In the realm of video games, the essence of Soulslike adventures often lies in their art style, world design, punishing combat, and RPG mechanics. Breaking away from this mold, the whimsical and vibrant Another Crab’s Treasure emerges as a unique outlier within the genre. Despite its initial appearance, the developers at Aggro Crab reveal that the world of Another Crab's Treasure harbors a narrative as dark and intricate as any FromSoftware creation.
Characterized as a potential pioneer in the realm of "silly Soulslike" games, Another Crab’s Treasure introduces players to Kril, a hermit crab protagonist residing in a world filled with outlandish shell designs and comical scenarios. With precisely 69 shells for Kril to inhabit, underwater physics reminiscent of SpongeBob SquarePants, and a medieval-style underwater kingdom ruled by a colossal sand castle, the game exudes a deliberate sense of humor tailored to capture attention. In a recent exchange with Game Rant, Aggro Crab's head of studio and art director Nick Kaman, along with creative director and narrative lead Caelan Pollock, shed light on the game's tonal intricacies. Beneath its colorful facade, the game conceals profound Soulslike themes and lore.
Vibrant Facade, Profound Depths
Our dialogue with the developers delved into the intricate world-building of Another Crab's Treasure, encompassing not only the creation of its underwater realm but also the rich lore underpinning its existence. Despite its cheery appearance, Kaman emphasized that the game's narrative delves into the depths of darkness akin to traditional Soulslike adventures.
Referencing an April Fool's jest, Kaman highlighted a Twitter post by Aggro Crab responding to criticisms regarding the game's lighthearted nature for a Soulslike title. The studio humorously incorporated features such as color desaturation, a "depression feature" for Kril, and the quintessential poison swamp – essential elements of any Soulslike experience. Beyond its playful demeanor, the game harbors somber truths about the collapse of civilization. As players unravel the layers of lore concealed beneath the humor, a poignant apocalyptic narrative emerges, exploring the implications of existence in a fading world.
Imminent Decay in Another Crab's Treasure
Within Another Crab's Treasure, the rise of various undersea civilizations is attributed to human debris descending from above, catalyzing a technological and cultural renaissance within aquatic ecosystems. However, this influx of junk introduces the menace of Gunk – a pollutant that not only alters the behavior of seafloor creatures but also poses an existential threat to Kril's world. At its core, the game delves into the impending apocalypse, not merely as a consequence of pollution but as a contemplation of the profound impacts of climate change and its inevitable transformation of society. Just as humanity grapples with the irreversible effects of climate crisis, Kril faces the inescapable influence of Gunk. Pollock sought to navigate the realm of anxiety and suffering prevalent in such narratives.
A Lively Yet Melancholic Setting
Addressing the concept of survival in a deteriorating world is a weighty endeavor, even within the realm of gaming. Here, the juxtaposition of humor and solemnity in Another Crab's Treasure plays a pivotal role, blending light-hearted elements with profound emotional depth reminiscent of titles like The Outer Worlds and Fallout. Despite the challenge of harmonizing humor with the grim realities embedded in the game's themes, Kaman believes that Aggro Crab was aptly suited for the task. Pollock aptly characterizes the seas of Another Crab's Treasure as a "colorful yet melancholic world," a signature creation by Aggro Crab that offers a refreshing twist on the traditionally austere Soulslike genre.