Welcome to EXPlay, (Explain & Play) the review series where we care not for scores but tell it how it is when it comes to every game we get our hands on, whilst also taking the time to include some lengthy gameplay, to give you the reader, the chance to shape your own impressions and views whilst watching and reading.
In this explanatory review, we’re covering Crypt Custodian by developer Whoopee Camp:
Crypt Custodian:Â (The Explanation)
Crypt Custodian immediately grabs your attention with its unique twist on a familiar genre. You play as a cat sentenced to clean up the underworld, a premise that might sound quirky, but it quickly becomes a deep, immersive experience. The writing is surprisingly poignant, capturing the emotional honesty of a cat—yes, you read that right. It’s rare to see characters in a game get so much depth so quickly, and the humor sprinkled throughout keeps things light, even as you navigate the dark, eerie corridors of the afterlife.
Within my first few hours of the game I met a rabbit hosting a house party, a couple of frogs longing for each other, and many others. The character intros are each unique and the writing that accompanies their part of the story has moments of anxiousness, loneliness, loss, and other emotions.
The game’s top-down perspective is more than just a visual shift; it opens up a world of new mechanics that set Crypt Custodian apart from other Metroidvanias. The combat is where the game really shines, requiring careful strategy and quick reflexes. Boss fights, in particular, are no joke—they demand precision, timing, and a good handle on your stamina. Even the early game bosses were a wake-up call for how serious the combat can get, with its need for calculated attacks and perfectly timed dodge rolls and dashes.
Exploration isn’t just about combat, though. The game features some cleverly designed puzzles that make you think with your paws—moving floating orbs to unlock gates by deciphering light geometry. These puzzles are not only satisfying but also beautifully optimized, with seamless zoom-ins and zoom-outs that show you the big picture and then pull you right back into the action.
There is another section in the early second or third hour of the game that has you piloting barrels in water. You must navigate along various paths and avoid bursts of fire and maze-like obstructions. The air dash also opens up a whole new level of jumping allowing you to reach far away platforms and secrets.
Visually, Crypt Custodian is a stunner. The art direction is reminiscent of Hyper Light Drifter, with a mix of ethereal beauty and haunting atmosphere that makes the underworld both terrifying and captivating. The controls are smooth, and the world feels responsive, almost as if it’s alive and waiting for you to explore its darkest corners. Every detail, from the enemy designs to the environmental elements, is crafted with care, making the game a visual treat on the Nintendo Switch.
There is an area of the game that has non-combative creatures swimming all around you where their pink bioluminescence telegraphs their movement. Each enemy, mini-boss, and final boss are uniquely designed and distinct. Their moves and attack patterns must be studied so you know when to attack and ultimately lay the final blow.
Crypt Custodian is more than just a game; it’s an experience that resonates on a deeper level than you might expect. With its challenging combat, satisfying puzzles, and breathtaking art direction, it stands out as one of the freshest Metroidvanias in recent memory. While there are minor issues, like the lack of health pickups and some UI nitpicks, these don’t detract from the overall experience. If you’re a fan of games like Hyper Light Drifter, Tunic, or Death’s Door, Crypt Custodian is a must-play. Grab your broom, and get ready to clean up the underworld!
Crypt Custodian:Â (The Gameplay)
Game Specifications:
Developer: Kyle Thompson
Publisher: Top Hat Studios
Platform: Nintendo Switch (eShop)
Category: Action, Adventure, Role-playing, Platformer
No. of Players: 1 (Single System)
Release Date: August 27, 2024
Price: $19.99
File Size: 548 MB
Nintendo.com Listing
