After years of gaming, I’ve developed this knack where I can pretty much tell if I’m going to enjoy a game in the first ten minutes. It’s not just about my preferences, though. I’ve often found myself engrossed in games that I wouldn’t normally choose. It’s more of an instinctual thing, really. Most of the time, my gut instinct is right. That’s why I believe you don’t need to finish a game to give an honest review; you just have to be fair. Typically, game loops don’t change much, so if you find the first hour off-putting, it likely won’t get any better five hours in. This brings me to Cryptical Path on PC. By the time I’d finished the tutorial, I’d already fallen for it. I’ll get into the reasons as we go along, but suffice it to say, this might just be one of my top picks for 2025. And since we’re only in January, that’s quite the statement.
In Cryptical Path, you’re embodying The Architect. Your presence is required at the Hexium—a kind of prison under your control—because everything’s going haywire. A doppelganger has claimed authority over the place, and it clearly doesn’t approve of your arrival. To make things worse, it’s set all the prisoners free and done something to them. It’s up to you to manage your powers to prevent chaos from worsening. Keep in mind, there’s another being wandering about with skills eerily similar to your own.
Cryptical Path is a roguelite, but it’s rather unique in its approach. Instead of following a pre-designed map, you’re crafting your own journey through the Hexium. As The Architect, you decide what each room looks like, monsters included. However, under the doppelganger’s influence, you can’t predict what’s waiting for you. This power struggle in your own territory adds a thrilling complexity to the experience.
Things don’t always go your way in Cryptical Path. Creating rooms is crucial yet costly. Your influence has limits, with adverse effects looming as you expend your control points. Construct a room without enough points, and you’ll incur a curse. At first, they’re just minor hassles, but they can evolve into major challenges if you’re not cautious. Planning is key.
At its core, Cryptical Path might sound like just another roguelite platformer. But it stands out because of its unique style. The game embodies a sense of craftsmanship that you can’t help but adore.
Cryptical Path plays like an animated 90s series in the best possible way. It’s as if a longstanding series from Adult Swim was given videogame form. It perfectly captures that edgy, mature vibe that keeps older gamers engaged, while still maintaining an appeal that draws younger players. Honestly, if it were to debut as a TV show tomorrow, I’d be glued to the screen. The narrative is sharp, the characters grab your interest, and above all, it’s entertaining.
A quick note about controls: many games suggest using a controller on PC, and more often than not, it’s not necessary. While Cryptical Path can be played with a mouse and keyboard, I would strongly recommend using a controller for better precision. It’s not mandatory, but it’s certainly optimal. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s worth highlighting.
I rarely find myself at a loss for criticisms in a review. Yet, with Cryptical Path, I’ve encountered that rare instance where it’s tough to pinpoint any significant flaws. If you’re into platformers or roguelites, you need this game in your life. Expecting something entirely ground-breaking isn’t necessary—just immerse yourself in the expert design and execution this game offers.
Cryptical Path deserves a console release soon because it’s bound to be a hit with PS4, Xbox, and Switch fans. The Architect is now firmly my favorite protagonist, and I hope this is just the start of a long-lasting franchise. A fantastic effort all around!
Rating Summary:
– Look and Feel: 10/10
– Controls and UI: 10/10
– Story: 10/10
– Replayability: 10/10
Overall Score: 10/10
Cryptical Path is essential for fans of roguelites and platformers. It’s been a while since I’ve been so invested in game characters, eagerly awaiting more from them. This is a game I’ll revisit time and again, and I wholeheartedly recommend it. Simply excellent!
