There’s a certain intuition that develops when you’ve been gaming for years. It’s almost uncanny—after just a brief ten-minute session, I can usually tell if I’m going to vibe with a game. Now, this isn’t simply about personal taste. There have been countless times when I’ve stepped out of my usual genres and ended up loving a game, all based on that instinctual feeling. Typically, this gut reaction is spot on. That’s why I often say you don’t need to complete a game to provide a thoughtful review; fairness is key. Game mechanics tend to remain consistent, so if a game isn’t clicking within the first hour, it’s unlikely to transform into something stellar five hours later. I’m mentioning this because I recently started playing Cryptical Path on PC, and by the end of the tutorial, I was already head over heels. I’ll delve into why as we continue, but I dare say it might already be a top contender for my favorite game of 2025—and we’re just in January.
In Cryptical Path, you assume the role of The Architect, summoned to a place called Hexium. It’s sort of a prison under your control, but things have become disastrously out of hand. A rogue doppelganger has seized control, pretends to be the master of the domain, and is none too happy with your return. If that weren’t enough, the prisoners have been unleashed and altered in disturbing ways. You’ll need to wield all your abilities to prevent the situation from spiraling into full-blown chaos. To complicate matters, there’s an entity roaming around with eerily familiar powers.
Cryptical Path is an intriguing roguelite but with a twist. Instead of following a pre-determined map, you create it as you progress. You, as The Architect, construct Hexium and oversee all within its bounds, meaning every room and creature is placed by your hands. However, thanks to The Doppelganger’s interference, you don’t have full control over what’s guarding these rooms. Your powers are mighty, yet not absolute, which adds a layer of tension when faced with threats in your domain.
Not everything in Cryptical Path is straightforward, as you’d expect. Constructing rooms is a necessary, albeit costly task. Your influence can only stretch so far before adverse effects set in, represented through control points. Each room you build requires a certain number of these points. Dropping below your available tally triggers curses—minor nuisances at first, but if ignored, they escalate rapidly. So, a tactical approach is warranted.
At its core, Cryptical Path might appear to be a standard platform-based roguelite, but don’t be fooled. The mechanics offer a fresh spin, yet the true charm lies in its style. It’s evident that immense care and passion have been poured into this game, which makes it instantly captivating.
Playing Cryptical Path feels like stepping into a ’90s cartoon, but in a delightful, nostalgic sense. Imagine if Adult Swim crafted a video game inspired by a long-standing series. It strikes the perfect balance—edgy enough for seasoned players while maintaining a charm that resonates with younger gamers. Honestly, if it debuted as a new TV series, I’d be glued to every episode. The writing is sharp, the characters are intriguing, and above all, it’s just plain fun.
A quick tip about Cryptical Path’s controls: While many PC games recommend using a controller for ease, in this case, I’d strongly endorse it. Although it’s playable with mouse and keyboard, a controller greatly enhances precision. This isn’t a drawback, but rather a suggestion for optimizing your experience.
As I write this, I’m hard-pressed to find significant drawbacks in Cryptical Path. It’s one of those rare gems where criticism feels forced. If you love platformers or roguelites, this is a must-download. It doesn’t attempt to reinvent the wheel mechanically, but it’s a masterclass in excellent game design.
Frankly, I can’t find anything not to like, so I’ll wrap up here. Cryptical Path deserves a console release ASAP, as PS4, Xbox, and Switch players are bound to adore it. The Architect might just be my new favorite character, and I truly hope this is the start of a long-running franchise. Simply stellar across the board!
Review Overview:
- Look and Feel: 10/10
- Controls and UI: 10/10
- Story: 10/10
- Replayability: 10/10
Overall, Cryptical Path is a masterpiece for roguelite and platform enthusiasts. The characters have genuinely captivated me, and I eagerly anticipate what comes next. This game is bound to be a staple in my collection, and I thoroughly recommend it. Exceptional work all around!
