When you’ve been immersed in gaming long enough, some aspects just become second nature. It’s a bit odd, but I’m at a stage where I can usually tell if I’ll enjoy a game within about ten minutes of playing. It’s not strictly about personal taste since there are plenty of games I’ve tried out of curiosity and ended up loving; it’s more about an instinctual feeling. Typically, this hunch is spot on. That’s why I often believe you don’t have to play through the entire game to offer a fair review. You just need to be impartial. Game loops rarely shift drastically. If you’re not vibing with it in the first hour, odds are, it won’t get much better several hours in. I’m reflecting on this as I’ve been diving into Cryptical Path on PC. By the time I wrapped up the tutorial, I was already smitten. I’ll certainly explain why as we delve deeper, but it’s shaping up to be one of my standout games of 2025—and we’re still at the start of the year.
In Cryptical Path, you’re cast as The Architect, summoned to the Hexium—a strange kind of prison under your control—where things have decidedly gone south. A rogue doppelganger has taken charge of the place, claiming supremacy and showing zero respect for your authority. To top it off, it’s freed all the prisoners and… altered them. You will need to wield all your abilities to stop the brewing chaos from turning into total bedlam. And let’s not overlook the fact that there’s another powerful presence wandering around, wielding eerie similar powers.
Cryptical Path is a roguelite, but one with an intriguing twist. You won’t be following a preset map; instead, you’ll be generating one as you advance. The Architect literally constructs the Hexium and governs all within it. This unique setup means that every room, its dangers included, is placed by you. The catch? Thanks to The Doppelganger’s meddling, you’re never quite sure what’s lying in wait. You have substantial power yet not absolute, and when you’re on your turf, that’s slightly unsettling.
Earlier on, I pointed out that not every aspect of Cryptical Path will cater to your wishes. Building rooms is crucial but can also become quite costly. Your control, depicted through control points in the game, only stretches so far before adverse effects start creeping up. Each room you develop requires these points; fall below your quota, and you’ll attract a curse. Initially bothersome, these will quickly escalate if you’re not strategic and attentive—a little foresight is definitely recommended.
At its core, Cryptical Path might fit the typical roguelite platformer mold. Yet, this isn’t a bad thing. The mechanics bring enough novelty to make things engaging, but its standout feature is the stylish execution. So much passion and attention have been poured into this game, making it effortlessly endearing.
Playing Cryptical Path feels like stepping into a 90s cartoon, in the best way possible. Imagine if Adult Swim turned one of their beloved series into a game. That’s how artfully it balances edginess with a broad pull for both mature gamers and younger players alike. Truth be told, if this turned up as a TV show, I’d binge-watch every episode. It’s got great writing, memorable characters, and above all, it’s just plain fun.
I want to point out something about the controls in Cryptical Path. While many PC games suggest using a controller, often it’s optional. A controller does simplify things a bit, but everything’s perfectly workable with a keyboard and mouse. Here, though, I strongly recommend using a controller. I routinely test both methods, but you’ll likely get more precision with one. However, it’s still playable without, just not ideal—this isn’t a flaw, merely a suggestion.
Honestly, I’m having a tough time nitpicking on Cryptical Path. If you’re into platformers, roguelites, or both, don’t miss out on this gem. As long as you’re not expecting groundbreaking mechanics but are looking for a polished experience, this game is spot on.
Well, I’ve run out of criticisms, so I’ll wrap it up here. Cryptical Path deserves a console release ASAP. It’s destined to be a hit with PS4, Xbox, and Switch users. The Architect is officially my new favorite character, and I’m hopeful this marks the start of a series we’ll enjoy for years. Truly excellent work across the board!
