When you’ve been gaming for ages, some things just become second nature. It’s odd, really, but I’m at a stage now where I can sense if I’m going to enjoy a game within the first ten minutes. It’s not just about personal taste. I’ve often played titles I wouldn’t normally pick up and ended up loving them; it’s more about that gut instinct. More often than not, this intuition is spot-on. That’s why I believe you don’t always have to complete a game to give it a fair review; you just need to be balanced in your approach. Game mechanics don’t evolve dramatically, so if you’re not enjoying the first hour, it’s unlikely things will improve after five. This brings me to Cryptical Path on PC. Even before I finished the tutorial, I knew I was hooked. I’ll elaborate further on why this might be topping my favorite games of 2025 list—and we’re just in January!
In Cryptical Path, you play as The Architect. You’re summoned to the Hexium, a kind of prison that you’ve designed and manage—all because things have gone haywire. A doppelganger has seized control, claiming the position of the prison’s master and isn’t thrilled by your return. To complicate matters, it’s unleashed all the prisoners and transformed them. You’ll need every ounce of your power to prevent the situation from spiraling into chaos. Furthermore, another figure, boasting suspiciously similar abilities to yours, is roaming around, complicating your mission.
What makes Cryptical Path so captivating as a roguelite is its unique twist: you don’t follow a map, you create it as you go. As The Architect, you construct The Hexium and dictate everything inside. That means each room you navigate, including its monsters, is of your making. The catch? Thanks to The Doppelganger’s meddling, you don’t always know what’s guarding these spaces. You wield power, but not omnipotence, which is unsettling in your own creation.
I’ve mentioned how not everything may sway in your favor in Cryptical Path. Constructing rooms is essential but costly. Stretch your powers too thin, and you’ll run into trouble. The game meters out your power through control points. Rooms require a certain number to build. Fall below your limit, and you’ll pull a curse your way. Initially minor annoyances, they’ll evolve into real problems if you’re not mindful. Strategy is vital here, making the gameplay engaging.
Cryptical Path might superficially seem like another platform-based roguelite, but don’t let that fool you. While the mechanics provide variety, the real magic is in its style. It’s evident that passion and detail went into crafting it, making it irresistible to players.
Playing Cryptical Path feels like you’re stepping into a 90s cartoon world—that is, if Adult Swim designed a game based on a prolonged series. This blend hits the right notes, inserting enough edge for adult players while ensuring it’s still gripping for teens. If this was a TV series debuting tomorrow, I’d binge every episode. It’s brilliantly written, filled with engaging characters, and above all, it’s entertaining.
A quick note on the game’s controls—Cryptical Path is one of those games where using a controller is recommended. While it’s entirely playable with a mouse and keyboard, using a gamepad improves accuracy and responsiveness. This isn’t a major mark against it, just a friendly tip for the best experience.
It’s not often that I’m at a loss for criticism in a game review, but Cryptical Path leaves me stumped. For aficionados of platformers or roguelites—or both—it’s a must-download. Don’t expect a revolutionary experience in mechanics, but if you’re looking for developers executing masterful design, this game is for you.
All said and done, I find no knots to untie with Cryptical Path. It should hit a console near you soon. I see it resonating with PS4, Xbox, and Switch users alike. The Architect has swiftly become my favorite character, leaving me hoping this is just the start of a long-lasting series. Top-notch work across the board!
If you’re into roguelites or platformers, Cryptical Path is a title you can’t miss. I’ve rarely connected with game characters so deeply, and I’m eager for more. It’s a game I’ll treasure for a long time and highly recommend. Absolutely brilliant in every way!
