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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: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2023

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

AvailableApr 6, 2023

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

DeveloperPETOONS STUDIO SL

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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TL;DR

Curse of the Sea Rats charms with its whimsical premise and stunning hand-drawn art, but critics slam its lackluster, one-dimensional story. While it presents a light-hearted adventure, the predictable plot and shallow character development fail to engage players meaningfully. Ultimately, the narrative serves more as a backdrop for gameplay than a captivating experience, leaving many feeling disappointed.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

12%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

79%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The story of Curse of the Sea Rats has garnered some appreciation for its whimsical and light-hearted premise, with several critics noting the charm of its setting and character designs. For instance, Hey Poor Player highlights the narrative's whimsical nature, which complements the game's stunning hand-drawn art style. Similarly, Pocket Tactics describes the story as charming and intriguing, emphasizing the adventure of a group of criminals tasked with capturing a pirate and rescuing the Admiral's son. Critics like PSX Brasil and Digitally Downloaded also commend the light-hearted tone and engaging premise, suggesting that the game successfully creates an entertaining atmosphere for players. However, a significant number of reviewers express disappointment with the story's depth and execution. Many critics, including Finger Guns and Game Rant, describe the narrative as lackluster and one-dimensional, with a predictable plot that fails to engage players meaningfully. Finger Guns specifically points out the problematic portrayal of characters, where the British Empire is depicted as the good side, while the characters themselves are mostly evil, leaving unanswered questions about moral alignment. Additionally, Noisy Pixel mentions that the narrative does not effectively utilize the unique personalities of the characters, leading to a uniform ending regardless of the character chosen, which diminishes the potential for player investment in the story. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Curse of the Sea Rats presents a charming and whimsical premise, it ultimately falls short in narrative depth and character development. Critics like Slant Magazine and Multiplayer.it echo the sentiment that the story lacks thematic uniqueness and surprises, making it feel flat and monotonous. Despite its engaging art style and light-hearted tone, many reviewers agree that the story serves primarily to support the gameplay mechanics rather than to captivate players with a compelling narrative. As a result, while the game may entertain with its aesthetics and premise, it does not deliver a robust storytelling experience that resonates deeply with its audience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Curse of the Sea Rats is a Metroidvania that presents a mixed bag of gameplay experiences. Critics praise its interconnected map, character diversity, and engaging exploration while pointing to its solid introduction to the genre. Yet, it falls short with combat described as slow, stiff, and frustrating, marred by imprecise controls and an unbalanced difficulty curve. While some aspects shine, the overall sentiment suggests it lacks the polish and depth needed to truly excel, leaving players wanting more from its gameplay.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

24%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

53%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

24%

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

The gameplay of Curse of the Sea Rats has garnered a mix of opinions from critics, with some highlighting its strengths. Reviewers like Finger Guns and Nintenderos appreciate the game as a solid introduction to the Metroidvania genre, noting its interconnected map, unique character abilities, and the inclusion of secrets and collectibles that enhance exploration. GAMES.CH and PSX Brasil also commend the game for its character diversity and skill trees, suggesting that the ability to switch between characters adds a layer of strategy to gameplay. Additionally, some critics, such as PlayStation Universe, find the platforming elements responsive and satisfying, contributing to an engaging gameplay experience. However, the game has also received significant criticism, particularly regarding its combat and overall gameplay mechanics. Many reviewers, including COGconnected and Checkpoint Gaming, describe the gameplay as bland and generic, with combat that feels slow, stiff, and unbalanced. Critics like Noisy Pixel and PlayStation Country emphasize the frustrating nature of combat, where the hit and miss parrying system and rigid controls detract from the overall experience. Furthermore, issues with backtracking and difficulty spikes are highlighted by several critics, including TheGamer and Meristation, who point out that the difficulty curve can be erratic, leading to moments of frustration rather than challenge. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Curse of the Sea Rats has potential with its character variety and exploration elements, it is ultimately hampered by a lack of polish in combat mechanics and gameplay design. Many critics, such as Tech-Gaming and WellPlayed, agree that the game suffers from imprecise controls and an underwhelming combat system, which can lead to a repetitive and frustrating experience. Despite some positive aspects noted by a few reviewers, the overwhelming sentiment points to a game that struggles to find its footing within the Metroidvania genre, leaving many players wanting more in terms of gameplay depth and variety.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Curse of the Sea Rats dazzles with its hand-drawn art and character animations, earning praise for its nostalgic charm akin to classic 80s and 90s animation. Critics celebrate its vibrant designs but slam the 3D environments for being sparse and poorly rendered, leading to a jarring visual disconnect. While the characters shine, the lack of detail in backgrounds undermines the overall experience, leaving a mixed impression.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

