REVIEW / Cryptical Path (PC) Game Analysis

You know, when you immerse yourself in gaming long enough, certain instincts start kicking in. It’s strange, but I’ve reached a stage where I can gauge my interest in a game within the first ten minutes or so. It’s less about sticking to favorites and more about that initial gut reaction. Often, this intuition steers me right. It’s why I believe you don’t have to finish a full game to give it a fair review—just be balanced. If a gameplay loop isn’t capturing your interest early on, it probably won’t magically freshen up after another few hours. I bring this up because I’ve been diving into Cryptical Path on PC, and by the time I wrapped up the tutorial, I was smitten. I’ll explain why as we get into it, but it’s shaping up to be one of my favored games of 2025 already—and it’s only January!

In Cryptical Path, you assume the role of The Architect. You’re summoned to the Hexium, a kind of board game-style jail that you oversee, because, well, things have gotten out of hand. A doppelganger has not only seized the control but also claims to be the rightful warden, decidedly miffed by your return. If that wasn’t enough chaos, it’s unlocked all the prisoners and… altered them. You’ll need to muster all your abilities to prevent this precarious situation from imploding. But don’t count on it being easy when another entity, armed with similar skills, is roaming about.

Now, what sets Cryptical Path apart is that it’s a roguelite with an intriguing twist. Instead of navigating a preset map, you’re in charge of crafting one as you go. As The Architect, you construct The Hexium and dictate everything within it. The catch? You’re uncertain what creatures you’ll encounter due to the Doppelganger’s meddling. You hold considerable power, but not absolute, which leaves a lingering sense of unease in your own space.

I’ll be straight with you; everything in Cryptical Path won’t always pan out in your favor. Creating rooms is a costly affair. You’re limited by control points, and going over that limit invites curses. These start as minor hiccups but will escalate quickly if you aren’t careful. Some strategic planning will be necessary here.

On the surface, Cryptical Path might seem like just another platform roguelite—but don’t let that fool you. The mechanics add enough innovation to keep it engaging, but it’s the game’s style that truly shines. It feels almost like playing a 90s cartoon come to life—maybe something Adult Swim would roll out. That’s the sweet spot it hits: edgy and mature enough to hook seasoned gamers while still capturing the imaginations of younger players. Honestly, if this were a TV show, I’d binge it in a heartbeat.

Oh, and let’s talk controls. Many PC games suggest using a controller for the best experience, but it’s usually optional. Here, I highly endorse playing with a controller. While a mouse and keyboard work, having a controller offers a smoother experience. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s worth mentioning for optimal gameplay.

I’m struggling to find any major downsides here, which doesn’t happen often. If you’re into platformers or roguelites, you’ve got to try Cryptical Path. Don’t expect revolutionary mechanics; this game excels in executing the fundamentals flawlessly, a true testament to skilled game development.

In wrapping up, Cryptical Path is a must-have, and here’s hoping it makes its way to consoles soon—PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch enthusiasts would adore it. The Architect has become a fast favorite character of mine, and I’d love for this to lay the groundwork for a beloved future series. Outstanding work all around!