There’s a certain magic in gaming; once you’ve immersed yourself into it long enough, you start developing instincts about games. It’s quirky, but I’ve reached the stage where within just ten minutes of playing, I can tell if I’ll enjoy a game. It’s not necessarily about personal tastes, either. I’ve often found myself captivated by games outside my usual favorites. It’s more like a gut feeling—and it usually hits the mark. That’s why I’m convinced you don’t have to finish a game to give it a balanced review. You need to be fair. If a game’s not doing it for you in the first hour, chances are it won’t transform into a masterpiece five hours later. This all came to mind because I’ve been playing Cryptical Path on PC, and by the time I’d finished the tutorial, I was smitten. As we delve further, I’ll explain why, but right now, it’s safe to say this might end up being one of my favorite games of 2025. And considering it’s only January, that’s saying a lot.
In Cryptical Path, you step into the role of The Architect. You’re summoned to the Hexium—a prison of your control—because things have gone terribly wrong. A doppelganger has usurped command, claiming to be the master, and clearly isn’t thrilled about your arrival. Worse still, it’s unleashed all the prisoners and transformed them. Stopping this chaos from spiraling out of control requires every bit of your power. Yet, having a familiar presence with similar abilities prowling the halls makes things more complicated.
Cryptical Path spices up the roguelite genre with a unique twist. Instead of following a set map, you create one as you go. As The Architect, you construct and govern the Hexium, meaning each room, along with its monsters, is brought to life by you. However, the downside is The Doppelganger’s influence clouds the picture. So, while you wield immense power, you don’t have it all, which is a bit unsettling especially in your own domain.
As I’ve already pointed out, Cryptical Path won’t always bend to your will. Building rooms is essential but costly. Your powers stretch only so far before adverse effects start to creep in. Control points in the game dictate room building. Exhausting these points brings about a curse. Initially, these curses are minor nuisances but can escalate quickly if you’re not careful. Hence, some strategy is highly recommended.
At its core, Cryptical Path might sound like just another platform-based roguelite. But honestly, that doesn’t matter. The mechanics are innovative enough to keep you engaged, but what truly captivates is its style. The game brims with such love and craftsmanship that falling for it is almost inevitable.
Playing Cryptical Path feels like diving into a nostalgic 90s cartoon in the best possible way. It’s reminiscent of what an Adult Swim series might look like as a video game—perfectly edgy and adult enough to reel in veteran players while retaining an allure that could mesmerize younger audiences. If this showed up as a new TV series, I’d undoubtedly binge every episode. It’s witty, with intriguing characters, and above all, it’s an entertaining ride.
Now, let’s talk about controls. Many games advise using a control pad, but you can often manage fine without one. However, with Cryptical Path, I’d strongly suggest playing with a controller. Though you can use a mouse and keyboard, you’ll likely find better precision with a controller. This isn’t a deal breaker, just a tip for enhancing your experience.
I honestly can’t recall the last time I reviewed a game and struggled to find flaws. Cryptical Path is such a game. If you’re a fan of platformers or roguelites, it’s a must-download. It may not revolutionize mechanics but stands as a shining example of developers excelling at their craft.
So, that’s my take—no negative notes here. Cryptical Path deserves a console release pronto. I believe it will be a hit with PS4, Xbox, and Switch players. The Architect has cemented itself as my new favorite character, and I’m hopeful this is the start of a franchise we’ll be celebrating for years to come. Fantastic game all around!