75%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

22%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The graphics and visual design of Curse of the Sea Rats have garnered a largely positive reception from critics, who have praised the game's hand-drawn art style and character animations. Many reviewers, such as COGconnected and Noisy Pixel, have highlighted the appeal of the visuals, likening them to classic animated films from the 80s and 90s, with Noisy Pixel specifically noting the beauty of the animations reminiscent of Don Bluth cartoons. Critics like Hey Poor Player and Digitally Downloaded have also emphasized the love and detail evident in the character designs and biomes, creating a distinctive and soulful aesthetic that resonates well with players. The game’s vibrant colors and whimsical charm have been noted by several reviewers, including TheXboxHub, who described the world as vivid and immersive. However, despite the acclaim for the character designs and animations, many critics have pointed out significant shortcomings in the environmental graphics. Finger Guns and GameSpew both noted that while the characters are well-designed, the 3D environments often lack detail and resolution, leading to a disconnect between the beautifully animated characters and the less engaging backgrounds. PlayStation Universe echoed this sentiment, mentioning that the environments felt sparse and blocky, which detracted from the overall visual experience. Additionally, Game Rant and GameOver.gr criticized the poorly rendered 3D backgrounds, suggesting that they undermine the otherwise attractive visual presentation of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Curse of the Sea Rats features a captivating and nostalgic art style that successfully evokes the charm of classic animation. While the hand-drawn characters and their animations receive widespread acclaim for their quality and expressiveness, the environmental graphics are a notable area of concern, with many reviewers pointing out their lack of detail and polish. This dichotomy creates a mixed visual experience, where the stunning character designs stand in stark contrast to the less impressive 3D environments. As a result, while the game’s artistic direction is celebrated, it also leaves room for improvement in its overall visual coherence, as highlighted by critics like GameSpew and PlayStation Universe.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

"Curse of the Sea Rats" boasts a praised nautical soundtrack that enhances the game’s atmosphere, with unique themes for different areas. However, the voice acting is widely criticized for poor accents and uneven quality, detracting from the overall experience. While the music shines, the voice work needs serious refinement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

39%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

56%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of "Curse of the Sea Rats" have garnered a mix of praise from various critics, particularly regarding the game's soundtrack. Reviewers from Finger Guns and Vandal highlighted the nautical and pirate-themed music as a standout feature, enhancing the overall presentation and atmosphere of the game. KeenGamer noted that the music is not only swashbuckling but also magical and mysterious, with unique themes for different sections of the island, which adds depth to the gaming experience. Critics like PSX Brasil and Nintenderos echoed this sentiment, describing the soundtrack as effective and inspired, successfully capturing the essence of the pirate adventure. Additionally, some reviewers, such as Pocket Tactics, appreciated the range of voice acting accents, which contributed positively to the sound design. However, the voice acting received significant criticism across multiple reviews. COGconnected described the voice acting as poor, with actors faking accents and instances of typos in the dialogue. Similarly, PlayStation Universe mentioned that the voice acting felt perfunctory and lacked polish, while NintendoWorldReport noted that although the cheesiness of the voice work added some charm, it was still questionable overall. Critics like Softpedia and Gamer Escape pointed out that the quality of voice work varied, often coming off as wooden or lacking in depth. Additionally, some reviewers mentioned technical issues, such as bugs that led to mismatched voices during cutscenes, which detracted from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while the soundtrack of "Curse of the Sea Rats" is largely successful and enhances the game's atmosphere, the voice acting is a notable weak point. Critics like Vandal and Gamereactor UK found the music memorable and well-composed, contributing positively to the game's aesthetic appeal. However, the inconsistent quality of voice acting and sound effects, as highlighted by multiple reviewers, suggests that the game may benefit from further refinement in its audio presentation. As a result, while the music is a strong aspect of the game, the voice work presents a significant area for improvement.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Curse of the Sea Rats' voice acting is a mixed bag: praised for nostalgic charm and authentic accents by some, while others slam it for poor execution and technical flaws. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming celebrate the talent and diversity, while outlets like TheGamer liken it to the cringe-worthy Shenmue. Overall, expect a polarized experience—solid performances for some, but significant shortcomings for others. Approach with caution.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

