Review: Another Crab’s Treasure

Developer – Aggro Crab

Publisher – Aggro Crab

Platforms –  Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X |S, PC, PS5 (Reviewed)

Review copy given by Developer

When I first heard about Another Crab’s Treasure it wasn’t through a traditional press release sent to my email like normal, I first found out about Another Crab’s Treasure via the one and only Michael Reeves (Popular Former Streamer and YouTube Personality, and Creator Dodgeball King), who I discovered after his amazing performance in Ludwig’s Creator Dodgeball where he absolutely crushed it in sniping his opponents. The one thing I’d love to point out before going deep into this review is that Michael recorded all of his lines for the character Firth, with a make-shift Soundbooth, which he made out of a cardboard box and some foam, in a true Michael Reeves Macgyuver-like way.

Getting to the game however, Another Crab’s Treasure is a “souls-like” adventure set in a crumbling underwater world plagued by a mysterious curse. The story centers around Kril, a plucky hermit crab who embarks on a quest to reclaim his repossessed shell from a ruthless loan shark. Set in a polluted ocean world, the game cleverly intertwines elements of combat, exploration, and platforming, all while delivering a poignant commentary on environmental issues and predatory capitalism.

While you discover the undersea culture of the polluted ocean , you’ll quickly realize trash is not only a way of life, but a valuable resource. But with the presence of trash comes a mysterious infection known as the Gunk, which could spell doom for the entire ocean.

As Kril the hermit crab, you’ll need to adapt by utilizing the trash that surrounds you as makeshift shells to protect yourself from the threats that lurk in the depths. Your quest begins as you embark on a perilous treasure hunt to reclaim your repossessed shell, but as you delve deeper, you’ll uncover the sinister forces driving the pollution of the ocean and the dark secrets that lie beneath its surface.

While exploring the polluted ocean, you’ll gain a variety of Umami Techniques, which are powerful attacks learned from the denizens of the seas.  These techniques are not just mere moves; they are a manifestation of the life force known as Umami, which interconnects all creatures in the game’s underwater realm.

Each Umami Technique is a unique adaptation that Kril acquires after defeating certain foes. For instance, the “Urchin Toss” is a formidable move where Kril hurls sea urchins at adversaries, causing significant damage and area control. This technique, like others, is unlocked through exploration and combat, encouraging players to engage with the game’s rich ecosystem and learn from it.

As Kril defeats more powerful enemies, he absorbs their essence, gaining new abilities that reflect their strengths. From the mighty punch of a mantis shrimp to the electrifying shock of an eel, these abilities are not just tools for battle but also symbolic of Kril’s growth and adaptability in the face of environmental adversity.

The developers Aggro Crab, are dedicated to an accessible gameplay experience and Designed the game to also be an approachable experience for newer soulslike players as well as provide a challenge for hardcore fans. The game offers many Assist options for those seeking a less frustrating experience, but those looking for a true souls-like experience are sure to find the default game a challenge.

When it comes to negatives of the game, there’s not a ton but the one major negative definitely is the camera movement, it feels choppy and un-smooth, which when trying to dodge in a souls-like game, can be quite annoying if you’re trying to dodge while also having to constantly reposition for a good camera movement also. Another negative is the game’s hitboxs although not completely terrible, they do feel a little off, which for a Souls game, where attacking means everything, it should be the most locked down and solid mechanic in the game.

While the Souls-like genre, epitomized by titles such as Dark Souls, Elden Ring, and Bloodborne, is renowned for its punishing difficulty and dark atmosphere, it’s not a style that resonates with everyone such as myself. However, Another Crab’s Treasure has managed to take the essence of what makes these games compelling—the intricate combat, the deep lore, and the rewarding sense of accomplishment—and transplant it into a world that’s both more inviting and less stressful. The game’s charming aesthetics, coupled with its environmental storytelling, create an experience that’s engaging without being overwhelming, for someone who typically shies away from the Souls-like genre. The fact that this game has not only been enjoyable but also leaves a desire for a sequel speaks volumes about its unique appeal and the potential for this sub-genre to grow and captivate a broader audience.

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