Crypt Custodian

About

"Crypt Custodian" is a Metroidvania/Zelda-like game where you play as Pluto, a mischievous cat who is tasked with cleaning the afterlife as punishment for a disastrous encounter with the Afterlife Guardian. Explore the vast grounds, battle beasts, and gain new abilities to expand your map as you solve puzzles, discover secrets, and even plan an ambush to break back into the palace. Meet and befriend all the other bad ghosts, upgrade your gear, and collect new upgrades and abilities by completing puzzles, battling bosses, and cleaning through ruined dungeons.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

98%

Audience ScoreBased on 1,413 reviews

story173 positive mentions

grinding28 negative mentions

Charming art style and engaging characters that add depth to the story.
Smooth and responsive gameplay with a satisfying combat system.
Well-designed map with plenty of exploration opportunities and quality of life features.

Some players may find the combat too simplistic and repetitive.
The game can feel a bit easy, even on higher difficulty settings.
Certain puzzles and challenges may lack clear guidance, leading to confusion.

story
427 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
41%
59%
1%
The story in "Crypt Custodian" is widely praised for its heartfelt and engaging narrative, featuring charming characters and emotional backstories that resonate with players. While some reviewers noted that the plot can feel somewhat shallow or predictable, many appreciated the balance of humor and melancholy, as well as the integration of gameplay mechanics with storytelling. Overall, the game is recognized for its beautiful art style and music, which enhance the storytelling experience, making it a memorable journey through a whimsical yet poignant world.
- “The story was really good, not only for the main storyline but the other ghosts you meet along the way, learn their backstory and how they got there.”
- “The story unfolds gradually, with compelling lore and mysterious characters that draw you deeper into the game’s world.”
- “The attention to detail in the storyline makes every discovery feel significant, adding layers of depth to your quest.”
- “The story is also very simple, which isn't always a bad thing, but in this case, it did little to make me feel invested in the characters and the goal of the game.”
- “There’s no lore to most of the areas, enemies, abilities, or bosses; no environmental storytelling, it feels very 'video game-y'.”
- “If the story had more subtlety to it, didn't broadcast the ending as 'foreshadowing' minutes in, and the level design wasn't enter room, jump across platforms, exit room, repeat for 90%, then there could be something memorable here.”
gameplay
372 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
53%
46%
1%
The gameplay of "Crypt Custodian" is widely praised for its engaging and immersive mechanics, blending challenge and fun in a polished metroidvania experience. Players appreciate the smooth controls, unique boss fights, and the clever integration of exploration and combat, all set against a charming aesthetic and captivating soundtrack. While some mechanics may feel underutilized or simplistic, the overall execution and fluidity of gameplay create a satisfying adventure that resonates with both casual and seasoned gamers.
- “The gameplay is engaging and immersive, offering a perfect blend of challenge and fun.”
- “The fundamentals and mechanics are so well done, playing it is as natural as breathing.”
- “The gameplay is smooth and enjoyable, and the areas are varied and relatively unique.”
- “Some gripes: I didn't feel the need to change my gear loadout at all in my playthrough, and some of the abilities seem to only exist to tick off the 'metroidvania ability gate' box and had no use in the actual gameplay.”
- “The gameplay overall is a bit basic, but the controls feel crisp and the combat is fun.”
- “While every area does have a new look, new enemies, and new mechanics - it still all seemed mostly reskinned or very single purpose.”
music
360 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
61%
36%
2%
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim for its soothing and atmospheric qualities, effectively complementing the gameplay and enhancing the overall experience. Many players highlighted the soundtrack's ability to evoke emotions, with distinct tracks that fit various environments and situations, particularly during boss battles. While some found the music to be less memorable or occasionally jarring, the majority praised it as a standout feature that contributes significantly to the game's charm and appeal.
- “The soundtrack is incredible and really elevates the whole experience.”
- “The music is soothing and fits the overall vibe really well.”
- “The music has been lovely as well, very chill and laid back, with nicely energetic, but not overwhelming, music during bosses.”
- “Sometimes music cuts off abruptly after screen transitions.”
- “I am not a fan of the OST of the game; it was hit and miss for me.”
- “Some of the music was very jarring to me due to the high metallic sounds used and short loops.”
graphics
259 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
64%
34%
1%