15%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

62%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

23%

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

The voice acting in Curse of the Sea Rats has received a mix of praise from several reviewers, particularly those who appreciate the game's nostalgic tone and the range of accents presented. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming highlighted the talent of the voice actors, noting that their performances match the game's aesthetic well, while Pocket Tactics celebrated the variety of accents as a delightful aspect of the voice work. Additionally, Vandal pointed out the attention to detail in casting actors who belong to the ethnicities they portray, which adds a layer of authenticity to the characters. Meristation also commended the quality of the English voice acting, suggesting it contributes positively to the overall artistic presentation of the game. However, there is a notable contingent of critics who express dissatisfaction with the voice acting quality. COGconnected found the performances lacking, criticizing the actors for faking accents and struggling to maintain them. Similarly, PlayStation Universe described the voice acting as "perfunctory," implying a lack of polish that detracts from the overall experience. TheGamer took a harsher stance, comparing the poorly delivered dialogue to the infamous Shenmue, while Gamer Escape mentioned instances of unnatural or exaggerated performances. NintendoWorldReport also pointed out technical issues, such as mismatched voices during cutscenes, which further detracts from the immersion. Overall, the consensus among critics reflects a divided opinion on the voice acting in Curse of the Sea Rats. While some reviewers like Vandal and Checkpoint Gaming appreciate the quality and authenticity of the performances, others, such as COGconnected and TheGamer, highlight significant flaws that undermine the experience. The mixed feedback suggests that while there are commendable aspects to the voice acting, particularly in terms of diversity and character alignment, there are also critical shortcomings that could impact players' enjoyment. This dichotomy indicates that potential players may want to approach the game's voice work with tempered expectations.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

"Curse of the Sea Rats" suffers from serious technical issues across all platforms. PS5 gamers report screen flickers and unresponsive controls, while the Nintendo Switch has bugs and loading issues. Critics note some redeeming qualities, like smooth animations, but the consensus is frustration over frequent crashes and glitches. With significant stability problems on Xbox Series X and PC, it’s best to wait for fixes before diving in.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

53%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

47%

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

The technical performance of "Curse of the Sea Rats" has garnered a mixed reception across various gaming platforms. On the PlayStation 5, while COGconnected noted a lack of polish with issues such as screen flicker and framerate stutter, PSX Brasil found the game to perform satisfactorily overall despite encountering some bugs, indicating that there are moments where the experience is enjoyable. On the Nintendo Switch, Pocket Tactics praised the overall performance, highlighting smooth animations, while Nintenderos mentioned that loading screens, while present, did not significantly detract from the gameplay experience. This suggests that there are some redeeming qualities in the Switch version, even amidst the technical shortcomings. However, the negatives across all platforms are significant and cannot be overlooked. On the PS5, COGconnected's concerns about unresponsive controls and longer load times paint a troubling picture, while PSX Brasil's report of dialogue bugs indicates that these issues can hinder progress. The Nintendo Switch version suffers from a variety of bugs, as noted by NintendoWorldReport, who reported wrong voices in cutscenes and inventory issues, and Shindig, who mentioned crashes and glitches that can soft-lock progress. Vandal echoed these sentiments, stating that technical issues become more frequent as the game progresses. On PC, the situation is similarly bleak, with Game Rant and Gamereactor UK highlighting frequent crashes and bugs that can disrupt gameplay, while Player 2 pointed out critical bugs affecting item management that severely hamper the experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that "Curse of the Sea Rats" is plagued by technical issues across all platforms, with each version exhibiting its own set of problems. While there are some positive aspects noted by reviewers, such as satisfactory performance on the PS5 and smooth animations on the Switch, the overwhelming sentiment is one of frustration due to the numerous bugs and stability issues. Critics like WellPlayed and TheXboxHub specifically pointed out the significant stability problems on the Xbox Series X, which further emphasizes the need for patches and fixes across all platforms. The game appears to have potential, but the current technical performance leaves much to be desired, suggesting that players may need to wait for updates before fully enjoying the experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Curse of the Sea Rats offers a blend of replayability and drawbacks. Critics praise its diverse characters and cooperative multiplayer for encouraging varied playstyles and fun with friends. However, many point out issues like character similarity, restrictive leveling, and grinding, which dampen the incentive to replay. While some find enough content for multiple runs, others see limited replay potential. The game may entertain some, but it won't satisfy everyone looking for deep replay value.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

