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You know, there’s something about playing games for a long time that makes certain aspects second nature. It’s a bit odd, but now I can often tell if I’m going to enjoy a game within just ten minutes of playtime. This isn’t strictly about my personal preferences; I’ve ventured outside my comfort zone and ended up loving games that I never expected to. It’s more of a gut instinct, and usually, it’s spot on. That’s why I believe you don’t have to complete a game to provide a fair review—you just need to be balanced in your approach. Game mechanics don’t shift much over time, so if you’re not vibing with a game in the first hour, it’s unlikely that five more hours will change that. I’m sharing this insight because I recently tried Cryptical Path on PC and knew by the tutorial’s end that I was completely hooked. So, let me walk you through why I think this game might end up being one of my top picks for 2025, and we’re only in January!
In Cryptical Path, you step into the role of The Architect. You’ve been summoned to the Hexium—a peculiar prison under your complete control—since things have spiralled out of control. A doppelganger has seized power, claiming to be in charge and isn’t exactly thrilled with your arrival. As if that wasn’t enough, this imposter has releasee all the prisoners and, well, let’s just say, altered them. You’re tasked with using all of your powers to prevent the situation from devolving into full-blown chaos. Having another entity roaming around with skills eerily similar to yours certainly complicates things.
Cryptical Path is a fascinating roguelite that stands out because, instead of following a predetermined map, you forge your path as you play. As The Architect, you build the Hexium and control everything within it. Every room you enter has been constructed by you, although the Doppelganger’s influence means you haven’t got full control over what’s lurking in them. You’ve got the power, but it’s not absolute, and having incomplete dominion in your own realm is unsettling.
As you delve deeper into the game, not everything will go smoothly. Building rooms is essential, but it’s not without cost. Your control only stretches so far, and as you overextend, you start to gain negative effects. The game represents this through control points: every room you build requires a certain amount of these points, and dipping below your available points invites a curse. These start as minor disturbances but can quickly escalate if you’re not careful with your strategies. Therefore, a strategic approach is definitely recommended.
At its core, Cryptical Path may seem like another platform-based roguelite, but the mechanics offer a riveting twist. What truly sets it apart is its style. The dedication poured into this game is palpable, making it hard not to fall in love with it almost instantly.
Playing Cryptical Path is like diving into a 90s cartoon in the most delightful way. Imagine an Adult Swim video game channeling vibes from a long-standing series—it nails that perfect blend of edgy and mature, keeping older players engaged, while also enthralling younger ones. Honestly, if this popped up on TV as a new series tomorrow, I’d binge-watch every episode. It’s brilliantly written, loaded with intriguing characters, and above all, it’s fun.
Now, a little note about the controls. While many PC games suggest using a gamepad, and sometimes it’s just a preference, here I genuinely suggest using a controller. While you can play fine with a mouse and keyboard, a controller makes things smoother and more precise. I’m not docking any points for this, but it’s definitely worth noting for the best experience.
I can’t recall the last time I wrote a review and struggled to find any negatives. That’s exactly the case with Cryptical Path. If you’re into platformers, roguelites, or both, this is a must-play. Don’t go in expecting an entirely new mechanical experience, but if you’re looking for a masterclass in game design, this is your ticket.
Well, that wraps it up. I’ve got nothing bad to say, leaving me no choice but to conclude here. Cryptical Path deserves a swift console release. I predict it’ll be a hit with PS4, Xbox, and Switch owners. The Architect is now my new favorite character, and I hope this is just the beginning of an IP that stays with us well into the future. Stellar job all around!
