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Another Crab's Treasure

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Another Crab's Treasure
Item: Another Crab's Treasure
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2024

GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Third Person Perspective, Platformer, Comedy, RPG, Single Player

AvailableApr 25, 2024

PlatformNintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PC, Xbox One

DeveloperAggro Crab

Overview

Another Crab’s Treasure is a soulslike adventure set in a crumbling underwater world plagued by a mysterious curse. As Kril the hermit crab, you’ll need to wear the trash around you as shells to withstand attacks from enemies many times your size. Embark on an epic treasure hunt to buy back your repossessed shell, and discover the dark secrets behind the polluted ocean.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

81%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

19%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The majority of reviewers praise Another Crab’s Treasure for its engaging narrative, humor, and thematic depth. Critics highlight its clever use of environmentalism and social critique, with Nintendo Life noting the "charming and humorous" writing, while SpazioGames and Gamer.nl emphasize the game’s exploration of capitalism and pollution through an underwater lens. The story’s whimsical tone is frequently lauded, as seen in Push Square’s description of it as a "lighthearted story with an environmentalist theme," and Twinfinite praising its "charming narrative" and vibrant underwater world. RPGamer applauds the game for prioritizing storytelling over typical Soulslike mechanics, noting its "clear motivation" and cinematic presentation. Many critics also appreciate the character-driven dialogue and satirical elements, such as Malditos Nerds’ observation of its "educational elements and character-driven storytelling," while GameSpew and GamingTrend highlight the protagonist’s quest to reclaim his shell as a compelling framework for exploration and humor. However, some critiques focus on narrative shortcomings. But Why Tho? criticizes the ending for not aligning with the protagonist’s development, while Game Informer notes the story "meanders into a rushed finale." God is a Geek points out the lack of deep world-building, and Meristation mentions the narrative's "lack of depth" despite Kril’s personal growth. Others, like Checkpoint Gaming and Destructoid, note translation issues or excessive text in dialogues, which can detract from immersion. Additionally, some reviewers, such as PC Games, describe the story as "simple," serving more as a framework for exploration than a complex narrative. While these critiques are less frequent, they highlight that the game’s strengths in themes and tone don’t always translate to a fully cohesive or polished storytelling experience. Overall, critics largely agree that Another Crab’s Treasure succeeds as a unique and thought-provoking narrative, blending humor with serious environmental and societal commentary. The game’s ability to balance whimsy with critique—such as Destructoid’s praise for its "clever critiques of capitalism" and Digital Trends’ mention of its "balance of comedy and darkness"—resonates strongly. While some flaws in pacing, depth, or translation exist, the consensus leans positive, with many reviewers celebrating its originality and emotional resonance. As GameSpot notes, the story “ends in a complex and genuine place,” reflecting the game’s broader appeal as both an entertaining adventure and a meaningful commentary on modern issues. The mixed reception of its narrative structure underscores its ambition, but the majority of critics view it as a standout example of storytelling in the Soulslike genre.

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story and narrative

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Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