82%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

12%

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

The opinions regarding the replay value of Curse of the Sea Rats present a mixed bag of insights, with several critics highlighting some positive aspects. Many reviewers, such as GAMES.CH and Vandal, point out that the game offers replayability through its different playable characters, each with unique skill trees and abilities. This feature allows players to experiment with various playstyles, which can enhance the overall experience. Additionally, the cooperative multiplayer mode, praised by PlayStation Universe and Meristation, adds a layer of fun and engagement, especially when playing with friends. Critics like Pocket Tactics also appreciate the non-linear map design, which encourages exploration and can lead to different routes and experiences during gameplay. However, the negative aspects of the game's replay value are also notable. COGconnected expresses disappointment in the lack of distinctiveness among characters, which diminishes the incentive to replay. Similarly, Hey Poor Player and NintendoWorldReport mention that the restrictive leveling system and the ease of filling a character's skill tree can limit the motivation to switch characters, reducing replay incentives. Furthermore, GameSpew highlights the grind associated with upgrading skills when changing characters, suggesting that this could deter players from fully exploring the game's replay potential. Critics like TheXboxHub also note gameplay frustrations that could impact the overall enjoyment and replayability of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while Curse of the Sea Rats has elements that could support replay value, such as multiple characters and cooperative gameplay, significant drawbacks hinder its full potential. The varying opinions suggest that the game's length, character similarity, and leveling system could deter players from returning for a second playthrough. While some reviewers, like Vandal and Gamer Escape, find enough content and secrets to warrant replay, others, including Multiplayer.it, see little in the way of replay value. This divergence highlights a game that may appeal to certain players but may not satisfy everyone looking for extensive replayability.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

16%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

76%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment towards "Curse of the Sea Rats" reveals a mix of appreciation for its artistic elements and gameplay potential. Many critics, such as PSX Brasil and PlayStation Country, highlight the game's charming art style and engaging story, suggesting that the visuals significantly enhance the experience. The cooperative gameplay option is also noted as a positive feature, making the game more accessible, particularly for newcomers to the Metroidvania genre, as mentioned by PSX Brasil. Additionally, some reviewers like Finger Guns and GameSpew recognize the game's potential as a Metroidvania entry point, appreciating the enjoyable music and animation that accompany the gameplay. Overall, there is a consensus that the game has a solid foundation that could appeal to fans of the genre. However, the criticisms of "Curse of the Sea Rats" are numerous and significant. Many reviewers, including COGconnected and Game Rant, express disappointment regarding the game's execution, citing issues such as unbalanced difficulty, poor design choices, and lack of innovation. Critics like Noisy Pixel and TheGamer point out that the game fails to encourage exploration and lacks a compelling narrative, which detracts from the overall experience. Technical issues, including bugs and sluggish controls, are frequently mentioned, with TouchArcade and WellPlayed highlighting how these problems hinder the gameplay experience. The consensus among critics is that while the game has appealing aesthetics, it struggles with fundamental gameplay mechanics and balance, leading to a frustrating experience for many players. In summary, "Curse of the Sea Rats" presents a visually appealing and charming experience that resonates well with some players, particularly those new to the Metroidvania genre. However, the overwhelming sentiment among critics is that the game is marred by significant gameplay issues, technical problems, and a lack of ambition, making it feel unremarkable in a crowded field. Reviewers like Slant Magazine and Screen Rant encapsulate this sentiment, suggesting that while the game has potential, it ultimately falls short of delivering a compelling and polished experience. As such, it may serve as an enjoyable diversion for some, but it is unlikely to leave a lasting impression or stand out among its peers.

TL;DR

"Curse of the Sea Rats" dazzles with its charming art and cooperative gameplay, making it accessible for Metroidvania newcomers. However, critics slam its unbalanced difficulty, uninspired design, and technical glitches, leading to a frustrating experience. While it has aesthetic appeal, it lacks the execution and innovation to truly shine, leaving it feeling underwhelming in a competitive genre. Enjoyable for some, but unlikely to make a lasting impact.

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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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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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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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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