Team Evaluation: Crypt Custodian (PS5/Switch)

It’s a rare treat to tackle a cross-platform review, giving us a glimpse into how a game fares across different systems. You’d expect modern technology to smooth these differences over, but sometimes surprises still pop up. My good buddy Albert Eres and I delved into this while exploring Crypt Custodian—a fresh Metroidvania that’s popped up on both PC and consoles. I took on the PS5 version, while Albert investigated what the Switch port had to offer. Let’s dive into our findings, shall we?

Crypt Custodian starts off on a quirky note: a cat finds itself in the afterlife but, due to a hilarious twist of fate, is barred from heaven and ends up outside The Palace. Armed with a broom, it’s tasked with tidying up the celestial mess. The story is delightfully whimsical, which is quite refreshing in a Metroidvania landscape known more for its intense action than intricate narratives. The developers succeeded in weaving a tale that’s compelling and, at times, endearing—no small feat for an action-focused genre.

What I particularly enjoyed about Crypt Custodian is its break from the traditional side-scrolling mold. Instead, it embraces a top-down perspective reminiscent of classics like Zelda: A Link to the Past. This format feels more precise for those, like me, who aren’t keen on tricky platforming jumps. The approach keeps things straightforward, reducing the usual frustration and allowing exploration to take center stage.

As expected in any Metroidvania game, not all areas are accessible from the get-go, prompting a fair bit of backtracking. However, this prevents players from encountering challenges they’re not ready for. Crypt Custodian strikes a balance, encouraging exploration without overwhelming players. This level design ensures you feel adequately prepared as new areas become available, adding to the game’s engaging complexity without the threat of immediate defeat.

The game blends action with puzzles in a way that’s genuinely enjoyable. Combat is satisfying without being overly punishing, and puzzles are challenging enough to engage your brain but not excessively difficult. Often, solving them is about spotting that one detail you missed, rather than feeling stuck. This balance keeps the game engaging, providing just the right mix of mental and physical challenges.

An abundance of items to find and collect keeps the gameplay fresh. You’ll hunt down upgrade points and cheerful cats hidden in jars. These goodies, strategically scattered, reward backtracking, especially when you’re feeling up for a change of pace from your current quest. The inclusion of warp points across the map simplifies revisiting previous locations, smoothing out any potential drudgery in revisiting past areas.

Speaking of these warp points, they serve as more than just fast travel stations. They function as your lifeline, where you can save progress, equip abilities, and teleport. Finding the next one in a new area can turn into an adventure on its own, adding a sense of nervous excitement as you venture deeper with dwindling health. Discovering a new warp point can feel like a genuine triumph.

In terms of presentation, Crypt Custodian delivers charming visuals with an arcade feel, a captivating soundtrack, and smooth controls on PS5. As someone who’s not usually drawn to Metroidvania titles because of challenging platforming, I found this game to be a breath of fresh air. The 90s RPG vibe hit all the right nostalgia notes for me, making it a game I’m eager to revisit.

Albert Eres echoes this enthusiasm, noting that Crypt Custodian is a standout in a genre flooded with Soulslike games. It draws inspiration from iconic titles like Zelda and Metroid but carves out its niche with customizable gameplay that novice gamers will appreciate. The charming premise centered around our feline friends adds an extra layer of appeal.

One standout feature is the game’s thoughtful gameplay assist options, which let players tweak settings like attack power or fall damage. This customization bridge the gap between finishing a game and rage quitting for casual gamers. Crypt Custodian offers a way to navigate its challenges without compromising its engaging story or art style. However, Albert noted a minor hiccup on the Switch version, where settings sometimes revert unexpectedly.

An especially handy feature is the extra time on puzzles, crucial for players who might struggle with time-sensitive challenges. This inclusive approach ensures that elusive upgrade points don’t remain locked away due to demanding puzzles, allowing enjoyment without the pressure of mastering platforming skills.

In conclusion, Crypt Custodian is a delightful addition for casual gamers, Zelda and Metroid fans, and cat lovers alike. Its mix of engaging gameplay, entertaining story, and accessible difficulty offers a compelling package. The combined experience on both PS5 and Switch highlighted its cross-platform strength, making it a must-try for aficionados of the Metroidvania genre. Both Albert and I are in agreement: it’s a game that delivers on its promise and deserves a place in your collection.

Overall Score: 9/10