Crypt Stalker
- October 30, 2020
- Sinclair Strange
Get on Steam"Crypt Stalker" is a nostalgic throwback to classic action games, emphasizing tough-as-nails challenges and pixelated graphics. Fight through nine stages of demons using a cyber whip or side arm, while navigating environmental hazards. Once you defeat the demon overlord, test your skills in monochromatic handheld mode for an added difficulty boost. Get ready for a high-stress, rewarding gaming experience.
Nintendo Switch
PC
Steam Deck
Windows
Reviews
- The game captures the nostalgic NES Castlevania look and feel while offering a more accessible difficulty level, making it enjoyable for both retro fans and newcomers.
- The graphics and music are well-executed, providing an authentic retro experience that resonates with players who appreciate classic 8-bit aesthetics.
- The inclusion of both console and handheld modes, along with various challenges and extras, adds significant replay value and variety to the gameplay.
- The controls can feel slippery and imprecise, leading to frustrating moments, especially during platforming sections and boss fights.
- There are several bugs and glitches that can disrupt gameplay, such as input lag and character movement issues, which detract from the overall experience.
- Some players find the level design to be overly reliant on trial and error, which can lead to cheap deaths and a frustrating experience.
- gameplay19 mentions
- 16 % positive mentions
- 68 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
Crypt Stalker delivers a fast-paced, responsive gameplay experience reminiscent of classic 2D platformers from the 80s, particularly drawing inspiration from Castlevania and Vice: Project Doom. While the game features clever level mechanics and platforming puzzles that enhance its depth, players may need time to adjust to the controls and some challenging traps. Overall, the gameplay is well-designed, engaging, and filled with nostalgic references, making it a fun 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.”
- music13 mentions
- 62 % positive mentions
- 15 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
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 control issues, the music remains a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's charm.
“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!”
- graphics12 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have been widely praised for their vibrant, nostalgic 8-bit aesthetic that authentically captures the retro NES feel. Reviewers commend the clear and distinctive player sprites, enemies, and backgrounds, highlighting the effort put into the level design and overall visual presentation. Despite some minor bugs, the graphics and accompanying soundtrack are considered standout features that enhance 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, while 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.”
“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.”
“Graphics?”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect to be relatively manageable, as the quick weapon switching reduces tedium compared to avoiding unwanted drops. Overall, the level design is mostly solid, though a few areas can feel repetitive.
“The level design was solid for the most part, but a few screens felt tedious.”
“Grinding feels repetitive and lacks meaningful rewards.”
“The game requires too much grinding to progress, making it feel like a chore.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game is widely criticized, with users reporting significant performance issues.
“The game's optimization is severely lacking.”
“I experienced frequent frame drops and stuttering due to poor optimization.”
“The optimization issues make it nearly unplayable on lower-end systems.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
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, all at an affordable 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.”
“While the main game isn't that long, the bevy of extra side modes, including the handheld stages, boss rush, and extra challenges, will certainly add quite a bit of replay value for this low price.”
“The game lacks significant incentives to replay once you've completed the main story, making it feel somewhat hollow after the initial experience.”
“After finishing the game, I found little motivation to dive back in; the lack of meaningful choices or alternate endings really diminishes replayability.”
- story1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
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 storyline. However, some users feel that the narrative could be more developed outside of these missions.
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Users report that the game runs smoothly without any freezing issues, and there is no need for maintenance like blowing into cartridges, indicating a stable and reliable performance.
“The game frequently crashes, making it nearly unplayable.”
“I experienced constant lag and stuttering, which ruined the gameplay experience.”
“There are too many bugs and glitches that disrupt the flow of the game.”
