For gamers yearning for the glory days of classic Japanese RPGs, Infinity Knights: Xross is shaping up to be a dream come true. Developed by three brothers in Australia, the ambitious action RPG for PS5 channels the spirit of 90s greats like Final Fantasy, Mana, and Dark Cloud – but with an innovative twist: up to three-player couch co-op.
“There always seemed to be a missing pixel game from our childhood that involved dynamically evolving and strategic, active combat,” explains developer Saxon Goodrick, “and we hope to bring that to our audiences through Infinity Knights: Xross.”
While drawing heavy inspiration from beloved retro RPGs, Xross aims to forge its own path by blending vibrant pixel art aesthetics with modern gameplay elements. At its core is an innovative combat system revolving around “The Armaments” – powerful weapons capable of reviving slain enemies to fight alongside players.
Stepping into the role of Xross, a new member of the enigmatic Infinity Knights, players will master these shape-shifting armaments while delving into static and procedurally generated dungeons. A deep, story-driven adventure intertwined with extensive kingdom-building mechanics awaits.
“We were inspired by titles such as Dark Cloud, Final Fantasy XI, and the Mana series to create something that combined the best parts of all our favorite games,” Goodrick states. “We are genuinely excited to use our wealth of gaming experience to create a new, old-school RPG with the benefits of modern qualities of life.”
Lending further pedigree is the involvement of renowned composer Hiroki Kikuta, whose iconic scores for Secret of Mana and Trials of Mana helped define the iconic SNES/PS1 JRPG sound. Kikuta is on board to provide the musical backdrop for Xross’ retro-futuristic world.
While still early in development ahead of a projected 2025 release on PS5, Steam, and Nintendo Switch, Infinity Knights: Xross is quickly generating buzz among RPG fans eager for a meaty adventure that pays loving homage to the classics while embracing innovative co-op gameplay.
With a team comprised of lifelong JRPG enthusiasts, an all-star composer, and seamless three-player couch co-op, Infinity Knights: Xross could very well become the next iconic action RPG – fusing nostalgia and ambition into one finely crafted adventure.