TEAM REVIEW: Crypt Custodian on PS5 and Switch

Every so often, we’re treated to the unique pleasure of examining a game across different platforms, and this time it’s Crypt Custodian—a fresh Metroidvania release that’s made its way onto both PC and consoles. My fellow reviewer and buddy, Albert Eres, has teamed up with me for this evaluation. I’ve taken the reins on the PS5 version, while Albert has been diving into the Switch port. It’s always fascinating to see how a single title translates onto different systems, and what kind of experiences they each offer. Curious to find out our verdicts? Let’s get into it.

Crypt Custodian spins an engaging tale about a cat who finds himself in the afterlife. For reasons too silly to mention here, he’s been shut out of heaven and is tasked with tidying up the not-so-glamorous landscape outside The Palace with nothing but a broom. The storyline carries a delightful weirdness that’s as entertaining as it is unique. It dances on the edge of whimsy without taking itself too seriously, bringing to life characters that you’ll find hard not to enjoy. Metroidvanias are usually more about action and aren’t typically rich in narrative, so it’s refreshing to encounter such a charming deviation from the norm.

One aspect of Crypt Custodian that immediately stood out to me is its top-down adventure style, steering clear of the typical side-scrolling dynamic associated with most Metroidvanias. As someone who’s not a massive fan of intense platform jumping, this game is a breath of fresh air. The gameplay evokes nostalgia, reminiscent of classics like Zelda: A Link to the Past, offering precision that tones down the usual platformer frustrations.

Typical of its genre, you won’t be able to explore all parts of the map right from the start, which makes backtracking essential. However, this design means that you’re never thrown into areas that are beyond your abilities early on. You’ll face challenges appropriate for your current skills, which creates a curious balance. This isn’t linear gameplay; while exploration is crucial, the game restricts where you can go until you’re ready, ensuring you’re never overwhelmed.

Crypt Custodian masterfully combines action and puzzle-solving, perfect for those who love diving into battles without breaking their controllers in frustration. The puzzles are engaging yet fair, rarely becoming so complex that they’re merely frustrating. Often, if you’re stuck, it’s simply because you’ve missed something small. This blend of puzzles and combat keeps the pace lively and engaging.

The game shines with its assortment of collectibles, including hidden upgrade points and a delightful quest to rescue cats scattered around the map. Such quests, often set aside from the main path, offer a nice reprieve, perfect when you need a change of scenery from intense areas. Convenient warp points make returning to previous locations a breeze, removing the grind from revisiting old haunts.

Speaking of those ever-so-handy warp points, these wells are not only lifesavers but also spots where you can save your progress, equip new abilities, and teleport across the map. Discovering a new well in an unexplored area can be a relief, especially as you venture deeper from the safety of your last save point. The thrill of the unknown is tantalizing, making each new well a beacon of safety.

Visually, Crypt Custodian delights with its cute, arcade-like graphics. The sound design complements this with delightful tunes, and on PS5, the controls perform exquisitely. While the Metroidvania genre isn’t typically my cup of tea, this game’s charm kept pulling me back, eager to see what was next. If you love a classic 90s RPG vibe, this game will resonate well with you.

Overall, Crypt Custodian is a superb addition to the genre, earning a solid 9/10 from me. It’s a captivating journey filled with nostalgia and modern twists that I believe many will enjoy.

Now, over to Albert’s take on the Switch experience.

Crypt Custodian offers a breath of fresh air in today’s gaming landscape, which is often dominated by Soulslike titles. Drawing inspiration from iconic classics like Zelda and Metroid, it crafts an experience that feels refreshingly new, particularly for casual gamers who shy away from punishing difficulties. The delightful narrative about cats adds a layer of charm that’s quite irresistible.

One standout feature is the indicator system for enemy projectiles. In contrast to other action games that expect players to anticipate and dodge, Crypt Custodian offers clearer cues. This doesn’t make combat a walk in the park, but it does allow players to focus on enjoying the adventure without constantly fearing for their lives.

Furthermore, the switch port boasts enjoyable assist features, enabling players to tweak game elements like attack power and health. This sort of customization turns potentially frustrating gaming sessions into enjoyable ones, particularly for those casually interested in the narrative and visuals. I did encounter a minor glitch where assist settings reverted oddly after navigating through some screens, but it seemed fixable.

A particularly user-friendly option is the extended time on puzzles—which usually none of the difficulty settings account for in action games. With these tools, even tougher puzzles become approachable, making Crypt Custodian accessible to a wider range of players.

For anyone who cherishes narrative-driven games with engaging mechanics, light puzzles, and an adorable story, Crypt Custodian is a delightful choice. It offers an enjoyable experience without the added weight of impending doom, and that warrants a score of 9/10 from my side as well.

Crypt Custodian is truly a gem for cat lovers, fans of the old Zelda and Metroid classics, or anyone who values charming gameplay with options for easing the challenge. Whether playing on PS5 or Switch, it’s an absolute treat.