Another Crab’s Treasureis a Soulslike game with a crab protagonist named Kril and an underwater setting, both leaps and bounds away from the typical Soulslike formula that most fans are familiar with. However, indie game studio Aggro Crab pushes the boundaries of the genre with itsupcoming Soulslike game on Xbox Game Pass, consoles, and PC. Often, indie games are where a lot of innovation in game development takes place, so while Another Crab’s Treasureplayfully differs from Soulslike tradition, fans may also be curious to know how it also makes use of features more commonplace in the genre, specifically combat mechanics.
Blocking, parrying, and dodging are typical in Soulslike games as invaluable defensive moves to survive their often punishing and brutal combat. In an interview with Game Rant, Aggro Crab’s studio head/art director Nick Kaman and creative director/narrative lead Caelan Pollock explained more about howAnother Crab’s Treasurebalances these three mechanics and what players can expect from this aspect of combat.
Blocking in Another Crab’s Treasure
SomeSoulslike gamestend to lean one way or the other when it comes to parrying or dodging, and many fans of the genre will likely have their preferred maneuvers and playstyles. Playing as the hermit crab Kril, players can use their shells to defend against enemies many times their size through blocking. When asked about howAnother Crab’s Treasurebalances its defensive mechanics, Kaman talked about how blocking is core to its combat experience, something which Kril does with his shell as a crab naturally would do to protect itself:
It all kind of centers around the block, and that lets us have a game that’s a little more forgiving than others because most moves you may just block until your shell breaks.
Of course, there are various types ofshells inAnother Crab’s Treasurefor players to discover and utilize to defend against attacks, some of which could offer more efficient blocking abilities than others, drawbacks, or other surprises. Many shells even have other kinds of benefits through Shell Spells, given magic is present within the game world. The Tin Can shell, for example, gives players a shell spell called Shellshock. Blocking could makeAnother Crab’s Treasuresomewhat more forgiving when compared with other Soulslikes games, as Kaman states, there is still room to perform other defensive moves, with combat still offering a default level of challenge that most players would expect from the genre.
How Another Crab’s Treasure Balances Blocking, Parrying, and Dodging
Dodge andparry mechanics also play a significant role in most Soulslike games, so many fans may be pleased to know that Kril can still dodge out of the way or parry incoming attacks in addition to blocking them. Kaman also spoke about the risk-reward nature of blocking inAnother Crab’s Treasure’s gameplay. He acknowledged that while blocking plays a central role, it still leaves the door open for players to parry or dodge, even with their guard up. However, it is essentially up to players to decide what move works best. As Kaman explained,
There’s a risk-reward element around that, if you’re blocking. you’re able to still dodge and parry in that state. Do you want to take the risk, or do you not? Managing that risk-reward is what gameplay centers around.
WhileAnother Crab’s Treasure’s combat looks challenging and is not to be taken lightly, its blocking mechanics could helpbeginner Soulslike playersunderstand the genre. Indeed, inviting more newcomers to experience Soulslike games is something the developers hope to achieve with the game, while still offering a default challenging experience and setting a precedent for other different types of Soulslike games to emerge.
Another Crab’s Treasure
WHERE TO PLAY
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.TRASH OR TREASURE?In this undersea society, trash is not only a way of life, but a valuable resource, used for everything from fashion to firearms. But with the presence of trash comes a mysterious infection known as the Gunk, which could spell doom for the entire ocean.LEARN FROM NATUREAs Kril explores the ocean, he’ll gain a variety of Umami Techniques—powerful attacks learned from the denizens of the seas. Punch your enemies with the overwhelming might of a Mantis Shrimp, ensnare them with the horrifying Bobbit Worm, and much more.UNEXPLORED DEPTHSThe ocean goes deeper than one can imagine. Fight your way through kelp forests, coral reefs, sand castle cities, and even the unfathomable darkness of the deep-sea trenches, all in the name of getting back your prized shell.