51%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

49%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Another Crab's Treasure is widely praised for its innovative shell mechanics, Soulslike combat, and creative integration of environmental themes. Critics highlight the unique shell-switching system as a standout feature, offering diverse abilities that influence both defense and offense. Nintendo Life and SpazioGames note the precision of combat inspired by Sekiro, while Gamer.nl and GAMES.CH commend the blend of platforming and Soulslike mechanics. The game’s focus on parrying, as emphasized by Push Square and RPGamer, adds depth, and accessibility options (mentioned by GameSpew and Digital Trends) cater to varied player preferences. Additionally, the use of trash as currency and armor, praised by GAMES.CH and PC Games, reinforces its thematic cohesion. Critics like Hobby Consolas and The Indie Informer appreciate the strategic layering of microplastic progression and shell customization, while others, such as Malditos Nerds and IGN Spain, highlight the game’s blend of Dark Souls and Sekiro influences, creating a fresh yet familiar experience. However, several critics point to significant flaws that detract from the gameplay. Issues with control precision and hit detection are recurring complaints, with Nintendo Life and SpazioGames citing frustrating inconsistencies. Gamer.nl and Game Informer criticize the "floaty" movement and imprecise platforming, while Gamersky and Meristation mention design flaws and bugs that disrupt immersion. The combat’s difficulty is also a double-edged sword: while GameSpew and XboxEra praise its challenge, others like GamingTrend and Slant Magazine note that it can feel repetitive or overly punishing. Additionally, some reviewers, such as Destructoid and PC Games, argue that the shell system, though creative, lacks depth in certain areas, and the reliance on parrying (as seen in PC Games’ analysis) may not appeal to all players. These issues collectively create a mixed experience, where innovation is tempered by technical and design shortcomings. Overall, the consensus among critics leans toward appreciation for Another Crab's Treasure’s ambitious mechanics and Soulslike spirit, despite its flaws. While many praise its unique shell system, accessibility features, and environmental creativity (as noted by Nintendo Life, GAMES.CH, and Push Square), others like GameSpot and XboxEra acknowledge that the game’s challenges—particularly in control responsiveness and difficulty balance—require patience. The game is seen as a worthwhile experience for fans of Soulslike games, with its strengths in innovation and customization outweighing its technical issues for many reviewers. However, the mixed reception underscores that while Another Crab's Treasure successfully captures the essence of its inspirations, it occasionally falters in execution, leaving room for improvement in polish and consistency.

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gameplay mechanics

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Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

56%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

44%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Another Crab’s Treasure have been widely praised for their vibrant, imaginative, and cohesive artistic direction. Critics consistently highlight the game’s colorful, cartoonish aesthetic that aligns with its underwater setting, evoking nostalgia for classic platformers while offering a unique charm. For instance, Gamer.nl and GameSpew commend the “colorful, cartoonish world” and “cutesy aesthetic,” respectively, which complement the game’s playful tone. The environmental design is particularly lauded, with Checkpoint Gaming noting “incredible environment design with verticality” and Slant Magazine comparing it to Banjo-Kazooie for its creative character and locale designs. Additionally, many reviewers emphasize the game’s ability to blend whimsy with deeper themes—such as environmentalism—through visuals like trash-filled oceans (PC Games, Vandal) or contrasting dark and light elements (God is a Geek, Gamersky). The underwater kingdom’s “cute and captivating designs” (GamingTrend) and “imaginative shell designs” (Metro GameCentral) further underscore its visual appeal. However, several critics point to technical and aesthetic shortcomings that detract from the experience. On the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Life notes that visuals appear “washed-out,” while Hobby Consolas mentions that “technical issues like FPS drops and bugs” overshadow the art style’s strengths. Other concerns include visual glitches (Malditos Nerds), inconsistent enemy design (Malditos Nerds), and a lack of variety in early areas (RPGamer). Performance issues, such as unreliable camera systems (Metro GameCentral) and frame rate dips (Push Square), also surface across platforms. Additionally, some critics argue that the art style, while charming, lacks originality—The Jimquisition describes the graphics as “somewhat basic,” and XboxEra calls them “okay, not ugly but not beautiful.” These critiques suggest that while the visual design is ambitious, its execution occasionally falters under technical or creative constraints. Despite these flaws, the overall consensus among critics leans overwhelmingly positive, with most agreeing that the game’s artistic direction is a standout feature. The vibrant, imaginative visuals—whether on PS5, PC, or Xbox Series X—create an engaging and immersive underwater world that resonates with players. GamingTrend and Twinfinite highlight the “vibrant and eye-catching” aesthetic, while Checkpoint Gaming and Meristation praise the detailed environments and creative level design. While technical issues and minor artistic shortcomings are acknowledged, they are often framed as secondary to the game’s charm and creativity. Critics like IGN Spain and But Why Tho? emphasize how the visuals enhance storytelling and atmosphere, reinforcing the game’s unique identity. Ultimately, Another Crab’s Treasure is seen as a visually delightful experience that balances whimsy with depth, even if its technical polish isn’t flawless.