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their charming, original art style that combines cute, cartoonish elements with beautiful animations and vibrant colors. Many reviewers highlight the seamless integration of visuals with gameplay mechanics, creating an engaging atmosphere that enhances the overall experience. While some mention minor inconsistencies in polish, the overall aesthetic is considered delightful and a significant draw for players.
- “Extremely refreshing metroidvania, fantastic characters with an equally great art style and soundtrack.”
- “The visuals and character design are wonderful, the soundtrack is extraordinary, and the gameplay is beyond satisfying.”
- “Its combination of stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and captivating story makes it a must-play for anyone seeking an adventure that is both thrilling and thought-provoking.”
- “Some of the artwork is like 'WTF' and looks unpolished.”
- “Don't know if the problem was integrated graphics being used (I hope that was not the case); anyway, that was definitely annoying.”
- “I get how the art style and the fact that only 1-2 people worked on this project is an impressive feat and the cat is indeed very cute, but instead of enjoying myself, I'm running around in boring, maze-like dungeons with the occasional fight thrown in.”
emotional
103 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is widely praised for its heartfelt storytelling, charming characters, and the ability to evoke strong feelings, often leading players to tears. Reviewers highlight the game's whimsical yet melancholic themes, particularly its touching tribute to beloved pets, which resonates deeply with players, especially those who have experienced loss. Overall, the combination of engaging gameplay and a beautifully crafted narrative creates a memorable and emotionally impactful experience.
- “This game is charming, emotional, beautiful, and also appropriately tuned in difficulty to appeal to just about any level of skill.”
- “Behind the cute design of Crypt Custodian lies a melancholic but also heartwarming tribute to our beloved pets.”
- “This was such a fun and sweet game that left me emotionally broken at the end in the best possible way.”
humor
74 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is widely praised for its charming and witty nature, featuring well-written characters and funny dialogue that enhance the overall experience. Players appreciate the blend of lighthearted moments with deeper emotional themes, creating a balance that is both entertaining and heartwarming. The game's visual gags, quirky character designs, and humorous boss fights contribute to its appeal, making it a standout title for fans of comedic storytelling in gaming.
- “Beautiful, funny, heartwarming story.”
- “The story and dialogue don’t take themselves too seriously and have many humorous moments.”
- “Genuinely equal parts hilarious and heartwarming.”
atmosphere
52 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
35%
60%
6%
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its charm and emotional depth, blending cozy and melancholic elements through beautiful art, captivating music, and engaging character stories. Players appreciate the varied biomes and the gentle, laid-back vibe that enhances exploration and immersion, making it a memorable experience. Overall, the game's aesthetic and sound design create a poetic and enchanting environment that resonates deeply with players.
- “It offers exciting moments and a few tricky challenges, as well as an atmosphere that's charming and cute but also offers moments of wistful melancholy, helped by the great art style and soundtrack.”
- “The eerie soundscapes and haunting melodies perfectly complement the visual experience, enhancing the overall atmosphere and making the crypts come alive (in more ways than one!).”
- “The eerie soundscapes and haunting melodies perfectly complement the visual experience, enhancing the overall atmosphere and making the crypts come alive.”
- “Its gentle atmosphere becomes readily apparent from its calming title screen, that balances the morose curiosity of death with the onset of a spiritual journey, and even more so in its first tutorial level that has such a beautiful flooded ruins aesthetic.”
- “The atmosphere is poetic and soft, a lighthearted children's tale with pangs of melancholy, and while the narrative is light, the aesthetic is striking with well differentiated vistas, beautiful colors and cool animations.”
grinding
32 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
3%
9%
88%
Reviews indicate that while some players find certain achievements, like the "undefeated" one, to be excessively grindy, the overall grinding experience in the game is mitigated by effective fast travel systems and a less tedious upgrade process. Many appreciate that the game avoids unnecessary grinding for currency, although some aspects, such as specific puzzles and bug-catching tasks, can feel tedious. Overall, the game strikes a balance, making grinding less of a chore compared to other titles in the genre.
- “The mechanics introduced throughout the game are fun, the backtracking is lessened by the teleport system on the map, and the whole upgrade system isn't too grindy either.”
- “My only real critique is that the 'undefeated' achievement is incredibly grindy.”
