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Curse of the Sea Rats

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Curse of the Sea Rats
Item: Curse of the Sea Rats
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Indie, Action, Platformer, Side View Perspective, RPG, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableApr 6, 2023

PlatformPlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC

DeveloperPQube

Overview

Embark on an epic, hand-animated, ‘ratoidvania’ adventure, where your crew has been turned into rats by a pirate witch! Explore a rich non-linear world, enjoy fun action platforming, face challenging bosses, and unlock unique abilities - either alone or in local co-op!

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

14%

Mixed (50-79)

83%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Curse of the Sea Rats are quite diverse. Some critics, such as Hey Poor Player and Pure Nintendo, appreciate the whimsical and light-hearted narrative that complements the stunning hand-drawn art style of the game. They find the story charming and intriguing, with a quest to defeat the pirate witch and rescue the captain's son. The narrative is described as simple but entertaining, creating a captivating atmosphere. Gamereactor UK also mentions the unique and interesting story of playing as a pirate rat trying to break a curse, which adds to the game's appeal. However, there are critics who find the story lacking in depth and engaging elements. Checkpoint Gaming and Game Rant both mention that the story is basic and not very engaging, with a standard search and rescue plot. KeenGamer criticizes the light story for its confusing elements and lack of deeper character motivations. Finger Guns points out the lack of twists or foreshadowing in the story, and the strange stance of the characters being evil while the British Empire is portrayed as the good guys is not addressed. Multiplayer.it also finds the narrative flat and monotonous, lacking surprises until the final moments of the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Curse of the Sea Rats is a mixed bag. While some appreciate the charming and light-hearted nature of the narrative, others find it lacking in depth and engaging elements. The unique and interesting premise of playing as cursed rats on a quest to defeat a pirate witch and rescue the captain's son is mentioned positively by some critics. However, the basic plot and lack of twists or foreshadowing are criticized by others. Despite the differing opinions, it seems that the majority of critics find the story to be decent but not exceptional, with room for improvement in terms of depth and engagement.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on the story of Curse of the Sea Rats. Some praise its whimsical charm and unique premise of playing as pirate rats on a quest, while others criticize its lack of depth and engaging elements. The narrative is described as both captivating and monotonous, with room for improvement in character motivations and plot twists.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

27%

Mixed (50-79)

57%

Negative (0-49)

17%

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Curse of the Sea Rats are quite varied. Some critics, such as Nintenderos and Vandal, highlight positive aspects of the gameplay. Nintenderos praises the satisfying progression, defined skill tree for each character, and the levels that make characters more powerful. Vandal appreciates the choice of four different protagonists with unique abilities, the manageable difficulty, and comfortable exploration. These positive aspects of the gameplay contribute to a more enjoyable experience for players. However, there are also several negative opinions regarding the gameplay. Critics like WellPlayed, Checkpoint Gaming, and TheGamer criticize various aspects such as the lack of tight controls, unresponsive combat, and clunky movement. WellPlayed specifically mentions the lack of engaging platforming and the puzzling design choices that diminish the difficulty quickly. TheGamer also mentions insta-kill spots, awkwardly placed enemies, and unbalanced characters. These negative aspects of the gameplay can lead to frustration and a less immersive experience for players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some critics appreciate certain aspects of the gameplay, such as the variety of playable characters and the exploration elements, others criticize the unbalanced combat, lack of character-specific obstacles, and generic gameplay. Critics like Digitally Downloaded and Hey Poor Player mention both positive and negative aspects, highlighting the grind of leveling up characters evenly and the stiffness of combat. The overall sentiment suggests that Curse of the Sea Rats has potential with its unique characters and abilities, but falls short in terms of controls, combat mechanics, and balance. In conclusion, the gameplay of Curse of the Sea Rats receives a mixed response from the critics. While some positive aspects, such as satisfying progression and comfortable exploration, are highlighted by critics like Nintenderos and Vandal, there are also several negative aspects mentioned by critics like WellPlayed and TheGamer, including unresponsive combat and unbalanced characters. The overall consensus suggests that while the game has potential with its unique characters and abilities, it falls short in terms of controls, combat mechanics, and balance. Players may find enjoyment in certain aspects of the gameplay, but may also experience frustration due to its shortcomings.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics have mixed opinions on Curse of the Sea Rats' gameplay. Some praise the satisfying progression and character variety, while others criticize unresponsive combat and unbalanced characters. The game shows potential with unique elements but lacks in controls and balance, leading to a divisive reception among players and critics alike.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

79%

Mixed (50-79)

21%

Negative (0-49)

