Team Analysis: Crypt Custodian (PS5/Switch)

It’s not often that we get the unique opportunity to review a cross-platform game. It’s always fascinating to see how the same game takes shape across different systems, especially in this age of modern technology where the expectation is that everything should be equal—although that’s not always the case. With that in mind, my friend and fellow reviewer, Albert Eres, and I decided to dive into Crypt Custodian, a fresh Metroidvania title that’s now lighting up both PC and console screens. For this review, I tackled the PS5 version, while Albert explored how the game performs on the Switch. Let’s dig in and see if we both came away impressed.

Crypt Custodian spins a tale about a cat journeying through the afterlife. For reasons best left unexplored here, our feline friend is denied entry to heaven and is instead deposited in a dreary world outside The Palace. Armed with a broom, he’s tasked with cleaning up this rather bizarre realm. Despite its strange premise, the story is cleverly penned and doesn’t take itself too seriously, which is refreshing. Yet it manages to maintain a whimsical charm that makes the characters you encounter endearing. Achieving this kind of narrative success in a Metroidvania, a genre often rooted in intense action with sparse and straightforward stories, is no easy feat. Seeing a game veer off this beaten path and do something novel is invigorating.

What immediately drew me to Crypt Custodian was its departure from the typical side-scrolling gameplay. Many Metroidvanias are essentially platform games expanded in scope, but this one opts for a top-down perspective. As someone who isn’t particularly fond of chaotic platforming, this is a welcome change. Think of Zelda: A Link to the Past, and you’ll get a sense of what I’m talking about. Navigating from a top-down view dramatically enhances precision, cutting down on the usual frustration associated with platforming.

As is customary with Metroidvanias, you can’t traverse every corner of the map from the get-go. This necessity for backtracking ensures you won’t encounter overwhelming challenges too early; areas remain locked until you’re equipped with the skills to handle them. It’s a clever design approach—you’re urged to explore, yet you’re never left feeling helpless, which keeps the experience both manageable and enticing. This balance means you’re never daunted by what Crypt Custodian has in store, making each explored zone feel complete and rewarding.

Crypt Custodian strikes a near-perfect blend of action and puzzle-solving. For players eager to dive headfirst into combat, it quenches that thirst while ensuring the battles never escalate to controller-smashing levels of difficulty. In tandem, the puzzles challenge you just enough to make you rethink your approach without descending into maddening complexity. Often, if you’re stuck, it’s because you’ve overlooked a simple detail—one you’ll likely catch after a few attempts. This harmony between puzzle-solving and battling with a broom delivers a pace that’s delightfully addictive.

The game also remains fresh with a myriad of collectibles and hidden treasures. Some of these are upgrade points, sequestered behind solved puzzles or untapped sections of the map. These points prove invaluable as they enhance the passive abilities you can acquire. Additionally, there are cats to be collected—friendly felines concealed in jars scattered around the map. Finding and returning them to their mother yields rewards. These diversions encourage exploration, offering a change of pace when you’re stuck or seeking a break from the main area. Handy warp points around the map make revisiting previously explored regions a breeze.

Speaking of warp points, these wells serve as a hub for saving, equipping new abilities, and teleportation. They are the top priority when you enter a new area. However, their locations aren’t readily apparent, adding a layer of tension as you explore; miss finding one, and you could be far from safety with your life bar dwindling. This makes discovering these wells incredibly satisfying.

Graphically, Crypt Custodian has a charming, arcade-like appearance. The sound design is great, and it controls beautifully on the PS5. Though I’m generally hit-or-miss with Metroidvanias due to a lack of enthusiasm for platforms—mainly because I’m not too adept at them—Crypt Custodian turned out to be a pleasant surprise. I was consistently curious about what lay around the next corner and appreciated the game’s nostalgic nod to ’90s RPGs. For me, Crypt Custodian is a fantastic addition to my gaming library and one I’ll certainly return to.

Overall Score: 9/10

Now, over to Albert Eres for his take. He shares that Crypt Custodian feels like a refreshing new entry in an action genre overflowing with Soulslike titles. Drawing from classic retro series like Zelda and Metroid, Crypt Custodian carves out its niche with player-customizable gameplay that’s likely to be a hit among casual gamers. Add to that its enchanting story starring Neko (or cats), and you’ve got a recipe for charm.

A standout feature is how Crypt Custodian indicates where enemy projectile attacks will land, a critical assist not frequently seen in modern action games—looking at you, Soulslikes. This means you’re not expected to be a psychic to dodge attacks. While the combat isn’t a walk in the park, there’s predictability that means even newcomers to action games will find it accessible.

Another enjoyable element is the ability to adjust game settings, tweaking factors like your attack power, fall damage, and health. This flexibility can mean the difference between completing the game with joy versus giving up in frustration. It’s a shame when players miss out on a captivating narrative or artistic style simply because a game is too hard. Crypt Custodian manages to embrace both seamlessly. However, Albert did note a possible glitch on the Switch version, where assist settings reverted sporadically.

An assist feature Albert appreciated was the extra time given on puzzles. Usually, difficulty levels in action games only influence combat, ignoring the puzzle aspects. This option allows more breathing room on timed puzzles, many of which, while optional, lead to significant rewards if conquered. Having these options means you don’t have to be a seasoned platform and puzzle expert to enjoy the full game.

For anyone who’s a casual gamer, or just a fan of Zelda and Metroid styles, or indeed a lover of cats, Crypt Custodian comes as a highly recommended experience. It’s packed with joy, and its approach to making challenging sections more manageable is simply the icing on the cake.

Overall Score: 9/10

In a nutshell, Crypt Custodian is a near-faultless homage to the RPG and puzzle gameplay classics. Its story captivates, and the gameplay is addictively fun without adhering to any unnecessary spike in difficulty. The fact that both Albert and I thoroughly enjoyed it across two different platforms speaks volumes. While it might not revolutionize the Metroidvania genre, it executes its tried-and-true elements flawlessly. If you’re into Metroidvania, this is a must-play.