While elements like world design, boss encounters, art style, ambiance, and narrative are crucial in a Soulslike game, the core of such a genre lies in its combat mechanics. FromSoftware has set a high standard with its deliberate and methodical action gameplay, a hallmark found in most Soulslike titles. Fortunately, Another Crab's Treasure not only masters these fundamental combat aspects but also introduces its own unique gameplay elements.
One of the standout features in Another Crab's Treasure is the ability to swap shells, offering players a range of shield-like options, each with distinct abilities, weight classes, and durability. This feature adds depth and strategic diversity to combat, complementing the game's overall experience. While shell-swapping takes the spotlight, the game's Stowaways also play a significant role.
Exploring the Importance of Stowaways in Another Crab's Treasure
Understanding the Stowaway Mechanic in Another Crab's Treasure
Introduced early in the game, Stowaways function similarly to rings in titles like Dark Souls and Elden Ring, granting players special buffs, stat enhancements, and unique abilities. Initially, players can equip basic Stowaways providing stat boosts such as increased vitality or enhanced health efficiency. As the game progresses, more potent Stowaways become available, offering substantial boosts to stats, attacks, abilities, and shells, often with specific requirements for equipping.
While Stowaways' benefits may seem overshadowed by powerful Adaptations or Shell Spells in Another Crab's Treasure, underestimating this mechanic can be a costly mistake. Building a suitable lineup of Stowaways can significantly improve a player's survival chances, particularly in later stages when facing tougher foes. Players should continuously assess the Stowaways they acquire and the advantages they offer to tailor their selection to suit their playstyle.
Top Stowaways Suitable for All Playstyles
While players should customize their Stowaway selection to align with their preferred playstyle, some options in Another Crab's Treasure are universally beneficial. The Fruit Sticker Stowaway, encountered early in the game, is a prime example. Instead of boosting stats, it increases the player's acquisition of Microplastics upon defeating enemies, proving invaluable, especially in the early stages where resources are scarce.
Another versatile Stowaway is the Sea Cucumber, providing a uniform 3-point increase to all player stats. Additionally, the 'Another Crab' Stowaway offers a unique advantage by reviving the player once upon death. However, this Stowaway is a one-time use item, diminishing its long-term reliability.