TEAM REVIEW: Crypt Custodian (PS5/Switch)

Reviewing games across different platforms is not something we get to do often, so it’s exciting to see how the same game adapts on various systems. In today’s tech-savvy world, you might expect consistent performance across the board, but that’s not always the case. With this in mind, my fellow gamer Albert Eres and I dove into Crypt Custodian, a fresh Metroidvania experience that recently launched on both PC and consoles. I explored the game on the PS5, while Albert took the Switch version for a spin. Let’s dive in and see how our experiences stack up.

Crypt Custodian tells the tale of a cat who, for some rather silly reasons, misses out on entry to heaven and instead finds himself cleaning up the unkempt outer realms of The Palace with a broom as his trusty companion. Despite the quirky premise, the story is well-crafted and doesn’t take itself too seriously, with whimsical touches that make the characters you encounter quite endearing. This approach sets it apart in the Metroidvania genre, which tends to prioritize intense action over storytelling. It’s refreshing to see a game embrace a different narrative style in such a genre.

What I appreciate most about Crypt Custodian is that it steps away from the traditional side-scrolling format of many Metroidvanias. Instead, it adopts a top-down view reminiscent of something like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. Personally, as someone who isn’t keen on frantic platforming, this approach is a breath of fresh air. Navigating the world from a top-down perspective feels more precise and greatly reduces frustration.

True to its Metroidvania roots, Crypt Custodian restricts player access to certain areas at the start. This format encourages exploration and backtracking but prevents players from stumbling into areas beyond their capabilities too early. As skills are acquired, previously inaccessible regions become available, making them feel just right when you get there. This design choice ensures that exploration is engaging without overwhelming the player.

The mix of action and puzzle-solving is perfectly balanced in Crypt Custodian. Combat is exhilarating yet manageable, steering clear of the pure rage-inducing difficulty spikes that might make you want to hurl your controller. Meanwhile, puzzles are cleverly designed—challenging enough to engage your brain, yet not so complex that they become a brick wall. You might miss the solution at first, but with persistence, the answer will reveal itself, making every triumph satisfying.

The game also shines with its abundance of collectibles. Among them are valuable upgrade points, often hidden behind puzzle barriers or in initially inaccessible areas. In addition, there are collectible cats, housed in jars throughout the map, which you can return to their mother for a reward. Venture off the beaten path to discover these secrets, and you’ll be rewarded for your curiosity. With convenient warp points facilitating easy backtracking, revisiting previous areas never feels like a chore.

Let’s not forget about the crucial warp points. These wells serve as essential hubs for saving progress, equipping abilities, and teleporting across the map. The rush of adrenaline as you hunt for the next one is palpable—misstep and you might have a long journey back, heightening the sense of triumph upon discovery.

Visually, Crypt Custodian charms with its arcade-style graphics, supportive soundscape, and superb controls, at least on the PS5 version. Admittedly, I’ve had mixed experiences with Metroidvanias due to their demanding platforming segments, but this game feels different. It intrigues with what lies ahead rather than frustrates, striking a nostalgic chord reminiscent of 90s RPGs. This blend of old and new wins me over and has earned its place in my gaming library.

Overall Score: 9/10

Crypt Custodian is a breath of fresh air amidst a genre saturated with Soulslike titles. Drawing inspiration from retro classics like Zelda and Metroid, it provides a customizable and approachable experience likely to please casual gamers. Its charming narrative featuring cats adds a unique flavor, ensuring it stands out.

A notable gameplay aspect is the use of visible attack paths for projectile enemies, regardless of chosen difficulty. This approach differs from many hardcore action games that presume players will intuit attacks. While not all encounters are easy, a degree of predictability allows for enjoyment without insisting players ‘git gud.’

Another strength is the game’s assist options, which enable adjustments to attack power, fall damage, and health—a boon for casual players. These options mean the difference between finishing a game happily or abandoning it in frustration, especially when a game boasts an engaging story and appealing art style. It’s a shame that, on the Switch version, certain assist options seem to reset after navigating through a few screens—a hiccup I hope is a simple bug.

The extra puzzle time assist is particularly welcome. While action games often tie difficulty to enemy aggression, rarely do they consider puzzle constraints. Longer timers offer leeway on timed puzzles, welcomed by those who aren’t adept at platforming, making even optional quests, like earning upgrade points, accessible.

Crypt Custodian is a strong recommendation for anyone who loves casual gaming, classic adventures like Zelda and Metroid, or even just cats. It’s packed with enjoyable elements and user-friendly features that make tackling challenging sections feel rewarding.

Overall Score: 9/10

Crypt Custodian is aptly described as “Almost Purrfect.” It pays homage to classic RPGs and puzzle games with an enthralling story, engaging gameplay, and a well-considered difficulty level. The fact that Albert and I enjoyed our respective versions across two platforms confirms its well-rounded appeal. While it doesn’t revolutionize the genre, it perfects existing elements, making it a must for Metroidvania enthusiasts.