When imagining a Soulslike game, A Whimsical Soulslike Adventure is not the first title that comes to mind. This game takes players on an underwater escapade alongside cartoonish crabs, a departure from the typical dark and gritty style associated with the genre. Despite maintaining genre staples like challenging gameplay and serious undertones, A Whimsical Soulslike Adventure stands out with its colorful aesthetics, playful narrative, and focus on accessibility. Embracing its identity as a 'cute' indie Soulslike, the game excels in creating a unique and noteworthy experience.
Developed by Aggro Crab, the studio behind the satirical roguelike Going Under, A Whimsical Soulslike Adventure thrusts players into a whimsical journey starring Kril, a hermit crab armed with improvised weapons, on a quest for treasure after losing his prized shell. Amidst an underwater industrial revolution and hostile sea creatures, Kril must navigate through a world filled with trash, treasure, and numerous whimsical crabs.
A Whimsical Soulslike Adventure's Quirky Underwater World
Despite a straightforward plot, A Whimsical Soulslike Adventure captivates players with its humorous script and diverse cast of characters. The game boasts an abundance of amiable NPCs, particularly in the central hub of New Carcinia, adding depth to the overall experience. While environmentalism serves as a core theme, the game's dialogue and environmental storytelling delve into the broader implications of pollution in ACT's decaying environment. Balancing cheerful settings with elements of Souls satire and social commentary, A Whimsical Soulslike Adventure strikes a harmonious chord with players.
The gameplay in A Whimsical Soulslike Adventure blends elements from Going Under, Hollow Knight, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom. Players engage in running, grappling, and gliding across expansive environments, creating a 3D platformer-like experience with a strong emphasis on action. Combat involves a mix of blocking, dodging, and strategic offense, deviating from traditional Soulslike stamina mechanics. While the pacing of combat may feel slightly prolonged due to deliberate attack intervals, the game's combat system encourages a tactical approach. However, challenges arise with maintaining lock-on and camera positioning, especially in crowded or confined spaces. Despite these obstacles, combat remains engaging and rewarding, with satisfying combat mechanics and impactful enemy interactions.
Enemies in the game pose significant threats, requiring players to master precise dodging and parrying techniques or seek refuge under a protective shell. With over sixty unique junk shells serving as defensive assets, players must adapt their strategies to exploit each shell's distinct attributes and special properties. The game introduces Shell Spells, potent abilities that range from projectiles to buffs, adding depth to combat encounters. Additionally, Adaptations derived from diverse underwater creatures offer further customization options, encouraging players to experiment with various playstyles and tactics.
Diverse Gameplay and Inclusive Features
While not an expansive open-world title, A Whimsical Soulslike Adventure presents players with ample exploration opportunities and meaningful choices. The game features vast play areas teeming with side paths, quests, treasures, and hidden bosses, promoting exploration and discovery. Players can access bonus content early on, reminiscent of Elden Ring's Tree Sentinel encounter, and unlock additional rewards by revisiting areas with newfound abilities. Character progression revolves around four key stats governing health, defense, melee damage, and special abilities, facilitating diverse character builds. Equippable Stowaways akin to Hollow Knight's Charms enhance gameplay variety, requiring strategic shell management and stat optimization. The skill tree system, powered by collectible crystals, further enriches the gameplay experience, offering additional layers of customization and progression.
In terms of accessibility, A Whimsical Soulslike Adventure may not match the extensive features of recent titles like Rise of the Ronin, but it offers impactful options for players of all skill levels. Features such as button remapping, sprint toggling, and a comprehensive assist mode cater to diverse player preferences. The assist mode allows players to tailor their experience by adjusting difficulty settings or enabling specific gameplay modifications, ensuring that all players can enjoy the game at their own pace. Despite the game's welcoming facade, A Whimsical Soulslike Adventure challenges players with demanding encounters and intricate mechanics, reminiscent of traditional Soulslike difficulty spikes. However, the game provides strategic checkpoints and opportunities for skill growth, allowing dedicated players to overcome these hurdles and master its intricate combat system.
Immersive Visuals and Captivating Audio
While combat remains a focal point, A Whimsical Soulslike Adventure offers players moments of respite to appreciate its visually stunning environments and captivating aesthetics. The game's vibrant art style seamlessly blends whimsical elements with realistic sea life, creating a visually engaging world. From intricate character designs to environmental details, the game's visuals are a feast for the eyes, punctuated by creative enemy designs and subtle narrative hints scattered throughout the landscape. Despite minor interface shortcomings, such as limited map navigation options, A Whimsical Soulslike Adventure delivers a refreshing departure from conventional desaturated Soulslike visuals.
The game's audio design, particularly its music, contributes significantly to the overall atmosphere. Departing from traditional orchestral scores found in many Souls games, A Whimsical Soulslike Adventure features a unique soundtrack that complements the game's whimsical tone. Ambient tracks and soundscapes enhance exploration and combat sequences, setting the mood for players as they traverse the underwater world. While voice acting is sparingly used, it adds depth to key moments, with standout performances enhancing the narrative experience.
From a technical standpoint, A Whimsical Soulslike Adventure performs admirably across various platforms, delivering a smooth gaming experience with minimal technical issues. While occasional minor glitches may occur, the game's stability and fluid gameplay mechanics ensure an enjoyable experience for players. Notably, the game's propensity for sequence-breaking adds an element of unpredictability and speedrunning potential, appealing to players seeking new challenges and alternative playstyles.
In a genre known for its dark and challenging themes, A Whimsical Soulslike Adventure stands out as a delightful and engaging experience that blends familiarity with innovation. With its endearing parody of Souls games and commitment to inclusive gameplay, the game offers a unique journey through the depths of the ocean, inviting players of all skill levels to embark on a whimsical adventure.
A Whimsical Soulslike Adventure will be available on April 25, 2024, for PC, PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series X/S. Game Rant received a PC review code for evaluation purposes.