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Crypt Stalker

86%Game Brain Score
gameplay, music
grinding, optimization
86% User Score Based on 128 reviews

Platforms

PCWindowsNintendo SwitchSteam Deck
Buy Nowfrom $2.99
Buy NowGet on Steam $2.99

About

"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.

Genres & Tags
Play Modes
Crypt Stalker screenshot
Crypt Stalker screenshot
Crypt Stalker screenshot
Crypt Stalker screenshot
Crypt Stalker screenshot
Crypt Stalker screenshot

86%
Audience ScoreBased on 128 reviews
gameplay6 positive mentions
grinding4 negative mentions
  • Crypt Stalker captures the nostalgic NES Castlevania look and feel while offering a more forgiving difficulty curve, making it accessible to a wider audience.
  • The game features a variety of content, including a unique Game Boy mode and multiple challenges, providing good replay value for its low price.
  • Players appreciate the fast-paced gameplay and solid level design, with many noting the enjoyable pixel art and soundtrack that enhance the retro experience.
  • Many players report issues with controls, including stiffness and input lag, which can lead to frustrating gameplay experiences.
  • The level design has been criticized for being repetitive and relying on trial-and-error mechanics, which some find outdated and unenjoyable.
  • Bugs and glitches, such as character movement issues and menu problems, detract from the overall experience, leading to complaints about optimization.
  • gameplay
    38 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Crypt Stalker offers a nostalgic throwback to classic 2D platformers, blending elements from games like Castlevania and Vice: Project Doom with fast-paced, responsive controls. While the gameplay features clever platforming puzzles and solid level design, players may need time to adjust to some mechanics and avoid traps. Overall, the game is praised for its engaging gameplay and fun retro references, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre.

    • “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.”
    • “Gameplay wise it's very speedy and responsive, although sometimes it feels a little extra slick in spots but you can get used to it.”
    • “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.”
  • music
    26 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game has received widespread acclaim for its vibrant, retro sound that evokes nostalgia, reminiscent of classic NES titles. Reviewers highlight the phenomenal soundtrack, praising its authenticity and quality, which enhances the overall gaming experience despite some control issues. Overall, the music is considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's charm and enjoyment.

    • “Overall though, this game is very enjoyable, and the graphics and soundtrack deserve special kudos for being authentic and awesome.”
    • “The music is amazing and the scrolling discoloration on the right makes it feel like it's from straight the 80s.”
    • “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.”
    • “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!”
  • graphics
    24 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game have been widely praised for their authentic retro NES aesthetic, vibrant art style, and clear, distinctive sprites and backgrounds. Reviewers appreciate the nostalgic feel and the effort put into the visuals, which successfully capture the essence of classic gaming while providing a modern twist. Despite some minor bugs, the overall graphical presentation and accompanying soundtrack are considered standout features that enhance the gameplay experience.

    • “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, whereas I feel 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.”
    • “Indiana Jones inspired, faster classic Castlevania game with amazing 8-bit graphics and music.”
    • “There are still quite a few bugs, but those aside the visuals and music are on Curse of the Moon levels, if not better!”
    • “Graphics?”
    • “Different levels, designs, graphics, etc.”
  • grinding
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game to be manageable, as the quick gun-switching feature alleviates some of the tedium associated with avoiding unwanted drops. While the level design is mostly solid, a few screens do feel repetitive and tedious.

    • “The level design was solid for the most part, with only a few screens that felt tedious.”
  • optimization
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization of the game is widely criticized, with multiple users reporting significant issues that hinder performance.

    • “It's bad optimization.”
    • “It's bad optimization.”
  • replayability
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    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 relatively short main campaign, all at an affordable price.

    • “While the main console 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.”
  • story
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story aspect of the game is primarily centered around VR missions, which are highlighted by users as a key feature. However, the repetitive mention suggests that the narrative may lack depth or variety, focusing heavily on these missions without significant development beyond them.

  • stability
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game demonstrates excellent stability, with users reporting no freezing issues and a seamless experience, eliminating the need for any cartridge maintenance.

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