Playing video games for years turns certain things into second nature, almost like a sixth sense. It’s funny, but I’m now able to gauge whether a game is going to be my cup of tea within just a few minutes of diving into it. It’s not merely about personal tastes. I’ve found unexpected gems in genres I typically shy away from, largely thanks to an intuitive gut feeling. This instinct tends to be on point, which is why I believe you don’t need to complete a game to provide a fair and balanced review. If a game doesn’t click with me initially, it’s unlikely to flip things around hours later. This reflection brings me to Cryptical Path on PC. I was hooked by the end of its tutorial. It’s early in the year, but this could very well be one of my top picks for 2025, and that’s saying something given we’ve just started January.
In Cryptical Path, you don the mantle of The Architect, tasked with restoring order to the Hexium, a prison under your rule that’s facing a dire situation. A doppelganger has seized control, claiming your title and expressing displeasure with your presence. On top of that, the prisoners are now on the loose and altered. You’ll need every ounce of power to avert chaos, particularly with this entity wielding abilities much like yours roaming about.
Cryptical Path walks the line of a roguelite but offers a unique twist. Instead of following a set map, you create it as you progress. You’re in charge of building and managing The Hexium, which means the rooms you encounter are of your own making. However, The Doppelganger’s influence means you can’t predict what lies in wait. That mix of power and helplessness in your domain keeps things thrillingly unsettling.
As exciting as it is, not everything aligns favorably in Cryptical Path. Constructing rooms is essential but costly. Your reach has limitations before unwanted side effects come into play. This is measured by control points necessary to build each room, and should you fall short, curses are your unwelcome guests. At first, these might just annoy you, but they can escalate if you aren’t strategic about your choices.
Fundamentally, Cryptical Path may seem like another platformer roguelite. However, this doesn’t diminish its charm. It stands out with mechanics that are refreshingly different and a style that breathes life into the game. It’s evident the developers poured their hearts into it, earning it immediate affection.
Playing Cryptical Path feels akin to experiencing a 90s cartoon brought to life as a game. It’s like Adult Swim crafted a video game based on its long-running series: perfectly edgy and mature to keep veteran players engaged, while youthfully appealing to captivate younger gamers. If this became a series on TV, I’d binge every single episode. It’s cleverly written with quirky characters and is, above all, genuinely entertaining.
A note on controls: many games suggest controllers for PC but often they’re not vital. In Cryptical Path’s case, a controller is highly recommended for a seamless experience. While I typically try both ways, using a controller here leads to far more accuracy. It’s not a must, but it enhances gameplay significantly, although this doesn’t detract from the game’s merits.
Finding substantial criticism for Cryptical Path proved unexpectedly challenging. If you love platforms or roguelites—or both—seize the opportunity to download this gem. Approach without expecting groundbreaking mechanics and relish the superb execution brought by the developers.
Cryptical Path deserves to launch on consoles soon. PS4, Xbox, and Switch owners are in for a treat with this one. The Architect now holds the top spot as my favorite character, and I hope this marks the dawn of an enduring franchise. Spectacular work all around!
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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 a must-play for fans of roguelites and platformers. It has been a long time since I’ve connected with characters so much that I’m eager to see more. It’s a game I’ll keep playing for a long while, and I wholeheartedly recommend it. Truly excellent all around!
