Courier of the Crypts

Courier of the Crypts, made by Emberheart Games, is a Steam Early Access game with a classic 2D action adventure style. It uses pixel art to emphasize a more retro gameplay style in its large 2D world. Despite being in early access the game has an expansive map and multiple ways to complete every level that is presented to the player. This can range from leading monsters into traps to squishing them with rocks, or even avoiding all and just solving the puzzles without causing any harm at all.

It's hard to believe that this game is developed by only one single person because the amount of effort and care that has been put into every single pixel, sprite and maze-like level is astounding. Each of the “crypts” feels like its own living micro-world that you have to navigate through in order to survive. The way each creature moves, attacks and flees is fascinating, and some puzzles can be a bit of a challenge if you aren't paying attention to the world around you. The main character, the Courier, is a young and lazy boy, who has stumbled upon an ancient torch that wards off evil forces. He must travel through the crypts in order to complete his courier job. Problem is every evil entity is after him and his magic torch capable of repelling the evil magic within these crypts.It is up to you to guide him through these mazes, outwit enemies, solve puzzles and complete his delivery.

There are multiple ways to travel within the crypts, and even someone who just likes destroying enemies will be satisfied with how this game plays. It is rewarding no matter how you play it, and there's no right or wrong way to get through each maze. While taking your time is encouraged to find everything but to discover the secondary story about the torches origins and the meaning of the small cutscenes requires more effort. The player will still understand the story, they just won't get the full lore and if that doesn't matter to them then it should be fine. The developer has ensured that players can play through this adventure using multiple methods, however the puzzles are subjected to one fixed solving pattern. But to get to the puzzle one could be stealthy, go in rocks blazing (Since rocks are your primary weapons), or you can always trigger the enemies to follow you and lead them into a clever trap. The sky's the limit for what you can do to finally reach your end goal.

Each map in Courier of the Crypts is unique, and while some elements from other sections will be similar, since it's all part of the same “zone”, they have a unique feel to them. The player may find a moat in one area that they have to navigate around while in another area there's a sliding puzzle similar to another sliding puzzle from earlier. It teaches you how to recognize certain patterns and if a player is astute they'll see the patterns and be able to have a slightly easier time or appreciate the craftsmanship of each level. This game is not easy, to figure out each maze is a challenge, and you never known just what awaits you behind each door. While there are patterns, each and every level has a surprise, whether it's how it is laid out or what sort of enemies you might find. One level might have a bunch of spiders and their eggs inside, while the other might have a bunch of invincible slime monsters ready to blow you away with their slime kamikaze routine. You can always expect some aspect of each level to be different and for some to test the skills you've learned previously in a new, unique sort of way.

The little extras you can get, like relics that can improve your score a little. However, the more important things to find if you're into lore are the little notes scattered about the stage that tell you the events of what happened in the past. It's a backstory that ‘sslowly revealed to you if you look for it and it adds to the game's overall world's lore.

The torch plays a big part in your journey and keeping an eye on its “Flame” is essential.You don't want this thing to go out, because if you do, you'll be killed by evil demons. The torch is used to solve various problems, and it is your lifeline and a key aspect of the game itself. Leading monsters to their certain demise is satisfying and being able to light your torch at the last minute before you're overtaken by the unknown specters keeps your suspense up. You're never really safe, which means you have to constantly be on edge as you delve deeper and deeper into the dungeons, which is part of the appeal of the game.

It's rather hard to tell that Courier of the Crypts is still in Early Access because, despite the small bugs it has, it shows the makings of an excellent indie action adventure game. It not only emulates the classic retro style, but it also has a style of its own that makes the game memorable and accessible to all players. It balances out just the right amount of challenge and fun to make it an enjoyable experience.

Angelina Bonilla, NoobFeed (@Twitter)