REVIEW / Mysterious Journey (PC)

There’s something about gaming that, after spending countless hours with a controller in hand, certain instincts just kick in. It’s strange, but I’m at a stage where within about ten minutes of playing, I can usually sense whether or not I’ll enjoy a game. It’s not merely about personal preference either. I’ve often found myself loving games that are completely outside my usual type, so it’s more about an intuitive feeling. This instinct generally proves right, which is why I believe you don’t need to finish a game to offer a well-rounded review—you just need to be fair. Game loops rarely undergo drastic changes, so if you’re not hooked within the first hour, it’s unlikely anything different will grab you five hours in. Anyway, I’m saying all this because I’ve been diving into Cryptical Path on PC, and by the time I wrapped up the tutorial, I already knew I was in for a treat. I’ll delve into the reasons why shortly, but this could very well be one of my top picks for 2025, and considering it’s only January, that’s quite the declaration.

In Cryptical Path, you’re cast as The Architect. You’re summoned to control the Hexium, a kind of mystical prison under your command, to fix the mess someone else made. A rogue doppelganger is asserting dominance in the area, and they’re not too pleased about your arrival. Even worse, they’ve unleashed all the prisoners, reverting them to their more chaotic selves. You’ll need to harness all your abilities to prevent things from escalating into utter chaos. The challenge is heightened by another entity roaming the space with abilities alarmingly similar to yours.

Cryptical Path is not your run-of-the-mill roguelite; it’s got an intriguing twist. You’re not just following a preset map; you’re crafting one as you progress. As The Architect, you shape the Hexium and control its contents. The rooms you craft—and the monsters within—are entirely your doing. However, the Doppelganger’s presence means you won’t know who or what guards these areas. While you have power, you’re not all-powerful, and that can be unnerving when it’s your own space.

As I mentioned earlier, Cryptical Path presents some unexpected challenges. Constructing new rooms is essential, but it comes at a steep cost. Your reach isn’t limitless, and overextending attracts some drawbacks known as control points. Each room construction requires a set number of these points, and slipping below what you have leads to curses. Initially small nuisances, these can escalate rapidly if you’re not cautious, requiring a strategic approach to the game.

Fundamentally, Cryptical Path might just be another platform-based roguelite, but that’s not the point. Its distinctive mechanics offer intrigue, but it’s the game’s unique charm that truly shines. So much attention and passion went into its creation, fostering an immediate sense of endearment.

Playing Cryptical Path feels akin to experiencing a nostalgic 90s cartoon, but in the best way possible. Imagine if Adult Swim transformed one of its shows into a video game. It walks the line between edgy and appropriately mature, enough to captivate seasoned players while keeping it engaging for a teenage audience. Honestly, if this were to appear as a new TV series, I’d eagerly watch every episode. It’s well-scripted, features captivating characters, and, above all, is just plain fun.

One aspect worth noting about Cryptical Path is its control setup. While many games suggest using a control pad, which often isn’t necessary for PC, this one truly benefits from it. Although you can play using a mouse and keyboard, using a controller offers greater precision, which I strongly recommend. It’s not that you can’t manage without one—it’s just not optimal. This minor detail doesn’t tarnish the game in any way, but it’s something worth mentioning.

It’s rare that I struggle to find faults while writing a review, but Cryptical Path presents such a case. For fans of platformers and roguelites, or both, this is a must-download. If you go in aware that it’s not reinventing the wheel but showcasing how development should be done, then this is the game for you.

So, there you have it. I’ve got nothing negative to express, so it’s probably best to wrap things up here. Cryptical Path absolutely deserves a console release soon. It’s bound to be a hit with PS4, Xbox, and Switch users. The Architect has become my new favorite character, and I sincerely hope this is the start of a long-lasting IP we’ll enjoy for years to come. Truly outstanding work all around!

Cryptical Path is a roguelite and platforming masterpiece that captivates with its characters and presentation. I’ve fallen profoundly for the cast, eagerly anticipating more. This game is one that I’ll return to repeatedly and recommend wholeheartedly. Simply excellent!