REVIEW / Enigmatic Journey (PC)

There’s an inherent intuition that develops with gaming over time, almost like a sixth sense. After a decade in the gaming trenches, I’ve reached a point where it takes roughly ten minutes of gameplay to figure out if I’ll be hooked. It’s not merely about personal taste because there have been plenty of times when I dove into something totally unfamiliar and ended up loving it. It’s more this inexplicable gut feeling, and it’s usually right. That’s why I argue that you don’t have to plow through every single minute of a game to deliver a solid review—just approach it with fairness. Game loops are usually apparent early on; if you’re not engaged in the first hour, you’re likely not going to be five hours later. I’m bringing this up because I’ve been exploring Cryptical Path on PC, and by the time the tutorial wrapped up, I was smitten. I’ll get into the details, but this might just be one of my top picks for 2025—and we’re only in January!

In Cryptical Path, you’re thrown into the role of The Architect. You’ve been summoned to the Hexium, a prison entirely under your control, where everything’s gone haywire. Some doppelganger has seized the reins, claiming to be the rightful master and decidedly unimpressed by your interruption. To complicate things further, this impostor has released all the prisoners and, well, altered them. You’re tasked with restoring order using all your powers, but with an entity mimicking your abilities roaming about, it’s not going to be smooth sailing.

Cryptical Path embraces the roguelite genre in an intriguing way. Unlike traditional formats where you follow a map, here you craft the map as you progress. As The Architect, you construct the Hexium and manage its contents. This means every room you enter is of your own making, filled with monsters and challenges. However, the catch is you won’t know what’s lurking behind those doors, thanks to The Doppelganger’s meddling. You wield significant power, but not absolute, which is unsettling when it’s your turf being invaded.

Not everything in Cryptical Path is designed to play nice. Building rooms, although crucial, is a hefty endeavor. Your powers can only stretch so far before they start to backfire, something the game illustrates through control points. Each new room you create costs these points, and falling short can trigger a curse. Initially minor, these nuisances escalate quickly if not managed wisely. It’s a game where strategy isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

While Cryptical Path might technically fall into the realm of platform-based roguelites, dismissing it as more of the same would be a mistake. The mechanics bring enough variation to keep things fresh, but it’s the game’s style that truly captivates. The sheer passion and attention to detail seep through every aspect, making it an instant favorite.

Playing Cryptical Path feels like stepping into a 90s cartoon brought to life in the best possible way. Imagine if Adult Swim ventured into game development, creating a title based on its quirky shows. That’s the allure here—just edgy enough to entice older gamers while still enchanting a younger audience. Honestly, if this turned into a series, I’d binge-watch every episode without missing a beat. It’s cleverly written, filled with captivating characters, and most importantly, an absolute blast to play.

Now, let’s talk controls. Many games suggest using a controller, and while often not a necessity, in this case, I highly advise it. Sure, you can navigate perfectly fine with a mouse and keyboard, but the precision offered by a controller elevates the experience. It’s not critical, but definitely worth noting, and it won’t ding the game’s score one bit.

Here’s the kicker—I’m genuinely struggling to find negatives to highlight in Cryptical Path. If you adore platformers, roguelites, or both, this is a must-download. Don’t go in expecting revolutionary mechanics; appreciate it for the fine-tuned artistry it offers. This game stands as a shining example of developers getting things right.

That’s about it. I don’t have any criticisms, so I’m wrapping it up here, hoping Cryptical Path lands on consoles soon. PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch enthusiasts will no doubt embrace this gem. The Architect has claimed a spot as my favorite character, and I’m eager to see this IP grow and flourish long into the future. It’s stellar in every respect!

Summing it up—Cryptical Path is a must-play for fans of roguelites and platformers. It’s been ages since I’ve been so thoroughly enchanted by game characters, and I eagerly anticipate more. This is a game I’ll be revisiting time and again, one that receives my wholehearted endorsement. Exceptional work all around!