Team Analysis: Crypt Custodian (PS5/Switch)

Cross-platform reviews are a rare treat for us, giving us the unique opportunity to see how a game performs on various systems. You’d think that with today’s advanced tech, games would offer the same experience across all platforms, but that’s not always the case. My colleague Albert Eres and I recently had the chance to dive into Crypt Custodian, a fresh Metroidvania release. While I tackled the PS5 version, Albert explored what the Switch had to offer. We’re eager to share our thoughts and see if we’re on the same page.

Crypt Custodian introduces us to a whimsical world where a cat, for utterly ridiculous reasons I won’t spoil here, finds itself in the afterlife but is denied entry to heaven. Instead, our feline protagonist is thrust into a world beyond The Palace, armed with nothing more than a broom and tasked with cleaning the mess. The story is charmingly quirky and doesn’t shy away from its oddball narrative, which feels quite refreshing for a Metroidvania. While these games often prioritize intense action and intricate levels, Crypt Custodian manages to weave in a delightful cast of characters, making the journey truly engaging.

One aspect that stands out in Crypt Custodian is its decision to step away from traditional side-scrolling visuals. As someone who doesn’t particularly enjoy the frantic nature of platformers, I found its top-down perspective a breath of fresh air. It brings to mind games like Zelda: A Link to the Past, offering a more precise and less frustrating navigation experience.

As is typical of the Metroidvania genre, you won’t have access to the entire game map right from the start. This progression means you’ll need to backtrack frequently, ensuring that you’re not overwhelmed by any challenges you can’t yet handle. Locked areas remain out of reach until you acquire the necessary skills, maintaining a balance that keeps exploration rewarding yet manageable. This results in a game world that’s ripe for discovery without feeling daunting.

Crypt Custodian expertly mixes action with puzzle elements. Whether you’re craving intense battles or mind-bending puzzles, it offers plenty to keep you entertained without becoming overly taxing. Combat is challenging enough to keep you on your toes without turning frustrating, and the puzzles are cleverly designed to provide a sense of achievement without becoming tedious. Often, if you’re stuck, it just means you’ve missed something straightforward.

One of the game’s strong points is the abundance of collectible items and secrets sprinkled throughout. From hidden upgrade points to adorable cat companions stashed away in jars, there’s always something to seek out. These treasures not only encourage exploration but also enhance gameplay by boosting your skills and abilities when returned. Warp points scattered across the map make revisiting previous areas a breeze, turning backtracking into an enjoyable part of the adventure.

Warp points serve as vital hubs where you can save progress, equip new abilities, and teleport across the world. Finding these safe havens becomes a crucial strategy, as they often lie hidden within new territories. This uncertainty amps up the tension, especially when low on health and desperate to avoid repeating previous stretches.

The game boasts charming graphics with an arcade-like feel, paired with a great soundtrack. On the PS5, controls are smooth and intuitive. As someone who’s generally lukewarm about the Metroidvania genre due to my lack of platforming prowess, I found Crypt Custodian refreshingly enjoyable and continuously found myself eager to explore its mysterious world further. If this genre is up your alley, this game is likely to become a favorite. Its nostalgic 90s RPG vibe is particularly appealing, rekindling fond memories while introducing a fresh new title to my collection.

Albert Eres also weighs in, praising Crypt Custodian for bringing something revitalizing to the action genre, which has recently been dominated by Soulslike games. Drawing inspiration from classic series like Zelda and Metroid, Crypt Custodian sets itself apart with its customizable experience and captivating feline-favored story.

In Crypt Custodian, combat is accessible without sacrificing depth. Even on any difficulty, projectile-spitting enemies reveal their attack paths to help players anticipate and react. While combat isn’t a cakewalk, the predictability adds a layer of strategy rather than sheer guesswork, a welcome change in today’s action-heavy titles.

A standout feature is the range of customization options for gameplay, like adjusting attack power or fall damage, making the game accessible and enjoyable even for casual gamers. While a bug on the Switch version may revert some settings to default, this minor hiccup doesn’t detract from the overall experience.

Liberating feels is its extra time option for solving puzzles. These adjustable settings mean players aren’t cornered by tight timing constraints. Even if some puzzles remain optional, the ability to enjoy the game at one’s own pace adds significant value.

Crypt Custodian is a must-play for those who enjoy the Metroidvania style, and for lovers of cats. With its engaging puzzles, compelling narrative, and intuitive design, this game is a delightful addition to any library, ensuring those who pick it up are in for a treat. After playing it on both the PS5 and Switch, it’s clear this title has nailed the genre’s essence while keeping itself wonderfully entertaining. Second opinion tells you why Crypt Custodian is indeed ‘purr-fect’ for genre enthusiasts.