There’s a certain magic to gaming where, after a while, some things just become second nature. It’s a bit odd, really, but I’m now at a stage where I can pretty much sense if I’m going to enjoy a game within just ten minutes of starting it. It’s not purely about personal preference, either. I’ve often been pleasantly surprised by games outside my usual picks, drawing me in with just a gut instinct. More often than not, my initial hunches tend to be spot on. Because of this, I believe that you don’t have to complete a game to offer a fair review—you just need to be unbiased. Game loops typically remain consistent, so if a game isn’t capturing your interest within the first hour, it’s unlikely to do so five hours later. The reason I bring this up is because I’ve been playing Cryptical Path on PC, and by the time I’d finished the tutorial, I was already hooked. I’ll get into the details soon, but this title might just end up as my favorite for 2025—and considering it’s only January, that’s a pretty bold statement.
In Cryptical Path, you play as The Architect. You’re drawn to the Hexium, a prison solely under your control, because things have gone haywire. A doppelganger has muscled in, declaring itself the new ruler and isn’t thrilled to see you, to say the least. Adding to the chaos, it’s released all the prisoners and transformed them somehow. It’s on you to employ every ounce of your power to prevent an already precarious situation from spiraling into complete havoc. And with a familiar entity roaming around with some eerily similar powers, things won’t be getting any simpler.
Cryptical Path stands out as a unique roguelite. It breaks away from the norm by not providing you with a preset map. Instead, you craft one as you go along. As The Architect, you’re in charge of building The Hexium, along with everything within it. This means the rooms you enter, including their monstrous occupants, are your creation. The twist is that you’re not entirely aware of what lies within due to the doppelganger’s interference. You wield great power, but not complete control, which can be a bit unsettling.
As I mentioned earlier, success isn’t guaranteed in Cryptical Path. Creating new spaces is necessary but costly. Your influence is finite and overreaching can lead to some unwanted consequences. The game measures this through control points. Constructing each room uses a certain number of these points, and if you go below what you’re allowed, curses come into play. These start as minor annoyances but can escalate if you’re not careful. So, strategizing becomes crucial.
Fundamentally, Cryptical Path might seem like another platform-based roguelite, but that should not deter you. The gameplay mechanics offer enough novelty to be intriguing, but it’s truly the game’s style that shines through. There’s an undeniable charm and effort invested in this game that makes it irresistible.
Playing Cryptical Path almost feels like being part of a 90s cartoon, and I mean that in the best possible way. It’s as if Adult Swim crafted a video game from a long-running series. It manages to be edgy and mature enough to keep older players invested while being lively enough to captivate younger gamers. Honestly, if it aired as a series tomorrow, I’d be glued to every episode. It’s well-scripted, packed with vibrant characters, and above all, it’s just plain fun.
Before I wrap this up, there’s one point about Cryptical Path that deserves a mention: the controls. While many PC games suggest using a control pad—though typically not necessary—this one certainly benefits from it. Though perfectly playable with a keyboard and mouse, I found that using a controller gives you an edge in precision. It’s not essential, but highly recommended for the best experience. This doesn’t detract from the game’s appeal; it’s just something to take note of.
I honestly can’t recall the last time I reviewed a game and struggled to find faults. With Cryptical Path, I’m hard-pressed to say anything negative. If platformers and roguelites are your jam, you absolutely need to grab this game. Don’t expect groundbreaking new mechanics, but do look forward to witnessing a prime example of developers executing things brilliantly. This game is worth your time.
So, there you have it. No complaints here, so I’ll just conclude by saying this: Cryptical Path needs a console release sooner rather than later. I’m confident it will be a smash hit with PS4, Xbox, and Switch players. The Architect is officially my new favorite character, and I’m hoping this is just the start of a franchise that we’ll all continue to enjoy. It’s truly remarkable!
Rating Summary:
- Look and Feel: 10/10
- Controls and UI: 10/10
- Story: 10/10
- Replayability: 10/10
- Overall: 10/10
Cryptical Path is a must-play for roguelite and platform enthusiasts. It’s been a while since characters in a game drew me in to such an extent, and I eagerly await more from them. This is a game I’ll keep coming back to and one I wholeheartedly recommend. Pure excellence!
