abilities are used alongside one another. It is a meaningful addition because it builds directly upon the core mechanics rather than functioning as an unrelated secondary mode. Solo players are equally well served, however, so cooperation remains optional rather than necessary.
The main reservation comes from the same design philosophy responsible for much of the game's longevity. Roguelike repetition will not appeal equally to everyone. Losing a promising attempt can be frustrating, particularly after assembling a powerful collection of abilities, and procedural stages occasionally lack the carefully orchestrated flow of handcrafted platforming levels. Those who primarily want a straightforward campaign with permanent stage-by-stage advancement may find the repeated-run structure tiring. For players who enjoy gradually mastering mechanics and experimenting with changing builds, however, repetition becomes one of the game's strengths.
Ultimately, 30XX succeeds because its individual systems complement each other. Precise movement makes repeated attempts enjoyable, randomized content prevents those attempts from becoming completely predictable, two contrasting characters provide different combat philosophies, progression encourages continued experimentation, cooperative multiplayer adds another dimension to the action, and the editor extends the experience far beyond the standard campaign. Batterystaple Games has created a sequel that respects the traditions of fast 2D action platformers while confidently establishing its own identity through roguelike design. It demands patience and accepts failure as an essential component of progress, but players willing to embrace that philosophy will find an impressively replayable and mechanically rewarding adventure.
Rating: 9/10
