Crypt Stalker

About

Crypt Stalker is a single player arcade platformer game with a horror theme. It was developed by Sinclair Strange and was released on October 30, 2020. It received positive reviews from players.

Crypt Stalker is an intense action game that plunges you into nine challenging stages filled with demons and environmental hazards like rising magma and crushing walls. Armed with a cyber whip or sidearm, you must fight your way to defeat the evil demon overlord. Experience nostalgic, heart-pounding gameplay with a unique monochromatic handheld mode for added challenge.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

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85%

Audience ScoreBased on 68 reviews

graphics8 positive mentions

optimization3 negative mentions

Great artwork and nostalgic 8-bit graphics that capture the essence of classic platformers.
Offers two distinct gameplay modes: a console version reminiscent of NES and a unique Game Boy version, providing variety and replay value.
Challenging yet fair difficulty curve, with well-designed levels and mechanics that keep the gameplay engaging.

Controls can feel slippery and imprecise, leading to frustrating moments during gameplay.
Some levels are overly long and designed around trial and error, which may not appeal to all players.
The game suffers from bugs and glitches, including input lag and occasional character getting stuck in platforms.

gameplay
18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
17%
66%
17%
Crypt Stalker offers a nostalgic throwback to classic 2D platformers, blending elements from games like Castlevania and Sonic with responsive and speedy controls. While the gameplay features clever level mechanics and platforming puzzles that enhance the experience, players may need time to adjust to some of the slick controls and certain challenging traps. Overall, the game is praised for its solid gameplay, engaging level design, and fun mechanics, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre.
- “A fun throwback to some of the best 2D platformers of the 80s, Crypt Stalker takes after both Castlevania's style and level design while the gameplay physics are more similar to that of Vice: Project Doom.”
- “It's a faster-paced classicvania-inspired indie with not only many references to many retro games but also great gameplay and solid level design.”
- “The major way it sets itself apart is the proliferation of platforming puzzles: each stage introduces some new mechanic (blocks that raise when you stand on them; lights that go out unless you hit a switch; lava that periodically raises to engulf the lower half of the screen; and so on) and explores it to a degree that Castlevania never did.”
- “Again with the cheap traps, I don't know the whip chain mechanics, I know they work, so I use them and then I'm flung into a trap and I don't know what to do, do I jump?”
- “There was never a place to practice any fancy maneuvering with this mechanic.”
- “But it does take a bit of getting used to the controls and mechanics.”
graphics
15 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
53%
27%
20%
The graphics of the game have received praise for their vibrant art style and nostalgic 8-bit aesthetic, effectively capturing the retro feel of NES classics. While some players noted issues with windowed play affecting visual quality, the overall design, including clear sprites and distinctive backgrounds, showcases a commendable effort in authenticity. The combination of impressive visuals and a fitting soundtrack enhances the overall enjoyment of the game.
- “Great music and love the art style, nice and vibrant.”
- “Overall though, this game is very enjoyable, and the graphics and soundtrack deserve special kudos for being authentic and awesome.”
- “Graphically the console mode is the best looking as it captures a classic retro NES look, where most other 'retro themed' games kind of fail. There's a real effort here; the player sprites, enemies, and backgrounds are clear and distinctive with a unique set of enemies.”
- “The graphics kick ass and the gameplay is decent and well controlled.”
- “There are still quite a few bugs, but those aside the visuals and music are on 'Curse of the Moon' levels, if not better!”
- “From the 8-bit track to the typical NES graphics, this game has it all.”
music
13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
62%
15%
23%
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim for its vibrant, retro-inspired soundtrack that effectively captures the essence of classic NES titles. Reviewers highlight the phenomenal quality of the tracks, noting their authenticity and nostalgic feel, which enhances the overall gaming experience. Despite some gameplay issues, the music stands out as a significant strength, contributing to the game's enjoyable atmosphere.
- “Great music and love the art style, nice and vibrant.”
- “Overall though, this game is very enjoyable, and the graphics and soundtrack deserve special kudos for being authentic and awesome.”
- “Loads of great tracks, sounding fittingly retro while using some of the better NES sound card music from the NES library compared to some others which I'm glad it didn't go for.”
- “The music is not slacking either.”
- “I love the music (though it's not entirely Egyptian sounding, it still sounds like something you'd hear back in the day from a game by Jaleco or one of the other 3rd party devs back in the day).”
- “There are still quite a few bugs, but those aside the visuals and music are on Curse of the Moon levels, if not better!”
optimization
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The optimization of the game is widely criticized, with users reporting significant performance issues.
- “The game's optimization is terrible.”
- “I experienced significant performance issues due to poor optimization.”
- “The lack of optimization makes it nearly unplayable on lower-end systems.”
replayability
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game offers significant replayability due to its variety of extra side modes, such as handheld stages, boss rush, and additional challenges, which enhance the experience beyond the main storyline, especially considering its low price.
- “While the main game isn't that long, the variety of extra side modes, including handheld stages, boss rush, and additional challenges, certainly adds significant replay value for this low price.”
- “The game offers a wealth of content that encourages multiple playthroughs, ensuring that players can always find something new to experience.”
- “With different character choices and branching storylines, each playthrough feels fresh and engaging, making it hard to put down.”
stability
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Users report that the game demonstrates excellent stability, with no instances of freezing and the added convenience of not requiring cartridge maintenance.
- “The game frequently crashes, making it nearly unplayable.”
- “I experienced constant lag and disconnections during gameplay.”
- “The stability issues are frustrating; I lost progress due to unexpected errors.”
grinding
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be relatively manageable, as the quick weapon switching reduces the tedium associated with avoiding unwanted drops. Overall, the level design is mostly solid, though a few areas do feel repetitive.
- “The level design was solid for the most part, but a few screens felt tedious.”
- “The gun is quick to switch to and less tedious than avoiding unwanted drops.”
story
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The story aspect of the game is primarily conveyed through VR missions, which provide immersive experiences that enhance narrative engagement. Players appreciate how these missions contribute to the overall plot, offering a unique way to explore the game's themes and character development. However, some users feel that the story could benefit from deeper exploration beyond the VR format.