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

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Curse of the Sea Rats, it is evident that the majority of critics were highly positive about this aspect of the game. The hand-drawn art style was widely praised, with critics such as WellPlayed, Checkpoint Gaming, Digitally Downloaded, and Hey Poor Player commending the lovingly detailed and thoughtfully designed characters. The art was described as evoking nostalgia and reminiscent of classic animated films, creating a distinctive and soulful aesthetic. The characters were often described as beautifully animated and full of life and emotion, with unique and creative designs. However, there were some criticisms raised by a few reviewers. NintendoWorldReport mentioned occasional issues with voice acting and bugs, while Softpedia noted that the world itself felt a little drab. GameSpew and PlayStation Universe pointed out that the 3D environments lacked detail and were disappointing compared to the expertly animated characters. Finger Guns also mentioned that the differences in styles between characters and environments made them stand out in a negative way. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Graphics and Visual Design of Curse of the Sea Rats are very good. The hand-drawn art style received widespread praise for its captivating and visually appealing nature. The characters, enemies, and environments were often described as beautifully designed, with attention to detail and unique aesthetics. The combination of hand-drawn elements and 2D/3D mix was generally well-received, giving the game a distinctive personality. While there were some minor criticisms regarding specific aspects such as voice acting, bugs, and lack of detail in certain areas, these did not overshadow the overall positive sentiment towards the game's Graphics and Visual Design.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics largely praise Curse of the Sea Rats for its captivating hand-drawn art style that evokes nostalgia and features beautifully animated characters. Some reviewers noted flaws like voice acting issues and lackluster environments, but overall, the game's visuals are commended for their unique aesthetics and attention to detail, despite a few minor criticisms.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

31%

Mixed (50-79)

63%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Curse of the Sea Rats are largely positive. Many critics praised the game's soundtrack, with descriptions such as "magical, mysterious, and swashbuckling" (KeenGamer) and "notable" (Malditos Nerds). The music is said to enhance the atmosphere and give each location a unique flavor, adding to the overall presentation of the game (Gamer Escape, Finger Guns). The game's sound design is also commended, with critics mentioning the distinct and fitting sound effects that enhance the gameplay experience (Vandal, Pocket Tactics). However, there are some negative aspects mentioned by the critics. The voice acting receives mixed reviews, with some critics praising the talented voice actors and their accents that match the nostalgic tone of the game (Checkpoint Gaming), while others criticize it for being poor, with actors faking accents and occasional typos in the dialogue (COGconnected). The English voice acting is generally considered decent, but there are concerns about the quality and polish of the delivery (NintendoWorldReport, PlayStation Universe). Some critics also mention issues with volume balancing and a lack of character-specific dialogue (PSX Brasil, NintendoWorldReport). Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Curse of the Sea Rats has a strong and fitting soundtrack that captures the pirate theme effectively. The music is diverse and memorable, enhancing the atmosphere and adding to the game's aesthetics. The sound design is praised for its distinct and fitting sound effects. However, the voice acting receives mixed reviews, with some critics finding it talented and matching the nostalgic tone of the game, while others criticize it for being poor and lacking polish. Despite the mixed opinions on the voice acting, the overall sentiment towards the Sound Design and Music of Curse of the Sea Rats is positive, with the soundtrack and sound design enhancing the overall gameplay experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics praise Curse of the Sea Rats for its captivating soundtrack and fitting sound design, which enhance the game's atmosphere and aesthetics. The music is diverse and memorable, while the sound effects are distinct and fitting. However, opinions are mixed on the voice acting, with some finding it talented and nostalgic, while others criticize it for lacking polish. Overall, the game's sound design and music contribute positively to the gameplay experience.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

17%

Mixed (50-79)

58%

Negative (0-49)

25%

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting of Curse of the Sea Rats are quite varied. Some critics, such as Vandal and Nintenderos, express positive views on the voice acting, stating that it is convincing, of high quality, and decent. Vandal specifically highlights the attention to detail and authenticity in choosing actors who belong to the ethnicities they represent. This positive feedback suggests that the voice acting successfully brings the characters to life and adds to the overall immersion of the game. On the other hand, there are critics who have more negative opinions about the voice acting. TheGamer criticizes the badly performed dialogue, comparing it to the infamous Shenmue. COGconnected goes as far as to say that the voice acting is poor, with actors faking accents and struggling to maintain them. Softpedia also mentions that the voice work ranges in quality and often feels wooden. These criticisms highlight issues with the delivery and execution of the voice acting, suggesting that it may lack the naturalness and polish expected from a professional production. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While there are positive remarks about the voice acting, such as its talent, nostalgic tone, and wide range of accents mentioned by Checkpoint Gaming and Pocket Tactics, there are also negative comments about the stilted English, patchy delivery, and unnatural or hammed-up performances mentioned by WellPlayed, NintendoWorldReport, and Gamer Escape. PlayStation Universe notes that the voice acting is perfunctory overall but can sometimes feel less polished. It seems that the voice acting in Curse of the Sea Rats has both its strengths and weaknesses, leaving room for improvement in terms of consistency and execution.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics have mixed opinions on the voice acting in Curse of the Sea Rats. Some praise its authenticity and immersion, while others criticize it for poor delivery and fake accents. Overall, the voice acting shows talent but lacks consistency and polish, with both strengths and weaknesses noted by various reviewers.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

