Spin Crypt! is a fun and challenging role-playing platformer developed by shockpine. A demo of the game can be freely downloaded. The game began as a proof-of-concept that has grown into a relatively difficult game to complete. You play as Paprika, an anthropomorphic animal who must venture across three locations in a graveyard–dodging obstacles, jumping over pitfalls, and running from monsters.

Its graphics and audio are reminiscent of old-school games like Zelda Classic or modern retro games like Halloween After Special. Either way, shockpine delivers a nostalgic experience in terms of audio and video, but with frustratingly difficult gameplay.

Your next challenging retro

Spin Crypt! sports the classic 8-bit graphic style reminiscent of old video games, it’s solid color schemes and pixelated designs help evoke feelings of nostalgia especially for players who were able to enjoy games of this style when they came out. Although simple, the game visually delivers an eerie feel with its Halloween theme. From purple gates to oversized pumpkins, there’s a lot of captivating details.

The music also helps complete the retro feel with the use of chipmusic, or 8-bit music. However, the sound doesn’t go with the spooky theme, using progressions and tones that evoke excitement and adventure. Controls are also easy, patterned after emulators for PC. It also offers gamepad support, which unfortunately cannot be remapped so users are stuck with the default mapping.

Lastly, the game difficulty constantly increases. While it gives you time to get used to the game mechanics, the game just gets too hard near the end. The timing to get across the platforms is either too fast or uses a more complex pattern. Either way, retro players are used to this unforgiving difficulty while younger players find this frustrating, especially having to try the same level again and again.

A fun experience

Spin Crypt! is a good tribute to the retro games of the past: 8-bit audio and video and incredibly frustrating gameplay difficulties. Its music choices and art styles really create the feel that it was created for the older gaming consoles, both being effectively used in creating a fun Halloween-themed experience. If you’re looking for a nostalgic, challenging game, this one is highly recommended.