When you’ve been gaming long enough, it’s funny how certain things become second nature. I’ve reached a stage where I can tell within about ten minutes whether a game is my cup of tea. It’s not just about my personal tastes either. There are plenty of games outside my usual preferences that I end up really liking. It’s more like a gut instinct, which usually doesn’t lead me astray. This is why I believe you don’t always need to finish a game to write a fair review. As long as you’re fair, you can form a pretty solid opinion without playing the whole game. Game loops don’t change drastically, so if a game isn’t doing it for you in the first hour, it’s unlikely to win you over five hours later. I’m bringing this up because I’ve been digging into Cryptical Path on PC. By the time I wrapped up the tutorial, I knew I was hooked. I’ll delve into why, but I have a feeling it might just become one of my top games of 2025—and considering it’s only January, that’s quite the statement.
In Cryptical Path, you’re cast as The Architect. You’re summoned to the Hexium, a prison you’re in charge of, except now things have gone south. There’s a doppelganger on the loose, claiming to be in charge and not too thrilled about your presence. To complicate matters, it’s freed all the prisoners and altered them. You’ll need every ounce of your abilities to stop a bad situation from spiraling into chaos. Another entity roams around with skills very similar to yours, which certainly doesn’t help your cause.
Cryptical Path falls into the roguelite category, but it’s got its own twist. Instead of following a map, you’re creating it as you progress. You, as The Architect, are essentially crafting the Hexium and everything within it. That means monsters and rooms are of your own making. However, the tricky part is that The Doppelganger messes with your plans, so surprises abound. You wield power, but it’s not absolute, and having a lack of control in your own domain is somewhat unnerving.
As I hinted earlier, not everything will fall neatly into your plans in Cryptical Path. Crafting rooms is essential but comes at a cost. Your power has limits, and overextending it brings about negative effects. This is represented by control points, with each room requiring a certain amount to build. Falling below your control point threshold triggers curses. Initially minor irritations, they can quickly escalate if you’re not careful with your actions. So, a solid strategy is key.
At its core, Cryptical Path is another platform-based roguelite, but that hardly matters. Its mechanics are unique enough to keep things fresh, and what truly sets it apart is its style. The obvious love and dedication poured into this game make it instantly endearing.
Playing Cryptical Path is like diving into a beloved 90s cartoon. Imagine if Adult Swim adapted a long-running series into a game. It’s superbly pitched to capture older gamers with just the right amount of edge while retaining enough charm to captivate younger players. Honestly, if this popped up as a TV series tomorrow, I’d binge-watch every episode. It’s well-crafted, brimming with engaging characters, and above all, fun.
I do need to mention the controls in Cryptical Path. While many PC games suggest using a controller, it’s not always required. Yet, in this case, I strongly advise it. While the game is perfectly playable with a mouse and keyboard, a controller offers superior precision. It doesn’t mean you can’t manage without one, but it does enhance the experience. This won’t impact my score for the game, but it’s worth noting.
Reviewing Cryptical Path, I find myself at a loss for criticisms, which is rare. For fans of platformers, roguelites, or both, this game is an essential download. Don’t expect groundbreaking mechanics, but do anticipate a masterclass in game design. This is the title for you if you wish to see developers excel in their craft.
I have no complaints here, so I’ll wrap things up. Cryptical Path deserves a swift console release. I think it will be a hit among PS4, Xbox, and Switch players. The Architect is now one of my favorite characters, and I hope this game marks the start of an enduring franchise. Simply top-notch work!
