You know, after a while in gaming, certain things just become second nature. It sounds odd, but I’ve reached a stage where I can practically sense if a game is going to click for me within just ten minutes of playing. It’s not exactly about personal preference because I’ve often enjoyed games that I wouldn’t have typically gone for. Rather, it’s this gut instinct that kicks in. Most of the time, I’m spot on. That’s why I believe that to review a game fairly, you don’t have to complete it all the way; you just need a balanced approach. Game mechanics don’t drastically change as you progress, so if you’re not feeling a game in the first hour, chances are, it won’t get better after five. I bring this all up because while I was playing Cryptical Path on my PC, I realized by the end of the tutorial that I was smitten. As we dive into this review, you’ll understand why this could easily become one of my top picks for 2025, even though we’ve only just kicked off the new year.
In Cryptical Path, you assume the role of The Architect, summoned to a peculiar prison called the Hexium. Here, you’re in charge, but something’s gone terribly wrong. A doppelganger has taken over, not only claiming ownership but also dismissing your return. Even worse, it’s unleashed the prisoners, and they’re changed. Using all your unique abilities, you’re tasked with containing this spiraling chaos. It’s not going to be easy, especially with another familiar entity wandering around.
Cryptical Path identifies as a roguelite, yet it stands apart with its fascinating twist. Instead of navigating pre-designed maps, you’re crafting them on the fly. As The Architect, you construct the Hexium and control its every nook. Yet, The Doppelganger’s influence ensures you’re never quite sure what threats might guard your creations. While you have power, it’s not absolute, especially when unwanted guests crash the party in your own domain.
Navigating Cryptical Path requires strategic thinking. Building rooms is essential but pricey, stretching your control and attracting undesirable effects when overextended. The game measures this through control points. If your points fall short, you attract curses, initially minor but quickly escalating if ignored. Careful planning is paramount if you want to thrive.
Beneath its surface, Cryptical Path might seem like another roguelite platformer, but this hardly matters. It stands out with its unique mechanics and undeniable charm. The developers clearly poured immense care into creating something special here, resulting in a game that’s captivating from the get-go.
Playing Cryptical Path feels like diving into a 90s animated series—flawlessly retro. It’s akin to if Adult Swim decided to transform one of its shows into a game. It nails that subtle edge that holds adult gamers’ interest while ensuring it still appeals to younger players. Frankly, if this were a TV series, I’d binge-watch it in a heartbeat. Its compelling characters and fun narrative make it irresistibly engaging.
A little advice on controls: while many PC games suggest a controller, you can often get by without one. Cryptical Path is an exception. While you can use a mouse and keyboard, a controller significantly enhances your accuracy and overall experience. It’s a suggestion worth considering, even though it won’t dock any points from the game.
It’s rare for me to struggle finding faults while writing a review, yet here I am. Cryptical Path is this rare gem, and fans of roguelite or platform games should absolutely download it. Don’t expect groundbreaking mechanics, but anticipate a masterclass in game design. This title is here to impress.
In conclusion, I have nothing negative to highlight, so I’ll wrap this up. Cryptical Path deserves a console release ASAP. It’s bound to delight PS4, Xbox, and Switch players alike. The Architect is my new favorite character, and I eagerly await more installments in what I hope becomes a lasting IP. Exceptional work all around!
Hexiyummy!
- Look and Feel: 10/10
- Controls and UI: 10/10
- Story: 10/10
- Replayability: 10/10
Overall: 10/10
Summary: Building something awesome – Cryptical Path is an essential play for any roguelite or platformer aficionado. It’s been ages since I’ve been this drawn to a game’s characters, looking forward to more from them. This is a game I’ll return to often and one I highly recommend. Stellar all around!
