Crypt Custodian (PS5/Switch) | Team Evaluation

You don’t often get the chance to dive into a cross-platform review, but when you do, it’s pretty exciting to see how the same game behaves on different systems. In today’s tech-driven world, there’s a lot of assumption that gameplay should be uniform across platforms, but that’s not always the case. So, my good friend Albert Eres and I decided to check out Crypt Custodian, which recently launched on both PC and consoles. I took on the PlayStation 5 version while Albert explored the Nintendo Switch experience. Curious to see how each of us fared? Let’s dig in.

Crypt Custodian is a quirky game where you step into the paws of a cat that finds itself in the afterlife. Due to some rather silly circumstances, this feline isn’t granted entry into the heavenly abode and lands just outside The Palace, armed only with a broom and a mission to tidy up this gloomy realm. While the story is downright bizarre, it’s crafted with a great sense of humor and doesn’t take itself too seriously, which makes for a refreshing change in the Metroidvania genre. It’s rare to find games that balance whimsy and character development so well, especially in a category often dominated by intense action and minimal narrative depth.

What immediately caught my attention about Crypt Custodian was its deviation from the side-scrolling norm. Instead of a frantic platformer, you get a top-down perspective reminiscent of something like Zelda: A Link to the Past. As someone who shyly admits to not being the most dexterous with platform games, this was a much-welcome relief. Somehow, navigating obstacles feels more precise, which pleasantly reduces the usual frustration.

Following the typical Metroidvania tradition, you can’t access the entire game map from the onset. You’ll need to backtrack, but the game cleverly blocks off areas until you’re equipped with the necessary skills, ensuring you don’t accidentally stumble on challenges beyond your capability. It’s a neat balance of motivated exploration and sensible progression, keeping you comfortably in control without feeling overwhelmed.

Crypt Custodian strikes a fine balance between action and puzzle-solving. For those eager to dive into combat, there’s plenty to indulge without pushing you to smash your controller in frustration. Simultaneously, puzzles are intriguing yet fair, demanding more keen observation than sheer brainpower. This mix fosters an addictive pace that keeps you hooked.

Aside from the main quest, there’s plenty to collect, adding layers to the gameplay. Hidden upgrade points await discovery, as do jars containing friendly cats scattered off the beaten path. If you can reunite all these feline friends with their mom, rewards await. With numerous warp points across the map, revisiting previous areas to uncover missed secrets is both painless and rewarding.

Warp points double up as save stations and ability hubs, though finding them isn’t always straight forward. The thrill of tracking down your next save point adds some adrenaline, especially when life points are limited.

Visuals evoke a cute, arcade aesthetic, with engaging soundscapes and seamless controls on the PS5. While I’ve often been hit-and-miss with Metroidvanias—largely due to a shaky history with platforming—the frustration factor here was blissfully absent. Crypt Custodian felt like a delightful blend of ’90s RPG nostalgia and contemporary gameplay innovation. It’s a win in my book, and I can wholeheartedly see myself coming back to it.

Albert Eres chimes in, highlighting how Crypt Custodian refreshingly distances itself from the currently overloaded Soulslike genre. Drawing inspiration from beloved retro giants like Zelda and Metroid, it carves its niche with a customizable experience that casual gamers will appreciate. The presence of adorable cats in the storyline only enhances its charm.

The predictability of enemy attacks, even on tougher modes, is a welcome change from challenging action games that often demand players to anticipate every move. This doesn’t soften the challenge, but it makes it more approachable for players keen on a lighter touch.

The game’s assistance options, altering attack strength, fall damage, and health, can mean the difference between an enjoyable playthrough and a ragequit. These features are integral for casual gamers looking to appreciate the intriguing narrative and aesthetic style without the distraction of overly punishing difficulty. However, Albert did notice a small glitch on the Switch: after adjusting some assist settings, they occasionally reverted after screen transitions.

The extra time assistance on puzzles especially stands out, easing timed challenges that might otherwise frustrate those who aren’t platforming wizards.

Crypt Custodian is a delightful choice for casual gamers, Zelda and Metroid fans, and cat enthusiasts alike. It caters to a wide range of nostalgia and new gaming desires, blending the best elements from iconic titles without become dauntingly difficult.

Almost Purrfect: A solid 9 out of 10 from both reviewers!

Crypt Custodian is a loving nod to traditional RPG and puzzle games, offering addictive gameplay and engaging storytelling without unnecessarily ramping up challenge. The fact we both enjoyed the game across two platforms is a testament to its universal appeal. While it doesn’t redefine the Metroidvania genre, it certainly executes its strengths flawlessly. If you enjoy this style of game, go on and sink your claws into it.