It’s rare that we get to compare the same game across different platforms, so when the opportunity arises, it’s a treat. Nowadays, we expect games to perform equally well on whatever system we play them on, but that’s not always the case. So, my colleague Albert Eres and I have jumped into Crypt Custodian, a fresh Metroidvania title available on both PC and consoles. I’ve been exploring it on the PS5, while Albert dove into the Switch experience. Let’s break down our thoughts.
Crypt Custodian spins a quirky tale featuring a cat who finds himself in the afterlife. Due to some rather ridiculous circumstances—which we won’t spoil here—he’s denied entry to heaven and is instead left to roam the area outside The Palace. Armed with nothing but a broom, his task is to tidy up this rather uninviting place. Although the storyline borders on the bizarre, it’s delightfully written, with just the right amount of whimsy that makes the characters you meet feel endearing. This light-hearted approach to storytelling is a refreshing change for the Metroidvania genre, which often leans heavily into sheer action or stays minimalist in plot.
One of the standout features of Crypt Custodian is its top-down perspective, reminiscent of the classic Zelda: A Link to the Past. As someone who doesn’t particularly enjoy frantic platforming, I found this design choice to be a relief. The top-down view offers a precision to movement that minimizes frustration, making the game more enjoyable from the start.
As you’d expect from a Metroidvania, not all areas of the map are accessible from the get-go. This forces you to backtrack, but it also ensures you’re adequately prepared for what lies ahead. While exploration is essential, the design prevents you from wandering into terribly difficult zones prematurely, which maintains a balance in gameplay and keeps you engaged without feeling overwhelmed.
Crypt Custodian brilliantly fuses action with puzzle-solving. For those itching for action, the combat is satisfying yet not so intense that you feel overwhelmed. Meanwhile, its puzzles challenge your intellect without being overly complex. Often, if you’re stumped, you’ve likely overlooked something simple—a reality that makes the discovery process all the more rewarding. This balance between battling foes and solving puzzles keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting.
The game also offers a delightful array of collectibles. Among them, you’ll find upgrade points that might be hidden or behind puzzles you can’t immediately solve. Gathering these boosts your passive abilities during the game. Scattered around are also cute cats trapped in jars— finding and returning them to their mother grants special rewards. This gives you a compelling reason to venture off the beaten path, aided by warp points that make backtracking painless.
Speaking of exploration aids, these warp points are wells where you can save progress, equip abilities, and teleport. Finding the next one in an unfamiliar area adds a thrilling urgency to your adventure. If you find yourself low on health and far from a well, the relief at discovering one is immense.
Visually, Crypt Custodian sports an adorable, arcade-style look, while the sound complements the experience and controls beautifully on PS5. I’m not typically a fan of the Metroidvania genre because of my struggles with platformers, but I found myself eagerly anticipating each new twist and turn. If this type of gameplay appeals to you, Crypt Custodian might just be your next favorite. Its nostalgic 90s RPG vibe and engaging gameplay make it a standout addition to any library.
Overall Score: 9/10
Albert Eres
Crypt Custodian is a breath of fresh air, especially amidst the current flood of Soulslike games. Drawing inspiration from revered series like Zelda and Metroid, it carves out its unique identity with customization options that casual gamers will appreciate. The charming story, featuring adorable cats, adds to its appeal.
A key gameplay feature that stands out is the clear indicators for enemy attacks, irrespective of the selected difficulty level. This is a far cry from the expectation of mastering attack patterns without any hints typical in many modern games. While the combat remains challenging, this predictability can be a relief for those wanting to enjoy the game without the “git gud” pressure.
Additionally, Crypt Custodian offers customizable gameplay assists, like tweaking attack power, fall damage, and extra health, which might be exactly what some players need to enjoy the game fully without getting discouraged. Unlike other games where the difficulty might overshadow the narrative, this game excels with both. However, I did encounter a minor glitch on the Switch where assist options occasionally reset after changing scenes.
One assist I particularly appreciated is the extended time for puzzles. Action games often overlook difficulty settings for their puzzles. With this option, players get more time for timed challenges, which are typically optional but rewarding. It’s reassuring to know that you can tackle these without needing to be a platforming expert.
Crypt Custodian is perfect for casual gamers, Zelda and Metroid fans, or those who simply love cats. It’s full of enjoyable elements, and the ease with which it handles tougher sections makes it more accessible and enjoyable.
Overall Score: 9/10
Final Thoughts
Crypt Custodian pays homage to classic RPGs and puzzle-heavy games. Its story captivates, the gameplay is both fun and addictive, and it avoids ramping up difficulty just for the sake of it. The fact that Albert and I both had a blast playing it on different systems speaks to its quality. While it may not radically innovate the genre, it executes familiar concepts flawlessly. If you enjoy Metroidvania-style games, you definitely need to check this one out.