- “He knows we don’t like grinding for currency, even though a certain NPC shopkeeper has set some nightmarish prices for items in his store.”
- “Alas, what is presented is a mid-tier metroidvania that I muted and ignored just to try to enjoy grinding and finding collectibles to ignore the constant 'be sad!'”
stability
20 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
Overall, the game demonstrates excellent stability, particularly on the Steam Deck, where it runs smoothly and bug-free. Players have noted minor sequence breaks that enhance gameplay without detracting from the experience, and the polished mechanics contribute to a seamless playthrough with impressive load times. The general consensus is that the game feels well-crafted and free of the common bugs seen in many modern releases.
- “Excellent, runs great on the Steam Deck.”
- “Runs great on the Steam Deck.”
- “It also runs great on the Steam Deck, even though it's not marked as verified.”
- “As a bonus, some minor sequence breaks and glitches are possible - but only the kind that benefit you and make you feel cool.”
- “I didn't personally run into any glitches in my playthrough, and the load times are incredibly seamless which is impressive for a game of this size and scope.”
- “It's clear that this game was made with love and care to get it ready for release, nothing seems rushed or buggy so far which is a plus.”
character development
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
33%
Reviewers praise the character development for its refreshing and painterly design, highlighting the delightful attention to detail and the depth of storytelling. The combination of engaging visuals, cute character designs, and satisfying gameplay mechanics contributes to a rich world that enhances the overall experience. Many note that the game successfully merges elements from beloved titles, resulting in a polished and immersive character-driven narrative.
- “I loved the world and character design; it is refreshing to see such a painterly style, and the little attentions to detail are delightful.”
- “Good story, cute character designs, fun fighting mechanics and skills, and a lot more depth put into an indie game than I was expecting.”
- “Cc takes all the good things you expect from Kyle's work in terms of movement, character design, dialogue, exploration, etc., and perfects a lot of the formula.”
optimization
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
Overall, optimization has received mixed feedback; while some players report excellent performance with no issues, others experience significant frame rate drops, particularly in certain environments. Additionally, the lack of a framerate option and gameplay customization features has been noted as a drawback. Laptop users should be cautious, as the game may default to the integrated GPU, leading to poor performance.
- “Performance on deck has been excellent throughout with no hitches of any kind, and achievements are mostly exploration based, apart from the three tied to the bus rush mode, which feel slightly overtuned for S+ ranks.”
- “First up for those curious, performance has been superb.”
- “My only criticism is performance/optimization; I repeatedly got super slow frames for extended periods (especially in certain environments), without my 4070m ever feeling the need to throw the fans on super sonic.”
- “My only complaint is the optimization lacks a bit with no framerate option nor some gameplay options like hiding progress percentage on the load-save screen.”
- “Btw: if you play on a laptop, Windows might decide to assign the game to your integrated GPU, resulting in terrible performance.”
- “I think my worst performance was 10 tries on a boss, but it is usually around 5 until you learn the move set you need to avoid damage.”
replayability
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
75%
50%
The game offers notable replayability through unique mechanics such as shuffling upgrades and a boss rush mode, enhancing the experience beyond the initial playthrough. Players can expect around 10-12 hours to complete the game, with additional content available for those seeking to revisit it.
- “It features mechanics that add replayability, which is much appreciated—like shuffling upgrades (the first time I've seen such a thing in a metroidvania unmodded game) and a boss rush.”
- “It took about 10-12 hours to beat, but it has a boss rush and offers replayability after you complete the game.”
- “The game includes mechanics that enhance replayability, such as shuffling upgrades and a boss rush, making it a unique experience.”
- “But it also features some mechanics that add replayability, which is much appreciated - like shuffling upgrades (first time I see such a thing in a metroidvania unmodded game) and boss rush.”
- “Took about 10-12 hours to beat, but has a boss rush and some replayability after you first beat it.”
monetization
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The game is praised for its thoughtful design and commitment to a player-friendly experience, notably lacking intrusive in-game purchases. This approach resonates well with gamers who appreciate a monetization model that prioritizes enjoyment over profit.
- “Created with passion, understanding of what a gamer would like and no in-game purchase nonsense either.”