There’s a certain vibe in gaming where, after you’ve been a gamer for a while, things just click. It might sound strange, but I’ve reached a stage where I can almost instantly sense whether I’ll enjoy a game—often after just ten minutes of playing. It’s not just about personal taste either. Many times, I’ve tried games way outside my usual likes and ended up thoroughly enjoying them. It’s more of an instinctual thing, and oddly enough, it’s usually spot on. That’s why I often say you don’t need to finish every game to write a fair review; what’s crucial is being impartial. Game mechanics don’t change drastically, so if a game doesn’t captivate you in the initial hour, chances are it won’t in five hours either. So, with that in mind, let me tell you about Cryptical Path on PC. Even by the end of the tutorial, I was hooked. This might just be my favorite game of 2025, and we’re only in January—so that’s a bold statement to make.
In Cryptical Path, you step into the role of The Architect. You’ve been summoned to the Hexium, a sort of prison under your control, but things are now awry. A doppelganger has taken over, declaring itself the new master and is thoroughly unimpressed by you entering its domain. To complicate matters even further, all the prisoners have been released and… altered. You must harness every ounce of your power to prevent a bad situation from spiraling into absolute chaos. And the fact that there’s another entity prowling around with some eerily similar abilities isn’t going to make your task any easier.
Cryptical Path spins the roguelite genre on its head in a fascinating way. This isn’t about navigating a pre-made map; you’re crafting one as you progress. As The Architect, you’re in charge of constructing The Hexium and managing everything inside it. This means every room you enter, monsters and all, is your doing. The catch? The doppelganger’s influence means you have no idea what’s lurking in these rooms. Sure, you have power—but not total power. And in a place that’s supposedly under your control, that’s more than a little unsettling.
But here’s the thing—things won’t always go your way in Cryptical Path. Building rooms is a necessity, but it comes with its own risks and costs. Your control only stretches so far before you start facing negative consequences. The game portrays this with control points—every room costs a certain number. Dip below your limit, and a curse comes your way. These curses start as minor inconveniences but can escalate rapidly if you’re not careful. So, employing a solid strategy is more than just advised—it’s essential.
At its foundation, Cryptical Path is another platform-based roguelite. But don’t let that deter you. It’s not about being different for the sake of being different; it’s about how the mechanics and style come together. The game’s magic isn’t just what it’s doing mechanically but how it’s doing it. There’s so much love and craftsmanship poured into this title that falling for it is almost inevitable.
It feels like diving into a ’90s cartoon, in all the right ways. Imagine if Adult Swim designed a game from a long-loved series. That’s how you craft something that’s just edgy and mature enough to capture the older audience’s interest while retaining all the charm necessary to keep younger gamers engaged. Honestly, if this turned up as a TV series, I’d be all in, binging every episode. It’s well-written, brimming with engaging characters, and above all else—fun.
One thing worth mentioning about Cryptical Path is the gameplay controls. Although many PC games suggest using a gamepad, it’s not always essential. Yet, in this case, using a controller might significantly enhance your experience. I typically test both keyboard and mouse setups and controller options, but I believe you’ll find more precision with a controller here. While you can manage without it, it might not be the smoothest journey. This isn’t a flaw of the game per se, just a heads-up.
Rarely have I been this captivated writing a review—to the point where I’m genuinely struggling to pinpoint any negatives. If you’re fond of platformers, roguelites, or a mix of both, downloading this game is a no-brainer. Don’t expect a revolution in mechanics, but do anticipate a masterclass in excellent game design. Without a doubt, it’s the game for you.
So, that’s a wrap. I’ve got no criticisms left, so I’ll conclude by saying this: Cryptical Path desperately needs a console launch. This game is bound to be a terrific hit with PS4, Xbox, and Switch gamers. The Architect is quickly becoming my favorite game character, and I hope this marks the beginning of a series we’ll enjoy for years. Stellar work all around!
