Gameplay
Cryptmaster is a unique typing RPG that blends turn-based and real-time gameplay. While you can opt for the traditional turn-based mode, the real challenge lies in the real-time mode. In this mode, you'll face enemies whose health is represented by letters. Alongside their health bar, an hourglass indicates when they'll attack.
Combat involves typing out attacks for each character, which you unlock by defeating foes. When you vanquish an enemy, you can select a letter from their health bar to uncover a new letter, revealing either a lore memory or a new attack. Each of the four characters has their distinct "Class," although it's not explicitly stated. Joro embodies the barbarian or warrior archetype, Syn is a rogue, Nix wields druidic or spellcasting abilities, and Maz fulfills the role of a supporting bard.
As you explore, you'll encounter chests, skulls, and altars. Chests yield loot, essential for progression in Cryptmaster. Unlike traditional loot such as weapons or health potions, Cryptmaster's loot comes in the form of letters that unlock new abilities. When you interact with a chest, the game's AI will open it, and you have five chances to ask questions about its contents before making a final guess. For instance, you can inquire about its appearance ('Look'), texture, or usage. The AI provides hints to help you identify the item, and if you guess correctly, all letters in the word are added to your inventory.
Skulls grant you souls, crucial for using attacks. Interacting with a skull involves solving a riddle to free the trapped souls within. Altars serve as checkpoints but are filled with positivity that you must disrupt by breaking them. This action ensures you have a respawn point when you meet your demise.
Speaking of the game's AI system, you can engage with it at any time simply by typing out words. However, you're limited to using single words throughout the entire game, so you can't form complete sentences. Despite this limitation, you can still input words to see how the AI responds. If you’re immature like me you can use words like “Fart” to get a little laugh.
Graphics and Audio
I absolutely love the artwork in Cryptmaster. The black and white ink drawn look is amazing. The AI’s design is creepy and works well esspecially with the voice. The monsters have a very unique design to them, and I love the way they ragdoll when a move knocks them down, epsecially the little frog guys.
The ambient music and sounds contribute significantly to this game's atmosphere. I particularly enjoy the music that plays in the background when you first encounter the area with the rats—it's so cheery and reminiscent of the Renaissance Faire. The voice acting is also spot-on; during character interactions, it feels incredibly immersive, almost as if you're directly conversing with them.
Feedback
I tend to approach RPG games as a collector. I enjoy getting into every nook and cranny to complete my index, uncover all the secrets, and gather one of every item. Usually, games make this exploration feel rewarding. However, in Cryptmaster, there wasn't much incentive to hunt down all the skulls or collect the floating notes. It would have been great to have some rewards or boosts in-game for these efforts.
Verdict
Cryptmaster offers a unique spin on the traditional RPG format. You traverse with a party of four, unlocking new abilities as you progress. What sets it apart is the gameplay—it's centered around typing. While typing games can sometimes feel monotonous, Cryptmaster manages to avoid that pitfall and delivers an engaging experience. It's definitely one to keep an eye on due to its innovative concept and execution.
Cryptmaster is available May 9th on PC via Steam!
