A Light-Hearted Metroidvania in the Afterlife
In this episode of Game Pass Grab Bag, the hosts dive into the indie Metroidvania Crypt Custodian, a quirky adventure where players take control of a mischievous cat navigating the afterlife. With its mix of humor, puzzles, and engaging boss battles, the game stands out as both approachable and enjoyable for a wide audience.
Scores
Andrew: 78 – Game
Keith: 83 – Game
Aaron: 83 – Game
Average: 81.3
📌 Key Takeaways
- Crypt Custodian is a fun Metroidvania featuring a cat exploring the afterlife.
- Players are judged based on their actions in life, adding narrative depth.
- The art style is simple yet charming, drawing players into its world.
- Humor is woven throughout the gameplay, making even challenges feel light-hearted.
- Boss battles are a highlight, requiring skill and timing.
- Puzzles provide rewarding moments, though some can be tough.
- Accessibility features and difficulty settings make it suitable for younger players.
- Fast travel enhances exploration and prevents tedious backtracking.
- Achievements are quirky, with some breaking traditional numbering.
- Overall, the game is a fun weekend playthrough with lasting charm.
🕹️ Gameplay & Mechanics
At its core, Crypt Custodian embraces the classic Metroidvania formula—exploration, unlocking abilities, and battling bosses. But the twist is in the playful tone and humor layered into the design.
“The storytelling is very interesting.”
Combat feels straightforward yet satisfying, with enough variety to keep encounters fresh. Boss fights in particular shine, testing both patience and reflexes without overwhelming players.
Puzzles scattered throughout the game reward experimentation, encouraging players to think creatively while keeping the pace balanced.
🎨 Art Style & Humor
The game’s minimalist art style is one of its strongest traits. While not overly complex, it manages to feel both unique and inviting. Combined with the light-hearted humor—often poking fun at the grim concept of the afterlife—it creates a playful tone that sets it apart from darker entries in the genre.
“The humor adds a light-hearted touch.”
☁️ Cloud Gaming & Accessibility
A notable part of the discussion also touched on how well Crypt Custodian runs on cloud gaming. The smooth experience makes it more accessible for players who don’t want to commit to local installs, and with its relatively short length, the game feels perfect for a weekend binge.
Difficulty settings and accessibility features also ensure that the game appeals to a wider audience, from casual players to seasoned Metroidvania fans.
🎧 Audio & Achievements
While the soundtrack is atmospheric, it isn’t particularly memorable compared to other games in the genre. That said, it supports the mood without becoming distracting.
Achievements, on the other hand, are quirky and fun—sometimes ending in odd numbers or tied to humorous moments. These little touches add to the game’s overall charm.
🎤 Final Thoughts
With its engaging puzzles, fun boss fights, and cheeky humor, Crypt Custodian delivers a memorable experience that doesn’t overstay its welcome. It may not reinvent the Metroidvania genre, but it carves out a unique identity through its lighthearted storytelling and accessible design.
For players looking for something fun, quirky, and short enough to complete over a weekend, this is absolutely worth diving into on Game Pass.
