Another Crab's Treasure Review: Where The Seaweed Is Always Deadlier
- Inventive combat system
- Expansive exploration
- Surprisingly rich narrative and humor
- Camera control issues
- Some combat pacing and precision quirks
A PC code for "Another Crab's Treasure" was provided to SVG for this review. The game will be available on April 25, 2024, for PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
You've seen the typical Soulslike games — dark, brooding, and unforgiving. Now, get ready to plunge into a whimsical undersea adventure with "Another Crab's Treasure," a game that proves even crabs have it tough. Developed by Aggro Crab, known for the satirical dungeon crawler "Going Under," this new game brings a playful twist to a genre crowded with seriousness. Don't be fooled — this is no Bikini Bottom. "Another Crab's Treasure" invites you to explore vibrant coral reefs and gritty kelp forests from the perspective of Kril, a hermit crab on a quest.
The premise is simple yet intriguing: Kril's shell, a.k.a. his mobile home and armor, has been repossessed by a ruthless loan shark over unpaid taxes (which makes it all the more hilarious that the game is being released right at the end of tax season). Left vulnerable, your task is to guide Kril through an ocean brimming with dangers to retrieve his prized possession. As you dive deeper, you'll uncover an undersea society where trash is treasure and danger lurks around every corner.
Hooked on combat
In true Soulslike fashion, "Another Crab's Treasure" requires you to study your foes, dodge deadly attacks, and strike when the opportunity arises. The twist? Your armor consists of various discarded items found on the ocean floor.
You know how crabs roll (er, scuttle), and from soda cans that shoot bubbles to teacups that increase your attack speed, each shell offers unique defensive stats and special abilities. This creative take on combat gear keeps battles fresh and frenetic. Collecting microplastics from fallen enemies allows you to enhance Kril's overall health, resistance, and damage output, ensuring that you're always ready for the next difficult skirmish.
Forget linear paths and predictable corridors, too. This game embraces an open-world design that encourages exploration and discovery. The undersea kingdom is vast, featuring sprawling kelp forests and intricate sand castle cities. Platforming takes center stage with a significant sense of verticality; Kril can bounce on sponges, propel himself through water, and grapple to distant areas using fishing lines. These mechanics not only make navigation inviting, but also open up new ways to tackle challenges and uncover hidden treasures.
Undercurrents of humor and heart
The narrative of "Another Crab's Treasure" is both engaging and, oddly emotionally resonant, sprinkled with humor and clever puns that lighten the mood. The environmental message is also clear without being preachy, requiring players to navigate through pollution that both harms and helps the adaptable creatures of this underwater world. Kril's reluctant hero journey, filled with quirky characters and witty dialogue, adds surprising depth to what could have been just another survival story.
The art style is a kaleidoscope of color, breathing life into the cartoonish, googly-eyed sea creatures and lush, animated backdrops. The juxtaposition of these vibrant visuals against the game's challenging nature makes for a delightful contrast. Voice acting brings real personality to each character you meet, enriching the story and enhancing the overall immersive experience. Meanwhile, the soundtrack perfectly complements the on-screen action, amplifying the excitement of exploration and the tension of combat.
"Another Crab's Treasure" also shines in its accessibility, offering a suite of options to tailor the gameplay to your liking. Struggling with a boss? Teleport right outside their arena, cutting out tedious backtracking. The game's difficulty settings can be adjusted to slow down gameplay or increase parry windows — and if all else fails, you can even spawn a gun to one-shot enemies, ensuring frustration never halts your progress.
A fresh catch in the Soulslike sea
While the game excels in many areas, it's not without its flaws. The camera can sometimes be your biggest foe, especially in tight spaces or during intense platforming sequences. The fast-paced combat can occasionally feel overwhelming, making it easy to lose track of Kril amidst the chaos. Some enemies and bosses also deal out damaging attacks that are especially quick and deadly, demanding precision that the game's controls don't always deliver smoothly.
Overall, "Another Crab's Treasure" is a breath of fresh, salty air in a genre that mostly takes itself way too seriously. At the very least, its mythology isn't as buried as "Dark Souls." With its unique setting, inventive gameplay mechanics, and a perfect balance of challenge and charm, this game scores a solid 8 out of 10. It's an engaging and (dare we say) accessible entry point for newcomers to the Soulslike genre, but veterans will no doubt appreciate its fresh take on familiar elements.
If you're intrigued by the idea of a crab scouring the ocean for makeshift armor while battling existential threats, then "Another Crab's Treasure" is definitely worth a dive. It's a game that doesn't just challenge your reflexes, but also charms your socks off with every scuttle and claw snap. Whether you're a seasoned Soulslike sailor or just dipping your toes in the water, Kril's adventure promises to be both rewarding and entertaining. Don't let this crabby gem slip through your claws — grab "Another Crab's Treasure" and discover what lies beneath its playful surface.