Initial release date: 2024
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
Developer: Kyle Thompson
Genres: Platform game, Adventure game, Fighting game, Adventure
Publishers: Kyle Thompson, Top Hat Studios, H2 Interactive
Engine: GameMaker
There have always been video games with characters doing daily occupations. Mario’s plumbing background is undoubtedly legendary, but with blockbuster titles like Powerwash Simulator, we are definitely approaching a blue collar video game era. Crypt Custodian is another title that refers to someone with a less attractive job, although one they were granted in the afterlife.
We all wonder what life after death looks like, but what about cats? According to Crypt Custodian, it’s hardly the fairest of setups, as our hero Pluto discovers firsthand. Pluto is sentenced to a life of cleaning up the afterlife for all eternity after being judged on their past acts, and it doesn’t take long to find others who share his fate. Pluto and his comrades are determined to escape this endless punishment, so they plan an uprising that will require you to rally a slew of other ghosts and resist the power.
This is a fairly charming setting for a game, but the real meat and potatoes of Crypt Custodian are comparable to a top-down Zelda game, but with a much more unearthly backdrop. Rolling and hopping down every path is almost always rewarding, and it will enhance Pluto in a multitude of ways (most notably in battle).
Crypt Custodian’s hack and sweep fighting is quick and enjoyable, with precise controls and a range of attacks to keep the bad guys at away. If you’re not careful, you can easily take a lot of damage and die (or re-die), thus dodge rolling and bullet weaving are essential. Pluto, unlike many other top-down action game heroes, can hop, which allows him to completely avoid projectiles and is extremely useful when things get crazy.
Jumping is fine for the occasional pit in your path, but exploring every secret nook in Crypt Custodian will require more abilities. These are provided to you at a consistent rate as you progress through new areas, defeat ferocious bosses, and greatly extend your repertory. An air dash will make larger gaps a snap, while the ability to clone yourself will make weighing down switches easier. It’s the intriguing Metroidvania formula at its best, with plenty of lucrative upgrades to discover if you backtrack and learn new skills.
The best collectibles in Crypt Custodian are passive improvements that can be equipped. These all have game-changing effects, ranging from simple stat enhancements like increased health or attack power when you’re one hit away from death to making all foes you kill explode into bullets for maximum pandemonium. You won’t be able to equip these unless you have enough upgrade points, which you can collect in the world or as a prize for completing a tough challenge.
The variety of problems cluttering the globe in Crypt Custodian helps to keep things interesting throughout your game. There are curse statues that reward you with upgrade points if you can kill a large number of foes while cursed with some terrible effect, such as spikes that chase you and hurt you if you stay motionless, or making all enemies spew forth deadly boomerangs when killed. There are also spheres that must be collected within a certain time frame in order to unlock doors to goodies, as well as chests that will only open if you survive a few rounds of foes without taking a hit. If these are too difficult early on, there’s no shame in returning later, but I thought the challenge they offered was ideal.
There isn’t much to complain about in Crypt Custodian, at least not anything too bad. The death animation is way too long (even when bypassed), and the checkpoints are often far apart, which can be unpleasant. However, these flaws only become apparent after death and are not extremely bothersome.
Crypt Custodian is a fascinating top-down Metroidvania with a distinct atmosphere, excellent combat, and numerous upgrades to obtain. Every time I discovered a new fundamental ability, I was dizzy with excitement to return to previously barred avenues, and what more could you ask for from the genre? Kyle Thompson has done something absolutely unique without a large crew, making Crypt Custodian an extremely easy game to suggest to practically anyone.
Review Overview
Gameplay – 85%
Controls – 80%
Aesthetics – 90%
Content – 82%
Accessibility – 78%
Value – 85%
Overall Rating – 83%
VERY GOOD!
Summary: Crypt Custodian is a visually stunning action-puzzle game that immerses players in a dark and atmospheric world. With its fluid combat mechanics and cleverly designed levels, it offers a challenging yet rewarding experience. While there are minor issues with control responsiveness and difficulty spikes, the game’s unique art style and engaging gameplay make it a worthy addition to any gaming library.