Team Evaluation: Crypt Custodian (PS5/Switch)

We rarely get a chance to dive into cross-platform reviews, so when the opportunity arises, it’s like peeling back the layers to see how the same game stretches across different consoles. Even in our tech-savvy world, disparities can make each version unique. So, my colleague Albert Eres and I set out on a quest with Crypt Custodian, a fresh Metroidvania that’s landed on PCs and consoles alike. I’ve been navigating it on the PS5, while Albert has the Switch experience locked down. Shall we see if we’re both singing its praises?

Crypt Custodian puts you in the paws of a cat who, due to some comically ridiculous reason, finds itself denied entry to heaven, ending up displaced outside The Palace. Armed with nothing but a broom, our feline protagonist must tidy up this eerie world. The storyline is quirky yet intricately crafted, offering a light-hearted adventure that’s a welcome deviation from the typically intense Metroidvania narratives. The characters you encounter along the journey add a certain charm that’s hard to achieve in this genre. It’s refreshing when a game takes a path less trodden.

Most Metroidvanias are side-scrolling platformers, but Crypt Custodian offers a top-down adventure. This format is a relief for those who prefer less frenetic gameplay. Imagine Zelda: A Link to the Past, and you’re on the right track. Navigation feels much more intuitive from this perspective, reducing the frustration of missing jumps and enhancing the overall experience.

As expected in a Metroidvania, you start with limited access to the game world. This restriction prevents you from facing challenges beyond your skill level early on. It’s a unique balance—while the game promotes exploration, it keeps you safely within areas suitable to your current abilities. You’re kept on your toes but never overwhelmed, maintaining a satisfying sense of progress.

The blend of action with puzzle-solving in Crypt Custodian is masterful. Combat provides just the right amount of challenge without becoming controller-smashingly difficult. Similarly, puzzles are cleverly designed to engage your brain without veering into convolution. Overcomplicated puzzles can stall gameplay, but here, persistence and a fresh perspective will see you through. This seamless interplay makes it easy to stay invested in your quest.

One of the many joys of Crypt Custodian is the treasure hunt for collectibles. Some items, crucial for enhancing your abilities, are cleverly hidden and require keen puzzle-solving to find. Also, scattered throughout the map are jars containing cats, which, when gathered, net you rewards from their grateful mother. Revisiting areas becomes a pleasure, aided by warp points that make fast travel a breeze.

These warp points double as save stations and ability hubs—critical checkpoints in your adventuring. Finding the next one is key, adding a bit of adrenaline when you’re low on health and far from safety. It’s a thrilling and occasionally nerve-wracking part of exploring the unknown.

Visually, Crypt Custodian has an appealing, retro arcade style complemented by excellent sound design. On the PS5, it responds beautifully. Although Metroidvanias aren’t typically my go-to genre due to my general aversion to platformers, Crypt Custodian hooked me with its narrative and gameplay. If you enjoy this style, it’s worth checking out. Its throwback to 90s RPGs evokes nostalgia while staying fresh, making it a standout title I’m thrilled to have in my collection.

Crypt Custodian scores a solid 9/10 in my book.

Meanwhile, Albert Eres adds his insights on the game, noting how Crypt Custodian breathes fresh air into an action genre bursting with complex Soulslike adventures. It borrows from gaming titans like Zelda and Metroid but offers a customizable experience perfect for casual players, coupled with an endearing story involving cats.

One highlight of the game is its intuitive combat system, where enemy attacks are clearly telegraphed, unlike the usual fare that demands psychic-level prediction skills. Though not without challenge, it grants players a fighting chance to enjoy the action without unwarranted frustration.

Furthermore, Crypt Custodian’s gameplay assist features empower players by tweaking aspects like attack strength and health, making it accessible for all levels. For casual players, this means finishing a game they enjoy rather than abandoning it. However, a minor hiccup on the Switch port occasionally resets these settings, which can be a bit annoying.

The additional puzzle timer helps even out the difficulty spikes typically found in games of this genre, providing a more balanced experience. Whether tackling main objectives or optional challenges, players aren’t left to flounder.

Crypt Custodian is a delightful recommendation for any casual gamer, Zelda or Metroid enthusiast, or cat lover. With engaging gameplay and creative assists, it turns difficulty into a delightful challenge.

Albert also awards it a 9/10.

In conclusion, Crypt Custodian is almost purrfect—a tribute to classic RPGs and puzzle games that excels without forcing players into the exhausting difficulty escalations common in similar titles. Our shared enthusiasm shows it’s all good fun, whether on PS5 or Switch. While it’s not reinventing the wheel, it’s mastering what it sets out to do, making it a must-play for Metroidvania fans.