64%

Negative (0-49)

36%

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

In terms of the technical performance on the Xbox Series X, WellPlayed critic highlights numerous technical issues such as freezes, crashes, lost progress, missing dialogue, disappearing characters, and borked cutscenes. This indicates a poor stability of the game, which may require patches to address these issues. However, no other critics have reviewed the game on Xbox Series X, so it is difficult to draw a comprehensive conclusion about the overall sentiment for this platform. On the Nintendo Switch, there is a mix of opinions regarding the technical performance of Curse of the Sea Rats. KeenGamer critic mentions performance issues with frequent and lengthy loading screens, which can be a significant drawback for players. However, Nintenderos critic states that the loading screens between map sections are not overly long and do not significantly affect the experience. Pocket Tactics critic praises the overall performance of the game on the Switch, mentioning smooth animations and only a few frame rate drops in co-op. On the other hand, NintendoWorldReport critic points out bugs such as wrong voices during cutscenes and forgotten inventory upgrades, but developers have promised patches. Shindig critic also mentions crashes and glitches that can soft-lock progress but acknowledges the active efforts of the development team to fix these issues. Vandal critic adds to the negative sentiment by highlighting animation freezes, character movement glitches, and problems with fast travel and the ending, which become more frequent and significant as the game progresses. For the PC platform, several critics mention bugs and technical issues. Game Rant critic reports button icons not appearing correctly, freezing, and character swapping bugs that can lead to soft-locking the game. Gamer Escape critic encountered bugs that broke most of the ending, but expects the day one patch to fix these issues. Gamereactor UK critic emphasizes the frequent crashes, which can be frustrating for players. Malditos Nerds critic mentions annoying bugs, including crashes and malfunctioning items. Screen Rant critic notes various minor bugs with minimal negative impact, but highlights confounding sticking points in the final section that can block player progression. Overall, the consensus among the critics suggests that Curse of the Sea Rats suffers from various technical issues across different gaming platforms. While some critics mention positive aspects such as smooth animations on the Switch (Pocket Tactics) and satisfactory performance on the PS5 (PSX Brasil), the prevailing sentiment leans towards the negative side. Issues like crashes, freezes, glitches, and long loading screens are commonly mentioned, indicating a lack of polish and stability in the game. Developers' promises of patches and active efforts to fix the issues provide some hope for improvement. However, it is clear that the technical performance of Curse of the Sea Rats needs significant attention and improvement across all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics slam Curse of the Sea Rats for technical woes on Xbox Series X, Switch, and PC. Issues include crashes, freezes, glitches, and long loading screens. Positive notes like smooth animations on Switch and satisfactory performance on PS5 are overshadowed. Patches promised, but game needs major fixes for stability.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

80%

Negative (0-49)

13%

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Curse of the Sea Rats are varied. Several critics highlight the positive aspects of the game that contribute to its replayability. Checkpoint Gaming mentions the different playable characters and their skill trees, which offer replay value through varied gameplay experiences. Nintenderos and NintendoWorldReport both mention the option for local multiplayer, allowing players to enjoy the game with friends and adding to its replay value. Vandal also praises the multiple playable characters, cooperative multiplayer, and secrets to discover, emphasizing the game's duration of over 10 hours and the additional time required for full completion. On the other hand, there are some negative aspects mentioned by the critics that may affect the game's replay value. Hey Poor Player points out the restrictive leveling system, which limits replayability by hindering players from exploring different character progression paths. Pocket Tactics mentions that the combat and difficulty levels may deter some players from replaying the game. COGconnected criticizes the lack of excitement in the power-ups and the similarity between characters, which diminishes the replay value. GameSpew highlights the grind required to upgrade skills when changing characters, which can negatively impact replayability. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Curse of the Sea Rats offers some replay value, but it is not without its flaws. The game's multiple playable characters, cooperative multiplayer, secrets to discover, and non-linear map with different routes and side quests contribute positively to its replayability. However, some critics express concerns about the restrictive leveling system, combat and difficulty levels, lack of excitement in power-ups, and similarity between characters, which may limit the game's replay value. Despite these criticisms, the majority of critics acknowledge the game's potential for replayability and highlight its challenging and fun exploration.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics have mixed opinions on Curse of the Sea Rats' replay value. Positive aspects like diverse playable characters and local multiplayer enhance replayability, while negatives such as a restrictive leveling system and unexciting power-ups may limit it. Overall, the game offers potential for replayability with its variety of characters and multiplayer options, but flaws like combat difficulty and lack of character uniqueness may deter some players.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

