The rhythmic sound of “smack, smack, smack… squeak!” might catch your attention in an unexpected way. It’s the charming echo of a little black cat, now the eternal guardian of the underworld, tirelessly cleaning up an endless array of trash. Did he truly deserve such a fate? Absolutely not! That’s why he’s secretly concocting a daring plan to rally the forlorn souls of hell and storm the golden gates. This whimsical yet fierce ambition aligns perfectly with the creative genius of developer Kyle Thompson. With his latest metroidvania offering, Crypt Custodian, Thompson is set to deliver yet another captivating experience, following the success of his previous title, Islets. Fans of the genre can undoubtedly expect an engaging journey ahead.
In Crypt Custodian, you step into the paws of Pluto, a much-loved house cat whose fateful adventure begins on one seemingly ordinary night when he escapes from home. Unfortunately, he falls victim to a classic “Why did the cat cross the road?” joke, only to discover that he’s crossed not only the street, but into the realm of hell. Upon entering the game, players encounter Kendra, the unconventional judge of the afterlife, represented as a gigantic ghostly bullfrog, who promptly banishes Pluto to serve as her eternal custodian. Armed only with a broom, players will confront ferocious monsters, cunning witches, and a multitude of eerie creatures while striving to assault Kendra’s castle. Along the way, a delightful cast of animal companions reveals their heartwarming stories, helping to flesh out the underworld’s rich tapestry of lost souls.
Exploring the underworld reveals that it’s a not-so-terrible place after all! Upon your initial descent, your abilities are limited to basic melee attacks and single jumps, but just like any exemplary Metroidvania, progression leads to thrilling new power-ups and movement abilities. The game features two categories of enhancements: passive power-ups, which require you to spend power-up points to equip, and special attacks, which are powerful moves charged by striking foes with your broom. As you venture through the sinister underworld, these upgrades often lie behind intricate puzzles or locked gates, with some available for purchase using junk—the currency you earn from vanquishing enemies.
The various power-ups provide enticing bonuses, from increased health and damage to secondary effects triggered by your mobility. With a staggering 24 unique power-ups to collect, customization is key, allowing players to adapt their gameplay to match their preferred combat style and skill level. As you navigate through the intricately designed map, over 10 diverse areas await exploration, each boasting its own unique theme—think abandoned amusement parks, eerie basements, floating islands, and enchanting dream kingdoms. As you unravel this underworld mystery, you’ll be tasked with aiding your newfound animal friends, each offering their own problems to solve, all in a bid to join you in an uprising against Kendra to reclaim a magical mirror that bridges the world of the living and the dead.
While testing out the Hard difficulty mode—the most formidable option available—I found myself breezing through the game with relative ease. Boss encounters presented a mild challenge, rarely requiring more than a few attempts. Despite the assortment of enemies populating each environment, their attacks often felt repetitive, leaving many players yearning for a more dynamic challenge. Though optional Curses present opportunities to face tougher foes for extra rewards, this aspect makes Crypt Custodian an accessible entry point for newcomers to the Metroidvania genre.
For those seeking additional layers of challenge, two unlockable modes—Boss Rush and Shuffle—offer more gameplay once you progress through the main story. Engage in Boss Rush after defeating your first foe, where you can reattempt bosses at any difficulty and receive a grade based on your performance. Shuffle mode, unlocked post-completion, randomizes the collectibles in a new game, creating a fresh experience each time.
Let’s talk about the thrill of collecting! As a passionate gamer, I can attest that there’s something uniquely satisfying about stumbling upon a hidden power-up or checking an item off your collectibles list. Crypt Custodian magnificently caters to this craving, offering a treasure trove of items that deeply enrich the gameplay experience. Discovering photos conveys the backstories of your companions, locating trapped cat spirits reveals helpful rewards, and collecting upgrade points enhances your power potential. Arranged beautifully within each area on the map, the collectibles are intuitively categorized, allowing players to easily strive for 100% completion—even if some require a bit of digging to unearth.
The collectible photos not only serve as trophies but also enrich the narrative, encapsulating the life stories of each character. Understanding why Grizz appears aloof or what Wailer’s pain stems from heightens the emotional stakes of your journey as you strive for the magic mirror.
At the conclusion of this captivating adventure, you’ll find yourself experiencing a whirlwind of emotions—triumph, sadness, and acceptance. Perhaps it was the heartwarming writing or my own recent struggles with pet loss, but this game’s ending hit me hard, evoking tears in a cathartic release. Despite its lighthearted facade, Crypt Custodian delivers an emotional punch that leaves a lasting impression.
Is Crypt Custodian worth the $20 price tag? While it may not reinvent the Metroidvania wheel or pose the steepest challenges, it undoubtedly executes the genre’s defining features with finesse. With a customizable combat system, an engaging array of collectibles, and a mix of humor and heart, Thompson’s latest creation deserves a spot on your playlist, whether you’re a newcomer to the genre or a seasoned Metroidvania enthusiast, even if you find yourself longing for a more intense challenge.
Pros:
- Excellent starting point for newcomers to the metroidvania genre
- Rewarding collectible system
- Endearing cast of characters with touching backstories
- Additional modes and end-game content enhance replay value
Cons:
- Simplistic level design
- Repetitive enemy attacks
- May feel too easy for seasoned players seeking a challenge
Disclaimer: A copy of this game was provided by the publisher for review. Reviewed on PC.
