Another Crab’s Treasureis an upcoming Soulslike game, but on the surface, it looks very different from others in the genre. Instead of the grimdark often associated withSoulslike games,Another Crab’s Treasureis more colorful, more whimsical, and altogether brighter than any Soulslike game by far. However, under the surface, there is a dark story at the heart of it not unlike its predecessors in the genre. This, in a way, translates to combat and how players will approach it. Players should expect a challenge, but whereas a lot of other games rely on parries or dodges, the core combat mechanic inAnother Crab’s Treasureis blocking.
InAnother Crab’s Treasure, players take on the role of Kril, a hermit crab, as he fights his way across the underwater world. Players are able to equip a variety of different shells in the game, utilizing them as shields against opponents or utilizing their inherent shell magic. Game Rant recently spoke with Aggro Crab’s studio head/art director Nick Kaman and creative director/narrative lead Caelan Pollock aboutAnother Crab Treasure’s shell design, including the number of shells available in the game: 69.
Shell Design in Another Crab’s Treasure
Another Crab’s Treasurefeatures 69 shells for Kril to equip and use in the game, which required a lot of conceptual work. Kaman explained that, over the course of about two years, he essentially had to sit and think about things that a crab could stick its butt into. With its focus on pollution and trash, there were some obvious contenders like soda cans, but after that it gets dicey. As Kaman said,
Honestly, the approach was just: “Okay, what’s a piece of trash that this crab could fit its butt into?” You know, that gets pretty difficult. You’ve got soda cans and other types of beverage containers. Then you run out, and you have to get really creative.
From there, the team would consider what kind of move, or Shell Spell, the shell would have. These are sometimes obvious, but just like deciding on a shell, it gets dicier the weirder the shell is. Of course, Kaman and Pollock are not the only ones at Aggro Crab, and other folks within the team would share ideas. Pollock explained ideating possible shell designs and Shell Spells is a lot of fun and that it’s “ultimately pretty challenging to decide on a shortlist.” Players will get to see the results of this decision-making processwhenAnother Crab’s Treasurereleaseson April 25.
Another Crab’s Treasure’s Shells Are Incredibly Varied
The end result is the main thing players will see, the result of years of work. Some of the shells inAnother Crab’s Treasurehave been confirmed already, including the following:
During our interview, Kaman also acknowledged that there are shells that can explode, be used as a decoy, or have other stipulations. Glass shells, for example, are pretty weak and break in one hit. However, its ability shoots out glass shards, and as long as that ability is active, the shield doesn’t break in one hit. It instead breaks the shards and the enemy takes damage as a result. Overall, the sky’s the limit when it comes to Shells, almost literally since they are created from trash that has fallen from the “sky” inAnother Crab’s Treasure,including handguns.
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.
