Another Crab’s Treasure: An Engaging and Unique Soulslike Experience
Imagine diving into a breathtaking water world filled with vibrant coral reefs and exotic creatures. Envision exploring this mesmerizing environment, only to be confronted by crumpled Coke cans, cigarette butts, and murky sludge emanating from aquatic flora. Such is the captivating and paradoxical world of Another Crab’s Treasure, an innovative indie Soulslike game developed by Aggro Crab. Despite the pollution and debris, the game offers an immersive experience that will leave players spellbound.
In Another Crab’s Treasure, players assume the role of Kril, a solitary hermit crab whose shell is snatched away by a loan shark. What starts as a quest to reclaim your home quickly evolves into a much grander adventure. Armed initially with a rusty fork, you will embark on a journey through a stunning water world brimming with wonders.
The game boasts a collection of 69 unique shells, each with different defense attributes and weights reminiscent of armor in Soulslike games. However, what sets this title apart is how shells grant special abilities that complement your melee attacks. Some shells offer buffs, such as increased attack speed or temporary invincibility. Others unleash cones of damaging bubbles or bursts of smoke to distract enemies. The versatility of these shells allows for dynamic gameplay and strategic combat encounters.
Although you can only carry one shell at a time, you can swiftly swap between them, enabling you to adapt your attack style mid-fight by utilizing nearby shells. Additionally, the game introduces an “insurance” system that permits players to bring any shell they find into battle. This feature ensures that players can select the playstyle that suits them best.
What distinguishes Another Crab’s Treasure from other Soulslike games is its commitment to accessibility. The developers have incorporated a variety of difficulty sliders and accessibility options, allowing players to tailor the game’s intensity to their preferences. From adjusting shell durability to equipping Kril with a one-shot handgun, these options empower players to engage with the game at their own pace, regardless of their experience with the genre.
While the game remains faithful to its genre roots, offering skill trees, equippable items, and challenging bosses corrupted by evil, it does have a few flaws. Like many game releases, Another Crab’s Treasure experiences occasional bugs. From audio cutouts to Kril getting stuck in terrain, these issues need some attention. Additionally, the controls may not always translate seamlessly between controller and keyboard, requiring further fine-tuning.
Throughout your underwater journey, you will encounter a range of bosses, some optional and others crucial for progressing the story. The difficulty of these encounters varies, with some bosses feeling too easy or “cheesable” compared to others. The optional bosses often exhibit similar mechanics with minor variations, making them easier to defeat.
While the boss battles are challenging and engaging, they primarily revolve around dodging strikes or evading one-shot attacks. It would have been intriguing to see the incorporation of shell abilities into the fights and more opportunities for players to utilize their grappling skills to maneuver around the arena.
One aspect that truly shines in Another Crab’s Treasure is its attention to detail and humor. While idling, Kril casually plays hackysack with a Heartkelp, dropping it when startled upon your return. These subtle interactions demand your attention and add a touch of charm to the gameplay. Moreover, the environmental design is simply awe-inspiring. The vibrant colors, clever designs, and whimsical elements make exploring each corner of the ocean floor rewarding and delightful.
Another significant aspect of the game is its abundant loot and hidden routes. From different costumes for Kril to helpful items and secret bosses, the game encourages exploration long after defeating the main boss of each level. This wealth of content ensures that players remain engrossed in the world and allows for extended gameplay hours.
While Another Crab’s Treasure may not reach the same level as renowned Soulslike games like Elden Ring or Bloodborne, it undeniably presents a unique and compelling experience. Despite its minor flaws, the game showcases a captivating central gameplay mechanic, breathtaking level designs, and a refreshing world full of charm. Whether you are a seasoned veteran of the genre or a newcomer curious about exploring Soulslike games, Another Crab’s Treasure is a fantastic addition to your gaming library.
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