REVIEW / Cryptical Path for PC

As someone who’s spent countless hours diving into the world of gaming, there’s this intuitive feeling you develop over time. It’s almost uncanny how, within just the first ten minutes of playing, I can often predict whether a game is going to be my cup of tea. It’s not strictly about personal preferences either. I’ve surprised myself by enjoying games that I thought were well outside my usual interests. It’s more of a gut reaction that tends to be pretty accurate. That’s why I always emphasize that a fair review doesn’t necessarily require playing through the entire game—it’s more about assessing it with an open mind. If the gameplay doesn’t click in the first hour, it’s unlikely to get better after several more. This brings me to my current experience with Cryptical Path on PC. By the end of the tutorial, I was already hooked. I’ll delve into the reasons as we proceed, but this title might just become a favorite of 2025, despite it being only January.

In Cryptical Path, you take on the role of The Architect, summoned to the Hexium—a prison you govern—because of a significant problem. A doppelganger has usurped control, claiming dominance over the area and isn’t pleased about your intervention. To escalate matters, it’s released all the prisoners and transformed them in mysterious ways. It’s up to you to utilize every bit of your power to prevent this volatile situation from turning into utter mayhem. And having another entity with a disturbingly similar skill set roaming around doesn’t make your task any easier.

Cryptical Path is a roguelite with a fascinating twist. Instead of following a set map, you’re tasked with creating it as you progress. As The Architect, you have the capability to construct The Hexium and manage everything inside it. However, the challenge lies in The Doppelganger’s unpredictable influence over what’s behind each door. You wield immense power, yet it’s not absolute, which can be a bit unsettling within your own territory.

The mechanics aren’t always in your favor with Cryptical Path. Constructing rooms is crucial, but it’s costly. Power has its limits, and once you overextend, the game introduces negative consequences known as curses. Each room requires control points to be built. If you surpass your available points, these curses initially start as inconspicuous hassles but quickly escalate if not managed strategically. As a result, a thoughtful approach is recommended.

While Cryptical Path could simply be another platform-based roguelite on paper, it doesn’t come off as ordinary. Unique mechanics keep things engaging, but what truly captivates is its style. The effort and dedication poured into crafting this game shine through, making it irresistibly charming.

Playing Cryptical Path feels akin to stepping into a 90s animated series, capturing the essence of an Adult Swim show turned into a video game. It’s edgy yet appealing to both older gamers seeking nostalgia and teenagers looking for something fresh. If it were broadcast as a TV series, I’d binge-watch it without hesitation. The storyline is well-crafted, boasting intriguing characters and, importantly, an enjoyable gaming experience.

A noteworthy mention regarding Cryptical Path is related to its controls. While many games suggest using a controller, which is often optional on PC, here it significantly enhances play. While navigating with a keyboard and mouse is feasible, using a controller translates to better accuracy and an overall smoother experience. This observation doesn’t detract from the game’s quality, but it’s worth mentioning for optimal gameplay.

Interestingly, I’m finding it challenging to nitpick Cryptical Path—it genuinely doesn’t have many drawbacks. Fans of platformers and roguelites should definitely give it a try. While it may not introduce groundbreaking mechanics, it exemplifies mastery in game design. It’s a game you’ll keep returning to and wholeheartedly recommend.

In conclusion, I find myself with only praise for Cryptical Path. A console launch would certainly expand its audience and resonate well with PS4, Xbox, and Switch players. The Architect has easily become my favorite character, and I hope this heralds a long-lasting IP that we can enjoy well into the future. Simply stellar work all around!

As for scores: Look and Feel 10/10, Controls and UI 10/10, Story 10/10, Replayability 10/10—an overall perfect score of 10/10. Cryptical Path stands out in the gaming landscape, deserving of all the attention it garners.