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There’s an intriguing aspect to gaming that, once you’ve been at it long enough, you start picking up on particular instincts. It’s a bit odd, but I’m at a stage where I just need about ten minutes with a game to sense if it’s my cup of tea. This isn’t strictly about taste. There have been countless instances where I’ve dabbled with games outside my usual selection and found them amazing; it’s more of a gut reaction. Most of the time, this feeling is spot-on. That’s why I often say you don’t need to finish a game entirely to provide a balanced review; fairness is key. Game loops tend to follow a consistent pattern, so if it’s not clicking in the first hour, chances are it won’t five hours down the road. This realization struck me while playing Cryptical Path on PC. I knew by the end of the tutorial that I was hooked. I’ll break down why that is, but let me just say this might become one of my favorite games of 2025. And considering we’re only in January, that’s quite something.
In Cryptical Path, you step into the role of The Architect. You’re summoned to the Hexium, a sort of prison you control because things have gone haywire. A doppelganger has seized control and isn’t thrilled about your appearance. To complicate things further, it’s released all the prisoners and altered them. You’ll need to utilize your abilities to prevent an already precarious situation from spiraling into total chaos. The fact that another entity is roaming around with powers that are unsettlingly familiar doesn’t help your predicament.
What makes Cryptical Path stand out is its captivating twist on the roguelite genre. Instead of following a predefined map, you create one as you progress. As The Architect, you construct The Hexium and control the internal elements. So, every room you enter, monsters included, is placed by you. The twist? You have no clue what challenges lie ahead due to The Doppelganger’s interference. While you have significant control, it’s unnerving not to have it all in your newly chaotic realm.
Here’s where it gets interesting: not everything in Cryptical Path will go your way. Designing rooms is essential but costly. Your power can only stretch so far before adverse effects kick in. The game illustrates this through control points—every room you build costs points, and falling short attracts curses. Initially small annoyances, these quickly become significant problems if you’re not vigilant. Strategic planning is recommended to navigate these challenges successfully.
At its core, Cryptical Path might seem like another platform-based roguelite. Yet that doesn’t matter here. Its mechanics offer enough variety to be intriguing, but what truly sets it apart is its style. It’s evident that an immense amount of care and creativity went into this game, making it easy to fall head over heels for it.
Cryptical Path delivers a delightful trip down memory lane, reminiscent of a 90s cartoon, but with a contemporary twist. It feels as if Adult Swim crafted a video game from a beloved series—striking the perfect balance of edginess and maturity to captivate older players while maintaining the allure necessary to engross a younger audience. Honestly, if this were to debut as a new series on TV, I’d be the first to binge-watch every episode. It’s cleverly written, brimming with fascinating characters, and above all, it’s a blast to play.
One noteworthy aspect of Cryptical Path is its controls. While many PC games suggest using a gamepad, this isn’t always essential. However, in this case, I strongly recommend a controller. I’ve tried both methods, and a controller affords more precision. This recommendation doesn’t knock any points off the game; it’s simply worth noting for the optimal experience.
It’s been a while since I’ve reviewed a game where I couldn’t pinpoint any significant flaws, but Cryptical Path has made that task quite difficult. If you’re a fan of platformers, roguelites, or both, you absolutely must give this a go. While it doesn’t revolutionize game mechanics, it showcases masterful development, making it a game you won’t want to miss.
To sum it all up, Cryptical Path needs a console release soon. I believe it will resonate well with PS4, Xbox, and Switch owners. The Architect has quickly become a favorite character, and I hope this is just the start of a series that will entertain us for years to come. Stellar work all around!
Final Verdict: "Hexiyummy!"
- Look and Feel: 10/10
- Controls and UI: 10/10
- Story: 10/10
- Replayability: 10/10
Overall: 10/10
Building Something Awesome
Cryptical Path is an essential play for fans of the roguelite and platformer genres. It’s been a while since I’ve been this captivated by characters, eagerly anticipating what’s next. I wholeheartedly recommend diving into this game—fantastic work all around!
