Developer FromSoftware created a new genre when Demon’s Souls first released on the PlayStation 3 in 2009. The “Soulslike” genre was born, inspiring developers across the globe with its risky mechanics/ rewards, thoughtful melee combat, and interconnected world design.
Aggro Crab is one such developer. I recently got hands-on with their game Another’s Crab Treasure, which charts a different route through the genre. The PS5 game, launching tomorrow, April 25, avoids cruel, crumbling kingdoms for colorful underwater lands. Instead of grim lore, it injects cheeky humor filled with references to the game Soulslike and other properties. While at its core it still functions the same as Soulslike, it introduces unique mechanics such as equipable shells with unique properties.
Not your typical Soulslike vibe
On the surface, Aggro Crab’s Soulslike looks like a fun, simple adventure based on a children’s cartoon. Beneath the surface are controls and combat encounters familiar to fans of FromSoftware’s third-person action RPGs.
The game begins with the snail protagonist Krill being kicked out of his shell for not paying taxes. Naked and vulnerable, he ventures deeper into the ocean to speak with the local matriarch to reclaim his homeland.
The Aggro Crab’s tongue stays firm throughout the colorful adventure. For example, experience points are represented by environmentally destructive microplastics. Magical power manifests in the form of mystical “Umami”. Trash litters the sandy seabed, including hilarious and groan-worthy puns (see the used ice cream cone joke above). One of my favorite details is the scene where the castle guard wields a straw and plastic soda cup lid like a greatsword. Aggro Crab’s humor and colorful aesthetic serve as an entertaining antithesis to the familiar melancholic Soulslike tone.
Raise your shell against your enemies
Of course, the main appeal of any Soulslike lies in the gameplay, and Aggro Crab stays true to the genre with some interesting twists. Krill’s moveset includes light and heavy attacks mapped to R1 and R2 respectively. The Circle Button is the sprint button, the Square Button uses Umami magic and blocks L1 with your temporary shell. Sticking with enemies like rampaging crabs is the key to studying their movements, blocking and dodging until the perfect opportunity to strike. Holding R1 will unleash a satisfying attack, sometimes causing defeated enemies to drift with the ocean currents.
Krill’s shell is where Other Crab’s Treasure differentiates it from many Soulslike. As the name of the game suggests, Krill is looking for temporary homes while he reclaims his original shell. They come in the form of soda cans, bottle caps, banana peels, party hats, you name it. Each “shell” acts as a shield and offers its own stat-boosting abilities, such as trade-offs for attack, Umami, defense, etc.
Some enemies are especially vulnerable to Umami magic, which means unleashing the shell’s unique magical abilities is important. I especially enjoyed the close-range attack bubbles of a soda can and the electric field of a tin can. However, artillery shells have limited durability, so you always have to look for Krill’s next defensive house. I was initially hesitant about the durability factor, but ultimately I appreciated being forced to try out a multitude of cases.
Exciting 3D platformer
Many Soulslike games keep players firmly planted on the ground, which is another area where Another Crab’s Treasure swims upstream. The X button jumps and holding this button causes the Krill to do a cute little swimming move. These quick movement options pair well with the fun, classic 3D platforming aesthetic. One location may hide a path behind breakable glass bottles, revealing a lightweight platforming challenge. Another can entice players to climb up to a vantage point and glide to a distant collectible.
Finally, Krill discovers a grappling hook that adds a new vertical dimension to the mix. Holding the L2 button in mid-air will slow time and allow the Krill to latch onto specific points such as fish hooks and climbable nets. These movement options encourage players to carefully study the vibrant environment to find hidden treasures (after taking care of enemies). Pacing is key in a Soulslike game, I appreciate the palate-cleansing platforming after tough battles.
A knowing wink to Soulslike fans
Another Crab’s Treasure reminds me of musician and national treasure Weird Al Yankovic, it offers a humorous parody of a famous subject but still provides entertainment beyond the surface level stupidity. outside. For example, I enjoyed the first boss encounter, which features a knight-like sea creature riding down a hill as its name and health bar fill the top of the screen. Once I was done giggling, I had to buckle up for a truly challenging yet rewarding fight.
Based on my hands-on time, the homage goes deeper than its fun references, while the unique animation feel and shell-swapping mechanic freshen up the formula. Dive into Another Crab’s Treasure when it releases on PS5 on April 25.
