When you’ve been gaming for a while, certain instincts just kick in. I’ve reached a point where I can almost immediately sense if a game will click with me, often deciding within just ten minutes of playtime. It’s not solely about personal preferences either; sometimes, a game outside my typical genre takes me by surprise, sparking a gut feeling that usually steers me right. That’s why I’ve always believed you don’t necessarily need to finish a game to review it comprehensively—you just need to give it a fair shot. The initial hours often reflect the overall experience, so if something feels off early on, it’s unlikely to suddenly change later. That brings me to Cryptical Path on PC, which had me hooked by the end of the tutorial alone. This might just be my top contender for the best game of 2025, and if we’re making such claims in January, you know it’s something special.
In Cryptical Path, you take on the role of The Architect, summoned to a prison-like realm called the Hexium, which you control. But things have gone haywire—a doppelganger has seized power, mocking your arrival and unleashing modified prisoners. You’ll need to harness all your abilities to avert disaster, because having a familiar yet hostile presence messing around in your territory just complicates things further.
Now, Cryptical Path is a roguelite with an interesting twist. Instead of navigating a pre-existing map, you’re actually shaping the Hexium, creating the environment as you venture onward. This means that every room—and beast you face—is essentially of your own making. However, thanks to the doppelganger’s influence, there’s an element of uncertainty about what threats lie within. You concoct so much of the game world, but you’re not fully in control, which adds a uniquely enticing layer of challenge.
Like I mentioned, not everything in Cryptical Path will pan out perfectly. Constructing rooms is essential yet costly, and your power only extends so far. Go beyond those limits, and you’re dealing with curses. These penalties start as minor hassles but can quickly pile up, pushing you to strategize carefully.
Although Cryptical Path is essentially a platform-based roguelite, its charm lies beyond its mechanics. The style, attention, and care infused into the game make it irresistibly engaging.
Playing Cryptical Path feels like stepping into a ’90s cartoon in all the best ways—think of a game conceived by Adult Swim inspired by a beloved series. It’s just the right balance of edgy and mature to engage older players while captivating younger ones. Honestly, if this showed up as an animated series on TV, I’d binge-watch every episode. It’s that well-scripted, laden with intriguing characters, and, above all, pure fun.
When it comes to controls, most games recommend a gamepad for PC gaming, but Cryptical Path genuinely benefits from it. While it’s playable with a mouse and keyboard, using a controller elevates your accuracy significantly. It’s not essential, but trust me, it’ll enhance your experience.
It’s been ages since I wrote a review and felt hard-pressed to find flaws, but with Cryptical Path, I’m struggling. If you enjoy platformers, roguelites, or both, this game is a must-download. While it might not revolutionize mechanics, it’s a shining example of developers doing things right.
To wrap it up, I really can’t find anything negative to say, so I’ll just stop here. Cryptical Path screams for a console release, and I bet it’ll be a hit with PS4, Xbox, and Switch players. The Architect is my new favorite character, and I genuinely hope this is just the start for an IP that we’ll enjoy for years to come—fantastic job all around!
Cryptical Path rates a solid 10/10 across aesthetics, controls, story, and replayability. It’s an absolute must-play for fans of roguelites and platformers, with compelling characters that leave you wanting more. This is a game I’ll keep returning to and wholeheartedly recommend. Simply excellent in every way!