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graphics and visual design

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Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

67%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

33%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of reviewers praise the sound design and music of Another Crab’s Treasure for their immersive and atmospheric contributions. LevelUp highlights how the music and sound effects "complement the game's atmosphere," enhancing the underwater setting's charm, while RPGamer notes the score's evolution from "beachy" to "darkly foreboding" as the narrative progresses, creating a dynamic emotional arc. Generación Xbox calls the music "exceptional," emphasizing its role in amplifying emotional moments, and Noisy Pixel applauds the soundtrack for making boss battles "tense and exciting." Shacknews and TheXboxHub also commend the mix of exploration and combat music, which "enhances the colorful vibe" and "overall experience," respectively. Additionally, IGN Spain and The Indie Informer praise the voice acting and sound design as "commendable for an indie project," with the latter noting how it "adds to the emotional depth of the experience." These critiques collectively underscore the soundtrack’s effectiveness in reinforcing the game’s whimsical yet adventurous tone. While most reviews are positive, a few critics point to minor shortcomings. Meristation describes the music as "simple" and notes that it "does not quite match the game's challenges," though it still evokes an effective underwater atmosphere. Vandal critiques the score for occasionally "contrasting with tense moments," which can feel jarring, suggesting that some musical choices may not fully align with the game’s pacing. Windows Central mentions the "waterfowl language in dialogue" and "humorous sound design," which, while unique, might not resonate with all players. These criticisms highlight areas where the sound design could have been more nuanced or better integrated with high-stakes moments, but they remain relatively minor compared to the widespread acclaim. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with the sound design and music widely regarded as a standout element of Another Crab’s Treasure. The vast majority of reviewers—such as Noisy Pixel, Shacknews, and XboxEra—emphasize how the soundtrack enhances immersion, emotional engagement, and gameplay flow. While a few critiques point to simplicity or occasional tonal mismatches, these are overshadowed by the general praise for its ability to evoke the game’s underwater world and support its narrative and mechanical design. The combination of whimsical melodies, atmospheric sound effects, and effective voice acting creates a cohesive auditory experience that many consider integral to the game’s charm and success.

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music and sound design

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Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

42%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

58%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Another Crab's Treasure receives generally positive feedback from multiple critics, highlighting its role in enhancing the game’s charm, character development, and narrative engagement. Malditos Nerds emphasizes that voice acting significantly contributes to the story and character depth, while Destructoid praises it as "excellent," noting how it adds to the game’s overall charm and immersion. Game Informer describes the voice work as "solid," with NPCs and bosses being particularly memorable, and Noisy Pixel highlights Kril’s "adorable" voice, which brings the protagonist to life. The Indie Informer commends the performances for selling the drama and emotional weight of the story, while TouchArcade and IGN Spain note that the voice acting complements the game’s humor and indie-style presentation, making it more engaging. These critiques collectively suggest that the voice work is a standout element for many players. However, some critics point to inconsistencies or limitations in the voice acting. GAMES.CH criticizes the lack of voiced dialogue in the main narrative, which they argue hampers immersion, while Checkpoint Gaming notes that character voices can be "jarring," with some being overly shrill or soft-spoken, disrupting the flow of the story. XboxEra also observes that voice acting is "sporadic," appearing only in major cutscenes with long gaps between lines, which may dilute its impact. Metro GameCentral’s critique of the script as "disappointingly poor and foul-mouthed" indirectly reflects on the delivery of dialogue, though it focuses more on writing than vocal performance. These concerns highlight that while the voice acting is often effective, its execution and coverage are not universally consistent. Overall, the consensus leans toward appreciation for the voice acting’s quality and creativity, despite some reservations about its scope and consistency. Most critics agree that the performances add to the game’s charm and emotional resonance, with several praising specific characters like Kril or the narrative’s tone. However, the occasional issues with pacing, delivery, or coverage—noted by GAMES.CH, Checkpoint Gaming, and XboxEra—suggest that while the voice acting is a strong asset, it is not without its flaws. The mixed reception underscores that Another Crab's Treasure balances creative strengths with technical limitations in its vocal presentation.

