In true Aggro Crab fashion, ACT has a deceptive amount of depth in gameplay AND narrative, (including some very poignant, but relevant, sociopolitical commentary) masked beneath what is, aesthetically, a very cute and charming Soulsborne-inspired adventure game with the simple premise of an adorably tiny crab going on a journey to take back what's rightfully his.
Another Crab's Treasure is by no means a perfect game, particularly regarding a lot of the supposed "Soulslike" element (ie: of the 4 upgradable stats that are available to you, there isn't much incentive to build anything outside of HP and ATK), but there is just enough to where I feel as it folks who may be intimidated to try intentionally difficult games can enjoy the challenging aspects of ACT without getting overwhelmingly frustrated or stuck on one area for too long. The core combat loop is pretty simple, but the Shell system, Adaptations, and the Stowaway system provide enough variation to feel like you are able to "build" Kril in a way that matches your unique playstyle.
Otherwise, the worldbuilding is great, the secondary cast of characters are very charming, and each explorable locale feels unique and big in a way that really fits the "open ocean" theming. It's great to see how Kril grows and changes throughout the course of what he goes through on his journey.
I feel like my only gripe with the game (aside from the bugs) is that, while I still thoroughly enjoyed it, it's VERY easy to start feeling overpowered by mid-late game. Especially considering that barbed hooks are VERY abundant and work a little too well on most bosses, I was basically able to Hook > Stun > Dispatch > Repeat the late game bosses to death without dodging or blocking too much. That, plus my attack stat being pretty high without any grinding, some of the challenge of the final bosses got lost on me.
Otherwise, Solid 8/10 - a joy to experience the entire way through and the ending will stick with me for a GOOD while! :'-)
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The game can be a bit buggy at times, even leading to some potential softlocks, but it seems like the team at Aggro Crab has been working tirelessly to adjust most major bugs as they're being caught by the community, so kudos to them!
Another Crab's Treasure is by no means a perfect game, particularly regarding a lot of the supposed "Soulslike" element (ie: of the 4 upgradable stats that are available to you, there isn't much incentive to build anything outside of HP and ATK), but there is just enough to where I feel as it folks who may be intimidated to try intentionally difficult games can enjoy the challenging aspects of ACT without getting overwhelmingly frustrated or stuck on one area for too long. The core combat loop is pretty simple, but the Shell system, Adaptations, and the Stowaway system provide enough variation to feel like you are able to "build" Kril in a way that matches your unique playstyle.
Otherwise, the worldbuilding is great, the secondary cast of characters are very charming, and each explorable locale feels unique and big in a way that really fits the "open ocean" theming. It's great to see how Kril grows and changes throughout the course of what he goes through on his journey.
I feel like my only gripe with the game (aside from the bugs) is that, while I still thoroughly enjoyed it, it's VERY easy to start feeling overpowered by mid-late game. Especially considering that barbed hooks are VERY abundant and work a little too well on most bosses, I was basically able to Hook > Stun > Dispatch > Repeat the late game bosses to death without dodging or blocking too much. That, plus my attack stat being pretty high without any grinding, some of the challenge of the final bosses got lost on me.
Otherwise, Solid 8/10 - a joy to experience the entire way through and the ending will stick with me for a GOOD while! :'-)
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The game can be a bit buggy at times, even leading to some potential softlocks, but it seems like the team at Aggro Crab has been working tirelessly to adjust most major bugs as they're being caught by the community, so kudos to them!