Have you ever thought about how the marine world (survives) in the midst of all this waste thrown away by human beings? It is likely, dear reader, that a little voice emerges from your subconscious and begins to reproach you for this unforgivable oversight! However, don't beat yourself up too quickly! The American studio Aggro Crab offers you an immersion in salt water with Another Crab's Treasure. A fairly original game since it allows you to imagine the daily life of these countless aquatic species during an epic adventure that is as fun as it is demanding. Indeed, the title turns out to be a singular Soulslike, like a new wave that wants to sweep over a genre that has been on the rise in recent years. Is the objective achieved? A word of advice, take a deep breath before diving into reading this test…
Abyss
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Our aquatic adventure allows us to discover the adventures of Kril, a hermit crab who is quite solitary since he likes to stay quietly on his islet. A little too much perhaps, because he doesn't seem to be aware that the underwater world is experiencing major political movements. Indeed, a new duchess has taken power and demands the payment of taxes from all members of her territory. However, the days of seaweed regulations are over. From now on, place for a tax on waste! Our hero must pay a sum in plastic without delay or risk having his shell confiscated. And this is unfortunately what will happen: an unsympathetic shark-loan shark seizes the limestone shell of the crustacean by force, thus triggering the main quest of the game which will consist of recovering it…
- A very encouraging prediction!
Another Crab's Treasure transcribes a rich and dense maritime universe thanks to colorful graphics reminiscent of certain animated films. The lush fauna and flora encourage contemplation, especially since the different areas of the game offer quite varied environments. It is also possible to sit Kril on seats scattered throughout, in order to take the time to observe a school of fish moving across the reefs for example. And if some textures demonstrate a limited technique, we can only salute the artistic work carried out by the developers.
- No comment…
The seabed remains magnificent despite the profusion of waste. Plastic bottles and cigarette butts literally carpet the ocean floor. In doing so, we experience a rather destabilizing sensation over the hours spent exploring the sea. Indeed, if we can have fun inventorying all the kinds of garbage encountered, it is clear that this refers to a sad reality, probably even underestimated by the game. Although the title is classified PEGI 12, the educational interest for all audiences is self-evident. Moreover, the introduction in documentary form is an excellent idea to directly encourage players to adopt a reflective posture, so as not to limit themselves to the pleasure provided by the moments of action.
Jaws
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The search will not be easy to find Kril's shell. There are many dangers in the ocean depths. Thus, our crustacean will very often have to take out its fork to fend off enemies who get in its way. The player has two basic offensive abilities: deliver a quick, weak blow, or perform a stronger charged attack that requires a delay. Unsurprisingly, the goal is to reduce the life bar of villains to zero, which can be targeted individually when fighting against several creatures. Note that the only weapon in the adventure can be improved to become more powerful, and that it is possible to unlock new attacks thanks to a skill tree for a few crystals. However, the lack of variation and customization is felt, especially when we know the potential of other Soulslikes.
- It hurts…
There are other mechanisms that illustrate the undisguised inspirations of Another Crab's Treasure. Dodging is an essential action to avoid big enemy attacks because the nasty crustaceans can send us six feet under the sea with a single swipe of the comb or corkscrew! Fortunately, the game allows us to add “passengers” to support Kril in his duels. These little creatures improve certain stats, but have no real impact on gameplay.
- A trampoline enemy!
Conversely, “adaptations” are powerful powers which, when used well, cause significant damage to villains. Their use is subject to an energy cost and requires a recharge time after each use. This quickly proves essential when trying to overthrow the game's bosses. In addition to their life bar, a second gauge appears when enemies receive well-placed attacks. Once filled, it is possible to knock down the opponent to deliver numerous blows. Despite everything, these features remain very classic and will certainly not disorient fans of the genre.
The song of the wolf
The originality in the confrontations comes from the substitutes for the stolen shell. Kril is a hermit crab and therefore, without his covering, he is naked as a worm. For a hero, let's agree that it's not very glorious! As a result, the crustacean will constantly have to find substitute material to equip itself more dignifiedly.
- Is that a big shell up there?
And that's not what's missing in the sand: used cans, old springs, tennis balls with holes… all the garbage adapted to the size of the page can be used! Each piece of waste has a weight and defensive statistics that affect the character during combat. It is also possible to take shelter under the makeshift shell to limit the damage suffered, or even to ward off an attack by having the right timing to hide underneath. The abundance of trash is an advantage since enemies frequently manage to destroy Kril's temporary shell. You must therefore regularly change your protection and adapt with what you find nearby. The principle is brilliant and offers constant dynamism for the confrontations.
- Cases in stock…
Collectors can already rub their hands, because there are more than sixty different objects to discover. Most of them are collected during exploration phases, but some shops sell them for a number of microplastics. Finally, note that it is possible to insure previously collected waste, in order to reappear directly with equipment on your back after an unfortunate event…
The big Blue
If the start of the adventure may seem accessible to all players, the encounter with the first boss marks a real turning point. And it is not giving away any surprise to warn that this fight presents a big challenge! Another Crab's Treasure immediately claims to be difficult, especially since there is no choice to make about the game mode when starting a new game. Everyone is in the same boat! This is one of the elements that has made many Soulslikes successful among a category of passionate gamers when, conversely, the most casual tend to complain vehemently in the face of adversity.
The developers had the idea of offering options to make their game more accessible. By going to the settings, a particular mode allows you to adjust the difficulty according to several criteria: for example, it is possible to reduce the life bar of enemies or, even better, to absorb the damage suffered during a attack. This choice seems judicious, as the experience risks becoming truly trying for a large audience attracted by the colorful graphics of the title. We can even encourage younger people and beginners to get started in the Soulslike genre with this title, in order to develop useful reflexes for future tougher games.
- Do you want to squeeze me?
On the other hand, certain choices remain questionable, such as being able to equip Kril with a pistol as a shell. Thus, the hermit crab can literally destroy anything that moves, at the same time annihilating any form of challenge. This option even seems contradictory with the overall spirit of the game. Furthermore, moving with this weapon does not erase the few annoying bugs encountered during this test. On several occasions we walked across the ocean floor or watched fish pass through walls and plants. Other collision defects concern enemies with elements of the scenery, like this boss who got stuck in the link of a submerged chain. And this is just a drop of water in a small ocean of problems…
The way of water
The game is divided into several areas to explore. They are unfortunately not all available at the start of the adventure, some being blocked to serve elements of the main scenario. A disappointment for sure for fans of open worlds and freedom. However, these limitations remain less open to criticism than the means made available to players to help them navigate the levels. The map of Another Crab's Treasure is magnificent, reminiscent of those from pirate stories. However, it is impossible to zoom or move on it, which does not allow you to take stock of the path to be taken. As a result, it is almost unusable during moments of discovery or to find hidden relics. As for the compass, it remains anecdotal as the pictograms it displays are tiny.
- Be careful, it stings!
Kril is quite agile in sneaking through different locations. It should be noted that the game presents real platform areas since the hermit crab must regularly jump everywhere, sometimes even to reach distant places, by holding the A button until an air bubble appears. explodes. The grappling hook is unlocked quite quickly in the story and makes high points accessible. However, it happens that the contact between the animal and the net is poor, causing an infuriating fall. Another approximation in collisions…
- One last memory for the road.
The player can count on thalacea pods to regain some life-saving life points. Failing that, a foray into a natice shell allows you to fully heal, but it also causes all defeated enemies to reappear. It is possible to teleport to a location already visited in order to avoid unnecessary and time-consuming return trips. Watch in hand, allow at least fifteen hours to complete the adventure, much more for the most curious and resilient.
Tested on Xbox Series S