It’s not every day that we get to dive into a cross-platform review, and it’s always fascinating to see how a game holds up across different systems. Despite today’s advanced technology, experiences aren’t always equivalent across platforms. With that in mind, my fellow gaming aficionado, Albert Eres, and I decided to explore Crypt Custodian, a fresh Metroidvania that has recently made its appearance on both PC and console. I’ve been journeying through the game on the PS5, while Albert has been testing out the Switch version. Curious to see how both stack up? Let’s get started.
Crypt Custodian follows the whimsical tale of a cat who unexpectedly finds himself in the afterlife. For ludicrous reasons not worth delving into, he’s barred from entering heaven and is left outside The Palace. Armed with a broom, he’s tasked with tidying up the messy afterworld. Though the story leans towards the peculiar, it’s engagingly crafted, offering a delightful reprieve from games that take themselves too seriously. The quirkiness of the plot makes the journey through this world charming, which is commendable in a genre often defined by intense action rather than narrative. It’s refreshing to see a take on the Metroidvania formula that’s a little bit different.
One of the aspects I absolutely adore about Crypt Custodian is its top-down perspective, steering clear from the typical side-scrolling approach. Many Metroidvanias expand on platforming mechanics, but this game channels more of a Zelda: A Link to the Past vibe. For those like me who aren’t particularly fond of frantic platforming, this perspective is a welcome change, offering greater precision and less frustration.
As is customary with Metroidvanias, you can’t explore the entire map right off the bat. This necessitates some backtracking, ensuring you don’t encounter insurmountable challenges too early. You’ll gradually unlock areas as you gain the skills to tackle them, striking a balance between encouraging exploration and maintaining manageable difficulty. Crypt Custodian smartly avoids overwhelming players, which keeps the sense of progression satisfying.
The game brilliantly combines action and puzzles. For those eager to dive into combat, the options are plentiful, but battles are designed to challenge without pushing players to frustration. Similarly, the puzzles present enough of a mental test to engage without seeming overly complex. If you find yourself stumped on a puzzle, it’s likely due to a small oversight you’ll soon correct. This harmonious blend of combat and problem-solving keeps the pace engaging and immersive.
Crypt Custodian’s exploratory nature is enhanced by the wealth of collectibles scattered throughout its world. Some of these are vital upgrade points, hidden in initially inaccessible areas. Others include collectible cats, hidden in jars, which, when found and returned to their mother, provide rewards. The game’s convenient warp points make revisiting areas painless, offering an enjoyable break from combat.
Speaking of warp points, these wells function as your hubs for saving progress, equipping abilities, and teleporting. Finding them when entering a new area is crucial, though their location is never certain. This adds an edge to your exploration, as you might find yourself in a risky spot, low on health, and in unfamiliar territory—all the more reason for the palpable relief upon stumbling into the next safe haven.
Graphically, Crypt Custodian charms with a nostalgic arcade style. The sound design is spot on, and performance on the PS5 feels perfectly polished. As someone with a love-hate relationship with the Metroidvania genre—often due to my lack of platforming prowess—this game felt refreshingly frustration-free. Its retro RPG vibe and captivating gameplay hooked me from start to finish. For fans of the genre, Crypt Custodian is a must-play—an impeccable addition to my collection, one I’m eager to see through to its end.
Albert Eres
Crypt Custodian brings a refreshing twist to the action genre, which often feels overrun with Soulslike games nowadays. Drawing inspiration from timeless series like Zelda and Metroid, it sets itself apart by allowing a customizable experience that casual gamers are sure to appreciate. Its charming story, featuring none other than some delightful cats, adds an extra layer of appeal.
One standout feature is that regardless of difficulty setting, Crypt Custodian provides visual cues for enemy projectiles. In contrast to many modern games demanding mastery over untelegraphed attacks, here you can actually dodge incoming threats. The combat isn’t overly simplistic—some enemy attacks are swift and aggressive—but there’s predictability that allows for a smoother experience.
Additionally, the game offers customizable options impacting gameplay factors such as attack power and fall damage, giving players control over their gaming experience. This makes the game more accessible, especially for casual players who might typically abandon a game due to its difficulty, despite its compelling story and art style. On the Switch, however, there’s a minor inconvenience: certain assist settings occasionally reset, potentially a bug requiring attention.
Particularly appreciated is the extended puzzle time option. Most action games adjust difficulty levels through combat parameters, neglecting puzzle complexity. This option is a boon for players not keen on tight deadlines, making challenging puzzles more approachable. While many of these timed challenges are optional, giving you a chance for upgrade points, it’s a relief not needing to be a puzzle master to access them all.
For anyone out there who loves gaming casually, cherishes the classics like Zelda and Metroid, or just adores cats, Crypt Custodian comes highly recommended. Its endearing qualities, coupled with its player-friendly approach to difficulty, make it a standout title worth exploring.
Overall Score: 9/10
Crypt Custodian captures the essence of classic RPG and puzzle games, providing an engaging and pleasant experience without resorting to unnecessary difficulty spikes. We’ve both thoroughly enjoyed this game across different platforms, a testament to its quality. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it shines within its niche, making it a must-play for Metroidvania enthusiasts looking for something whimsical and thoroughly entertaining.