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voice acting

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Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

70%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

22%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Another Crab’s Treasure varies across platforms, with some critics highlighting notable strengths. On PC, CD-Action praised the game as “polished and free of major flaws,” while TouchArcade noted significant improvements on the Steam Deck, achieving Verified status despite minor hitching. For PS5, Hobby Consolas acknowledged that the game’s artistic design helps mitigate technical issues like FPS drops and bugs. On Xbox Series X, IGN Spain described the experience as “solid overall,” with some areas for improvement, while TheXboxHub noted that certain flaws are common in the genre. Meanwhile, Nintendo Switch reviewers, though critical of performance, did not entirely dismiss the game’s charm, with SpazioGames suggesting issues “do not ruin the overall experience.” Negatively, the technical challenges across platforms are more pronounced. On PS5, multiple critics—such as GameSpew, GamingTrend, and Metro GameCentral—highlighted severe bugs, frame rate drops during combat, camera confusion, and environmental glitches that disrupt immersion. Nintendo Switch users faced similar issues, with Nintendo Life citing “significant performance problems” like frame rate drops and glitches that hinder gameplay. On Xbox Series X, Generación Xbox criticized rendering and frame rate inconsistencies, while Windows Central pointed to unbalanced combat mechanics. PC reviewers reported a mixed bag: Game Informer and Meristation noted crashes and bugs, while The Indie Informer lamented “lack of polish” in the first half, though Noisy Pixel suggested minor glitches might be fixed post-launch. Xbox One saw issues with navigation and movement, as highlighted by GameSpot’s critique of open-level guidance. Overall, the consensus leans toward Another Crab’s Treasure being a charming but technically inconsistent title. While PC appears to offer the most stable experience (with CD-Action and TouchArcade praising its polish), PS5 and Switch face more critical hurdles, with critics like Hobby Consolas and SpazioGames acknowledging the game’s artistic merits despite flaws. Xbox platforms, particularly Series X, received mixed feedback, balancing solid foundations with genre-specific issues. Despite these challenges, many reviewers agree that the game’s unique style and gameplay mechanics outweigh its technical shortcomings, though improvements in polish and optimization would enhance its appeal across all platforms.

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technical performance

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Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

33%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

67%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The majority of reviewers highlight several positive aspects that contribute to Another Crab's Treasure's replay value. Critics like Hobby Consolas and IGN Spain emphasize the game’s variety of collectibles, such as shells and abilities, which encourage experimentation and exploration. TheXboxHub and Checkpoint Gaming note that skill trees, assist modes, and customizable playstyles allow players to tailor their experience, while But Why Tho? praises the extensive accessibility options, including difficulty adjustments and unique mechanics like equipping Kril with a gun. Additionally, Noisy Pixel and PC Games commend the game’s depth in combat strategies and armor customization, which keep gameplay engaging for both new and veteran players. These elements collectively suggest that the game offers enough content to warrant multiple playthroughs for those who enjoy its core mechanics. However, several critics point out limitations that may deter long-term replayability. SpazioGames and RPGamer argue that the base campaign is relatively short (15–20 hours) with minimal side quests, leading to a lack of incentive for returning after completion. Metro GameCentral and Twinfinite note that the straightforward progression system and accessibility features, while welcoming for newcomers, might feel simplistic or repetitive over time. Destructoid mentions that some areas become fatiguing post-completion, and Malditos Nerds warns that the game’s balance of challenge and accessibility could lose appeal for players seeking deeper complexity. These critiques suggest that while the game has replayable elements, its brevity and lack of substantial post-game content may limit its longevity for some audiences. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward moderate replay value. While Hobby Consolas, IGN Spain, and TheXboxHub highlight the game’s collectibles, customization options, and exploration as strong incentives for multiple playthroughs, others like SpazioGames and RPGamer find its short duration and minimal side content insufficient for sustained engagement. The game’s accessibility and variety of mechanics appeal to a broad audience, but its simplicity and repetition risks alienating players seeking more depth. Ultimately, Another Crab's Treasure offers enough replayability for fans of its unique style and mechanics, though it may not satisfy those craving extended post-game experiences or complex systems.

