Team Evaluation: Crypt Custodian (PS5/Switch)

I don’t often get the chance to review games across different platforms, so diving into Crypt Custodian was a real treat. It’s intriguing to see how a game’s essence is maintained or altered when ported to different systems. You’d think with today’s technology, parity would be the norm, but that’s not always the case. To give you the full picture, my colleague Albert Eres took on the Switch version while I ventured into the PS5 realm. Let’s dig into Crypt Custodian, a fresh Metroidvania, and see how our experiences compare.

The game’s story revolves around a cat that’s stumbled into the afterlife under somewhat silly circumstances, barring him from heaven and tasking him with cleaning an otherworldly realm. Refreshingly quirky and well-written, the narrative avoids taking itself too seriously, which is rare in Metroidvanias—often fixated on intense action and minimal storytelling. The characters you’ll meet, bolstered by this endearing plot, add a whimsical flair that’s hard to achieve in this genre.

What immediately stands out about Crypt Custodian is its top-down perspective, shunning the typical side-scrolling approach of its Metroidvania peers. If, like me, the frenzy of platformers isn’t your cup of tea, you’ll appreciate this design choice. Think of it as reminiscent of Zelda: A Link to the Past. It makes traversal feel more precise, reducing the typical platformer frustrations.

True to its Metroidvania roots, not all areas are accessible from the get-go, prompting some necessary backtracking. Yet, you’ll never face more than you can handle early on, as the game cleverly locks tougher zones until you’re skill-ready. This balance maintains a manageable exploration scope, fostering a sense of accomplishment without feeling overwhelmed.

Action and puzzle enthusiasts alike will love the balance Crypt Custodian strikes. The combat is satisfying, never pushing you to the brink of frustration, and the puzzles are crafted to tease your mind just enough—challenging tasks without absurd complexity. If a puzzle seems insurmountable, it likely just needs a fresh perspective.

Collectibles add layers of enjoyment to this adventure. From upgrade points scattered behind puzzles to lost cats needing rescue, there’s plenty to discover off the beaten path. Warp points ease the backtracking, enhancing your explorative reach across the map without a hitch.

Speaking of warp points, they’re not just for teleportation. You can save and equip abilities there too, making them essential discoveries in new areas. The thrill of the search raises the stakes as you navigate unknown terrain, hoping not to undo your progress.

Visually, Crypt Custodian charms with an arcade feel, its sound design impresses, and the controls are flawless on the PS5. Although I’m not typically a Metroidvania buff—mainly due to my platforming woes—this game hooked me without the usual frustration. Fans of retro 90s RPGs will find a lot to love here, evoking nostalgic gaming memories. It’s a stellar addition to my collection, one I’ll surely revisit.

Overall, Crypt Custodian earns a solid 9/10 from me.

Now, let’s switch perspectives to Albert Eres. Crypt Custodian is a delightful twist on action games, being a breath of fresh air in a market dense with Soulslikes. Drawing inspiration from Zelda and Metroid, it offers a customizable experience that appeals to both casual and dedicated players, all wrapped in a charming tale of cats (Neko).

One feature Albert found laudable is enemy projectile indicators. Unlike many action games requiring near clairvoyance, Crypt Custodian provides visual cues, permitting players to dodge with ease. Combat is still thrilling and challenging, yet with enough predictability to enjoy without frustration.

Gameplay assist options are another highlight, offering tweaks to attack strength, fall damage, and health, catering to diverse gaming styles. These make the game accessible rather than a potential rage-quit scenario. Albert noted a minor bug in the Switch version where assist settings sometimes reset, but this didn’t overshadow the experience.

Puzzle time extensions are a particularly thoughtful feature. While action games typically equate difficulty with combat prowess, Crypt Custodian ensures timed puzzles remain approachable, ensuring enjoyment for platforming novices.

Albert found Crypt Custodian an excellent recommendation for fans of Zelda, Metroid, cat enthusiasts, or casual gamers. Its ample enjoyment and ease through tougher segments make it a standout title.

Overall, Albert concurs with a commendable 9/10 for Crypt Custodian.

Almost Purrfect

Overall Score: 9/10

Review Summary: Crypt Custodian is a nostalgic nod to classic RPG and puzzle gameplay, combining an engaging story with addictive fun without ramping up difficulty unnecessarily. The fact that both Albert and I thoroughly enjoyed our playthroughs on different systems highlights its broad appeal. While it doesn’t reinvent the genre, it masterfully executes familiar elements. For fans of Metroidvanias, Crypt Custodian is a must-play title.