It’s no secret that after Dark Souls had a seismic impact on the entire industry, many developers have made in-depth attempts at the Souls-like genre. Why wouldn’t they? The complex third-person action game’s emphasis on patience and perseverance is not only refreshing for players looking for gaming fun, but also financially viable for developers looking to build a loyal fanbase. Another such game is Crab’s Treasure. But there’s a quirk to this ocean title, it feels like a breath of fresh ocean air.
While “Lies of P,” “The Surge,” “Lords of the Fallen,” and “Remnant” all have their merits, “Another Crab’s Treasure” distances itself from its roots in a way that I frankly think is pretty brave. inspiration. It’s energetic and doesn’t take itself too seriously. The core of a great Souls game is there, but there’s no vague attempt to replicate the gloomy atmosphere of the genre. The Other Crab’s Treasure makes the argument that separates the tense, anxiety-inducing experience of the Dark Souls series from the typical themes surrounding it.
If you used an Xbox Game Pass subscription to check out Another Crab’s Treasure and the various other Soulslike games on the service, you’ll recognize this as soon as it launches. One could argue that’s all the selling point aside from conveying an environmental message. Another kind of crab has deep treasures, deep interesting. It embraces the silly little crab adventure theme and runs with it.
But why is this actually a big deal? Well, when you choose a horrific tone to compliment the oppressive gameplay of the Souls series and most of its ilk, you get this between the world you’re playing in and the experience of actually playing the game. A wonderful synergy. This is a great immersion factor. You’ll embark on a journey with the tarnished undead, the chosen undead, and more. Their David vs. Goliath journey is your own – wielding the sword as you hold the controller. Dark Souls proved the importance of this, as did games like Doom (2016) and MechWarrior with massive custom controllers and seventeen million buttons. Mastering this interaction is the hallmark of a well-designed video game and has been for years.
However, you can also subvert this tried-and-true method. If done right, you can get some truly hilarious results. Check out the splicing of dark themes with cute characters in games like Spooky’s House of Jumpscares or Slay the Princess for a masterclass in demo-busting. Frog Score, Doki Doki Literary Club. When the substance of your game is as opposed to surface level, you can shock and truly amuse your audience. Another crab treasure is in the same boat, or rather beneath it. Looks like a cute little guy having an adorable adventure in search of his seashell. That’s it – but there’s more. It’s a challenging game that’s as punchy as any other in its genre.
This, and the overall quality of the game in every other aspect, is why I think The Other Crab’s Treasure will be fondly remembered for years to come, and for so many others trying to emulate it in Dark Souls For games, you can’t necessarily say that. ‘Footsteps. No shadows! Presentation is important and Aggro Crab’s young, mostly junior team knows this. Like the game itself, the studio is a breeding ground for new ideas.
I didn’t get a chance to review The Other Crab’s Treasure – I was inundated with cakes from Stellar Blade Bakery ahead of its release. However, after playing it post-launch like the rest of you, I can safely say that The Other Crab’s Treasure was a pleasant surprise and one that I will be playing for the next few months It bothers all my friends. If you have Game Pass, or a few bucks for free on Steam, you should check it out.