REVIEW / Cryptical Path for PC

There’s an inherent intuition that comes with gaming for a long time. It’s a bit odd, but after years of playing, I’ve reached a point where I can usually tell within just ten minutes whether I’ll enjoy a game. It isn’t always about personal taste either. There have been numerous instances where a game outside my typical interests has captivated me. It’s more of an instinctual response—usually quite accurate. This is why I often argue that you don’t have to complete a game to give a fair review; it’s enough to assess it with an open mind. Since game dynamics don’t drastically shift, if you’re not enjoying the first hour, odds are, an extra four hours won’t change that. This observation rings true now as I’ve started playing Cryptical Path on PC. By the end of the tutorial, I was hooked. I’ll detail why shortly, but suffice it to say, this is shaping up to be one of my top games for 2025, and we’re only kicking off the year.

In Cryptical Path, you step into the role of The Architect. Called to the Hexium—a prison entirely under your control that’s gone haywire—you face chaos. A doppelganger has seized control, claiming dominance over the space and expressing disdain at your presence. To escalate matters, it’s unleashed all the prisoners and altered them. Your job? Leverage all your powers to prevent the chaos from spiraling further. And if dealing with escaped prisoners wasn’t enough, another entity with eerily similar abilities is roaming around.

Cryptical Path is an intriguing roguelite. While playing, the game doesn’t simply hand you a map; you create as you play. As The Architect, you design the Hexium and govern its contents. The catch? You decide the layout and what inhabits it, while the Doppelganger’s influence still throws unexpected challenges your way. You hold power but not complete control, especially when disturbances occur in your domain.

As I noted earlier, not everything will go smoothly in Cryptical Path. Building rooms is crucial but costly. Your powers have limits, illustrated by control points. Each room requires points to erect, and if you fall short, you attract a curse. These start as minor irritations but turn serious if you’re not careful. A strategic mindset is essential here.

At its core, Cryptical Path is another platform-based roguelite. Yet, this doesn’t detract from its appeal. The mechanics provide enough novelty and the style is truly captivating. The game clearly boasts a lot of love and attention, making it easy to fall for it.

Cryptical Path plays like a nostalgic nod to 90s cartoons, albeit with a mature twist. Imagine if Adult Swim crafted a game based on a beloved animated series. It strikes a balance between grit that appeals to adult players and enough charm for younger audiences. If it were a TV series premiering tomorrow, I’d be a dedicated viewer. The narrative is sharp, the characters compelling, and overall, it’s a delightful experience.

Something worth noting about Cryptical Path is the controls. While games often recommend using a controller on a PC, it’s not always essential. Here, however, I strongly advise it. While mouse and keyboard setups are manageable, using a controller enhances precision. It’s merely a recommendation, not a deal-breaker, but it’s relevant to mention.

I’ve rarely found a game that’s tough to critique, but Cryptical Path left me struggling to highlight flaws. Fans of platformers or roguelites should absolutely try this game. Even if it doesn’t revolutionize mechanics, it stands as an exemplary showcase of excellent game design.

To wrap things up, I genuinely have no negative points to share, so let’s conclude here. Cryptical Path urgently needs a console launch. The game would resonate exceptionally with PS4, Xbox, and Switch owners. The Architect is a standout character and has me hoping this is the start of a franchise to enjoy for years. Truly outstanding work!

Review

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. For the first time in a long while, I’ve become so attached to the characters that I’m eager for more. This game will be in my rotation for a while, and I wholeheartedly recommend it. Excellent work all around!