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replay value

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Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

64%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

34%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment among critics for Another Crab's Treasure is overwhelmingly positive, with many praising its unique and charming approach to the Soulslike genre. Reviewers consistently highlight its originality, humor, and accessible gameplay mechanics, which set it apart from traditional entries in the category. Nintendo Life and SpazioGames commend the game’s engaging story and "funny" narrative, while Gamer.nl and GAMES.CH emphasize its vibrant world and imaginative environmental design. TheXboxHub and IGN Spain laud its refreshing take on the genre, blending social commentary with a whimsical underwater setting. Additionally, several critics, including GamingTrend and Twinfinite, note its appeal to both newcomers and veterans due to its accessibility features, such as assist modes and forgiving difficulty curves. The game’s creative level design, rewarding exploration, and humorous tone are frequently cited as standout elements, with Push Square and Checkpoint Gaming praising its "memorable nautical world" and "thoughtful environment design." However, technical and gameplay flaws are a recurring point of criticism across multiple reviews. Nintendo Life and GameSpew specifically mention "technical issues" and "combat problems," while Metro GameCentral and Hobby Consolas note uneven boss battles and frustrating mechanics. Critics like Malditos Nerds and Meristation highlight repetitive elements and imbalances in early-game challenges, with some pointing to pacing issues in the late game. Additionally, several reviewers, including Destructoid and XboxEra, critique the combat system’s precision and unlock mechanics, suggesting they detract from the overall experience. While these flaws are acknowledged as significant drawbacks, many critics frame them as manageable shortcomings rather than deal-breakers, with Noisy Pixel and Digital Trends noting that the game’s charm and creativity often overshadow its imperfections. Despite the technical and design criticisms, the consensus among reviewers is that Another Crab's Treasure is a standout indie title worth experiencing. Critics like GameSpot and Vandal praise its "fresh ideas" and "creative take on the Soulslike genre," while The Indie Informer and Slant Magazine highlight its thoughtful themes and engaging narrative. Even with its flaws, the game’s unique art style, humorous tone, and accessible design resonate strongly, as noted by TheSixthAxis and PC Games. While not without its issues, the overwhelming majority of reviews position Another Crab's Treasure as a compelling and original entry in the genre, with many recommending it to fans of Soulslike games and newcomers alike. Its ability to balance challenge with accessibility, paired with its vibrant world and creative storytelling, ensures it remains a memorable and enjoyable experience despite its imperfections.

TL;DR

MONSTER

Reviews

91 reviews found

TouchArcade

May 6, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Another Crab's Treasure is a superb soulslike experience with humor and charm, highly recommended despite minor polish issues.

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GamingTrend

PlayStation 5

May 2, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Overall, Another Crab's Treasure is a charming and humorous take on the Souls-like genre, praised for its accessibility features and colorful characters, making it one of the best indie games of the year.

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Noisy Pixel

Apr 24, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Another Crab's Treasure is a charming and enjoyable soulslike game with rewarding mechanics, polished environments, and an amusing narrative. Despite minor glitches and camera issues, it's an excellent title from Aggro Crab that offers a clawsome time for players.

Shacknews

Apr 24, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Another Crab's Treasure offers a surprisingly sturdy and enjoyable experience with unique gameplay mechanics, engaging story, and a vibrant world to explore, despite some minor technical issues.

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Generación Xbox

Xbox Series X

May 6, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Overall, Another Crab's Treasure is a delightful surprise that combines engaging gameplay with a meaningful narrative, making it a standout title in 2024.

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Checkpoint Gaming

Apr 24, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Another Crab's Treasure is a colorful and whimsical Soulslike game that offers a memorable nautical world, engaging combat, and thoughtful environment design, making it a hit for Aggro Crab.

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Vandal

Apr 25, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Overall, Another Crab's Treasure is a creative and fun take on the soulslike genre, successfully blending challenge with humor and engaging design.

LevelUp

PlayStation 5

May 20, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Another Crab's Treasure is a well-crafted soulslike that balances challenge and accessibility, with a unique charm and creativity, despite some minor technical flaws.

TheXboxHub

Xbox Series X

Apr 29, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Overall, Another Crab's Treasure is an outstanding game with engaging gameplay and a fun underwater world, despite some technical flaws.

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Twinfinite

PlayStation 5

May 3, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Another Crab's Treasure is a unique and enjoyable take on the souls-like genre, appealing to both veterans and newcomers with its charm, vibrant world, and satisfying combat despite some minor technical issues.

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