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Cross of the Dutchman similar games & best alternatives

Cross of the Dutchman

PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Linux • 2015

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Quick resume

Cross of the Dutchman is an action adventure game based on the true story of the folk legend 'Pier Gerlofs Donia'. The story takes place in medieval Western Europe, in the province of Frisia, near the turn of the 16th century.

Global score

75/100

Genres

Action, Adventure, Indie, Role-playing (RPG)

Similar games

    Pros

    • Engaging historical story
    • Colorful and charming art style
    • Simple and accessible combat
    • Good soundtrack and sound design
    • Easy achievements and upgrades

    Cons

    • Very short game length
    • Limited replay value
    • Linear gameplay with backtracking
    • Basic and repetitive combat
    • Annoying stealth sections with restarts

    Analysis

    A very typical example of its motivational profile. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Strategy, Survival, Competence, Violence. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Violence, Leadership. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Continuation.

    How to use the graph
    Similar games map

    Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Motivations” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

    • Larger dot with a light outline: the game you are viewing.
    • Colour: groups of games with comparable motivation patterns (statistical clusters).
    • Hover a dot to see the game name; click to open its page.
    • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

    Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers.

    Motivations

    • Autonomy
      3

      "Players have freedom to explore the map, choose upgrades, and approach combat and stealth sections with some personal pacing, though the story progression is linear."

    • Competence
      2

      "Combat is simple with two main attacks and some upgrades; stealth sections add minor challenge but overall gameplay is easy and accessible."

    • Competition
      -4

      "No evidence of competitive modes or player comparison; focus is on single-player story and personal achievement."

    • Continuation
      -3

      "Short game (~3-4 hours) with low replay value; players complete it in one or two sessions and often do not return unless for achievements."

    • Cooperation
      -4

      "Single-player experience with no multiplayer or cooperative gameplay elements."

    • Creativity
      -2

      "Limited customization beyond choosing upgrades; gameplay follows a linear path with predefined story and missions."

    • Domination
      -4

      "No social dominance or power over others; interactions are story-driven and single-player focused."

    • Escapism
      3

      "Players enjoy a historical fantasy setting and immersive story as a form of escape and entertainment."

    • Expectation
      -4

      "Players engage voluntarily for enjoyment and interest in the story; no obligation or external pressure noted."

    • Experimenting
      -2

      "Gameplay is straightforward and repetitive with limited experimentation; some minor variation in combat upgrades."

    • Exploration
      2

      "Small open world with some exploration of points of interest and hidden chests, but overall linear and limited map."

    • Expression
      -3

      "Minimal character customization or self-expression; mostly fixed character appearance and linear story."

    • Fantasy
      2

      "Historical setting with some artistic license and stylized presentation, blending realistic and imaginative elements."

    • Fellowship
      -4

      "No social or community features; solo play with limited NPC interactions."

    • Growth
      2

      "Players improve character abilities via upgrades and learn simple combat mechanics; limited depth."

    • Health
      -5

      "No physical activity or health-related gameplay elements; typical sedentary gaming experience."

    • Idle
      -3

      "Requires player attention and active engagement; no idle or background gameplay."

    • Intimacy
      -4

      "Limited emotional connection mainly through story; no social or close relationship building."

    • Leadership
      1

      "Player leads the protagonist and his allies in story but no group management or multiplayer leadership."

    • Progression
      3

      "Progression through collecting gold, upgrading skills and abilities, and unlocking achievements."

    • Relaxation
      3

      "Generally relaxing and accessible gameplay with a lighthearted tone and simple mechanics."

    • Sensation
      2

      "Colorful visuals, satisfying combat animations, and fitting soundtrack provide sensory enjoyment."

    • Status
      -4

      "No social status or recognition systems; achievements are personal and not socially comparative."

    • Story
      4

      "Strong narrative focus with historical story, character development, and hand-drawn cutscenes."

    • Strategy
      -2

      "Combat and gameplay are simple and straightforward with minimal strategic depth."

    • Thrill
      0

      "Some tension in stealth sections but overall gameplay is low risk and not highly suspenseful."

    • Value
      3

      "Good perceived value for price, especially on sale; short but enjoyable experience."

    • Violence
      3

      "Combat involves fighting and defeating enemies with fists and sword; moderate level of cartoonish violence."

    • Survival
      -2

      "Some challenge in avoiding death and stealth sections, but mostly stable and forgiving gameplay."

    Where to buy

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    Last update: 29/04/2026