Crusty Proto

3.9 / 5

26,779 plays

action Mobile Friendly

Game Information

Developer: SZ Games

Rating:

3.9/5

Released: April 2024

Last Updated: June 2025

Technology: HTML5 (Unity WebGL)

Platform: Browser

Size: ~15 MB

Plays: 26,779

Mobile Support: Yes

About Crusty Proto

Step into a pixelated time capsule with Crusty Proto, a legendary relic of '90s indie gaming unearthed from the fog of incomplete development. Discovered on a mysterious CD bought in a garage lot, this action-packed browser adventure flaunts both its raw, glitchy charm and an ambitious homage to the survival horror craze—specifically inspired by the original Resident Evil, which was storming the gaming world in 1997.

Crusty Proto drops players into a haunting, half-finished world where danger lurks in flickering shadowy hallways and every corner is a reminder of ambitious dreams cut short. You’ll maneuver low-res, chunky characters through creaky corridors, wielding pixelated pistols with a shuddering sense of tension. Don’t be fooled by the unfinished polish—the surprise glitches, clunky controls, and unpredictable enemy spawns create a surprisingly tense, nostalgic experience that echoes the golden days of survival horror.

The game’s easy difficulty makes it accessible to newcomers and retro enthusiasts alike, perfect for a bite-sized thrill session on any device. Its HTML5 foundation ensures seamless play on both desktop and mobile, so you can dive into its eerie universe wherever you are. Navigate with classic WASD or arrow keys, or use your Xbox-style controller for that old-school feel. Run, shoot, aim, and interact with intuitive controls reminiscent of the golden console age, complete with all the janky surprises you’d expect from an underground indie prototype.

More than a game, Crusty Proto is a playable artifact, blending glitchy nostalgia with genuine suspense. As you piece together what could’ve been a cult classic, every broken animation and unfinished map pulls you deeper into gaming history. Will you master its quirks and survive its unpredictable horrors, or will the haunted code claim another victim? Step into Crusty Proto’s fragmented world—a love letter to the wild, experimental days of ‘90s horror games, now revived in your browser for a new generation of thrill-seekers.

How to Play

Getting started in Crusty Proto is a nostalgic journey into old-school survival horror, wrapped in modern browser convenience. First, choose your platform—play instantly in your web browser on desktop or mobile, no downloads needed. On keyboards, navigate using the classic arrow keys or WASD to move your character through eerie corridors. Hold Shift or X to run if things get hairy. For Xbox-style controllers, use the left thumbstick for smooth movement and the trigger to aim or shoot with pixel-perfect timing.

To interact with the environment or shoot, press E (or A on a controller). Want to aim before firing? Hit the Space bar or the controller’s trigger, then follow with E/A to unleash your shots. Exploration is the name of the game, so scour every nook for potential secrets or key items—glitches can sometimes reveal hidden pathways!

Beginners should ease into the game’s unique quirks: expect unfinished maps, don’t be startled by abrupt camera cuts, and embrace the unpredictable nature of enemy spawns. If you get stuck on an odd collision or floor tile, keep experimenting—what seems like a glitch may actually be a door to new surprises. Most importantly, enjoy the wild blend of tension, exploration, and unintentional humor as you uncover the ghostly DNA of a forgotten gaming era.

Controls

mouse

keyboard

Tips & Tricks

Explore every room; glitches sometimes hide secret paths or bonus items.
Use run (Shift/X) to outmaneuver unpredictable enemies or escape corners.
Keep your gun aimed (Space/Trigger) when entering new rooms—you never know what spawns.
Try both keyboard and controller for different gameplay feels; retro fans love the controller layout.
Watch out for invisible walls—they can sometimes be pushed through for shortcuts.
Pay attention to strange sound cues; they often signal hidden content or danger.
Experiment with interacting after unusual glitches—you may discover unfinished features.

Game Features

Retro-inspired survival horror gameplay with a clunky ‘90s vibe
Browser-based and fully mobile compatible—play anywhere, anytime
Authentic unfinished game experience: glitches, oddities, and all
Keyboard and controller support with classic control schemes
Easy difficulty, making it accessible for casual and hardcore players alike
Resident Evil-inspired atmosphere with quirky indie personality
Hidden secrets, unpredictable enemy placement, and unique bug-driven moments

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Crusty Proto safe to play in my browser?

Absolutely! Crusty Proto runs on HTML5 technology, so there are no downloads or installations—just pure browser-based fun and nostalgia.

How do I save my progress?

As an unfinished prototype, Crusty Proto does not support game saves. Each run is a fresh experience, encouraging exploration and experimentation every time.

Are the glitches intentional?

Most glitches are remnants from the game's incomplete state. While some are accidental, they add to the game’s charm and even create new, exciting gameplay moments!

Can I play on my phone or tablet?

Yes! Crusty Proto is fully mobile compatible. Use on-screen controls or connect a Bluetooth controller for the retro experience on the go.

What do I do if I get stuck?

If you find yourself trapped by a glitch or weird collision, try experimenting—sometimes walking in odd directions or repeatedly pressing interact (E/A) can free you. Unfinished areas are part of the challenge!