The guilds of Astera believe Estoroth is attempting to unseal his crypt, and send the four heroes to seal him away forever.

Upon release, Black Crypt was met with "widespread critical acclaim", receiving an 92% from The One and 83% from German reviewer Amiga Joker.

Amiga Power criticized the game's plot as "boring", and calls Black Crypt "aesthetically unremarkable" and the title sequence "dull" and accompanying music "unsuitable rubbish", and sound effects 'unatmospheric' .Amiga Power furthermore calls it 'unoriginal' and expresses that Black Crypt appears based on Dungeon Master, and states "The variety of monsters is not wide and none of them seem out of the ordinary."

Despite these criticisms, Amiga Power's reviewer expresses that they "quickly found myself excusing its flaws, and despite a lack of atmosphere there was a healthy feeling that progress was being made.

Aside from cosmetic improvements like smoother animation and superior artwork, it boasts features that are clearly the product of some thought being applied in the planning stages.

... What finally tips the balance in Black Crypt's favour is the delicate line between mental effort and combat and the superb way the plot leads you through the game."