One of the great things about having so much diversity out there in the eShop, is that across a common genre you can still see loads of variety. Even within ones that aren’t as widely represented as some others, like in this specific case Metroidvanias, it’s pretty wild to see how different approaches can make the same core play feel quite different. One part of what makes Crypt Custodian stand out a bit from the rest is it being played from a top-down perspective, instead of the more traditional side-scrolling one, but there are other elements that play a bit differently as well.

After going through a pretty funny introduction that absolutely abuses the core instincts of just about every gamer in the world (which I won’t spoil here), you’ll find yourself stuck in the afterlife as a lowly janitor, left to clean up the afterlife for all eternity… oh, and just a small detail, you also happen to be a cat. What follows is a pretty fun adventure with a thoroughly unique (and somewhat silly) premise, filled with a variety of unusual characters, some cool power-ups, and plenty of garbage to clean up. Thankfully, that same garbage can be used as your currency though, so it’s all good.

Aside from most Metroidvanias on the system having the more traditional side-scrolling view, I’d say many also trend more to the tougher end of the spectrum. In the case of Crypt Custodian I’d say it’s somewhere closer to the middle, so in that regard it’s a refreshing change of pace. There are absolutely spots and challenges that are a little more challenging, though some of them are ultimately optional. For the most part, as long as you aren’t seeking out trouble without having the right capabilities available to you, there’s just a much more chill vibe to your journey overall that’s welcome. Then when you throw in the personality and quirk of some of the characters you’ll encounter, it’s a more-approachable-than-average Metroidvania romp that’s well worth a look.