16%

Mixed (50-79)

76%

Negative (0-49)

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

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the overall verdict of Curse of the Sea Rats, it is evident that there are both positive and negative aspects to the game. Several critics praised the game's art direction and charm, with Hey Poor Player stating that it is worth playing for these qualities. Nintenderos also commends the game for its original art style and recommends it to adventure lovers. Vandal appreciates the unique concept and well-crafted world of Curse of the Sea Rats, making it suitable for both new players and veterans of the genre. Pure Nintendo highlights the game's action-packed adventure and fun exploration, which is enjoyable for those who appreciate challenging games. However, there are also several negative aspects that critics pointed out. WellPlayed mentions that the game struggles to realize its ambition and is plagued by technical issues. TheGamer gives a low score and states that the game quickly outstays its welcome, with only surface-level appeal. TouchArcade criticizes the game for its poor controls, while Gamer Escape encounters significant issues such as balance problems and bugs. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Curse of the Sea Rats has its strengths, particularly in terms of art direction, charm, and gameplay mechanics. However, it falls short in various areas, such as technical issues, poor controls, and lack of innovation. While some critics recommend the game for its enjoyable aspects, others caution that it needs improvements and refinement to reach its full potential. The game's potential is acknowledged, but it is clear that it struggles to stand out in a saturated genre and fails to leave a lasting impression on many reviewers.

TL;DR

Critics are divided on Curse of the Sea Rats. It's praised for its art, charm, and gameplay by some, but criticized for technical issues, poor controls, and lack of innovation by others. The game shows promise but falls short in execution, struggling to make a lasting impact in a competitive genre.

MONSTER

Reviews

55 reviews found

Pure Nintendo

Nintendo Switch

Apr 25, 2023

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

Curse of the Sea Rats is an action-packed adventure that is fun to play and explore, although it can be frustrating. It is recommended for those who enjoy challenging games.

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Nintenderos

Nintendo Switch

Apr 2, 2023

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

Curse of the Sea Rats is a good metroidvania game with an original art style and a decent gameplay experience. It is recommended for adventure lovers.

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Softpedia

Apr 7, 2023

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

Curse of the Sea Rats understands the Metroidvania genre and executes on its ideas well but with limited innovation.

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GAMES.CH

PlayStation 5

Apr 4, 2023

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

The game has a solid story and gameplay mechanics, but some aspects, such as the lack of alternative saving options and the unbalanced difficulty, detract from the overall experience.

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PSX Brasil

PlayStation 5

Mar 31, 2023

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

Curse of the Sea Rats offers a fun and accessible metroidvania experience with a charming art style, engaging story, and cooperative gameplay option. It may not satisfy players seeking a complex and challenging game, but it delivers an enjoyable adventure.

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Game Rant

Apr 10, 2023

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

Curse of the Sea Rats is a well-designed game with a clear direction, but the presence of bugs and inconsistencies detract from the overall experience. With improvements, it has the potential to be a great game.

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PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 5

Mar 31, 2023

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

Curse of the Sea Rats is a fine Metroidvania effort with beautiful art, satisfying gameplay, and some quality of life issues. However, it lacks real ambition and struggles to stand out in a competitive genre.

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Gamer Escape

Apr 3, 2023

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

The reviewer had a fun time playing Curse of the Sea Rats, but encountered significant issues such as balance problems, voice line deliveries, and bugs. The reviewer hopes that the day one patch will address these issues. In its current state, the game is a charming experience, especially for those with fond memories of 90s animated features.

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Digitally Downloaded

Nintendo Switch

Apr 3, 2023

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

The game has several issues but also many redeeming qualities. It may struggle to find an audience among the saturated genre of Metroidvanias.

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NintendoWorldReport

Nintendo Switch

Apr 10, 2023

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

Curse of the Sea Rats has potential, but the samey characters and bugs hold it back. It is recommended for those looking for a new metroidvania experience or fans of rats, but not a must-buy.

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