The Friendliest Soulslike
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 ส.ค. 2024
- Another Crab's Treasure is a cartoony, accessible soulslike that feels like Sekiro and Battle for Bikini Bottom had a WEIRD one-night-stand, yet it still has the chops to satisfy seasoned souls vets.
Support Geoff & Yazy doing more reviews and other fun video experiments at / mothersbasement
I think the description "parody souls-like with Battle for Bikini Bottom aesthetic" would have pushed a lot of copies.
You know, I kept saying I wanted a souls-like with a different art direction than "dark realism", and I really wasn't expecting it to come in the form of Hermitbob Soulspants.
Recently i realized that soulslike mechanics coukd work for a "shonen tournament" aestetic.
Something like the YGO duelist kingdom arc, with the souls being replaced by Starchips.
Based on a very deep, scientific glance at he IPA vowel chart, if the past participle of "get" is "gotten" I believe the past participle of "git" should be "gooten" (oo as in book)
Going Under, the studio's previous game, is also great.
Oh, it's that studio? Going Under was good, but not quite great. Still, that was a fun game too. Great to hear that it looks like they will be having even better success with this one.
I think Going Under would have benefited from fixed camera angles while exploring the dungeons and better descriptions of the power-ups. Like wtf do half those power-ups do? No idea the description doesn't explain shit.
I loved all of the assistance available in the options. I play a lot of Souls-likes and the ability to keep your souls on death just helps me not freak out after every death. I also love when you can say "alrighty. Im absolutely DONE with this boss" *Activate THE 9!* and then switch it off once you delete them
Comments that ran through my head watching this:
1. A Spongebob like aesthetic, huh? Would you say this is more of a Souls-like, or a Sponge-like?
2. "The joy of learning through failure." If at first you don't succeed, find out why.
3. I'm glad to see you going over things that you enjoy. You've done a great job covering this game, and I think that has more to do with the fact you wanted to do this rather than a particular insight into games. Do what you like.
A game review from the basement?! Prayers answered
Now that I see what linear leveling can do to the balance of Another Crab's Treasure, I finally see why the leveling system in Souls games has diminishing returns.
When you max out your attack in ANC, most bosses die before you can see what the boss can do
When you max out your resistance your shell never takes damage and you can safely block every hit.
End game bosses aren't even safe from magic builds thanks to the strange way the zooplankton stowaway gives you infinite umami as long as you're poisoned.
If you're an unkillable god that smacks bosses in a few hits there's not much satisfaction to be had in finishing the game.
I had a blast effectively 100%'ing this game. I did also become a blunt object by the end and it's mostly that by end game most things don't have a chance to fight you if you're also maxed on attack. The move sets of enemies in the last couple areas are fairly dangerous but if they can't do them...eh? :P
I did like that I was allowed to go full blunt object as never in a shellslike did durable builds feel anything near viable to me. I do think the devs realized the power of it, so you know the shell weights? They ALSO effect your attack speed. So being goofy durable at least also means you cannot output damage as quickly. Charged hammer swings are glacial in an L shell.
Was goofy end game though wearing and wielding the knight helm as a hammer, considering how close it was to the end of the game it felt earned enough to be able to just W+1 effectively the remaining 2 boss encounters. The real thing that trivialized how I was playing was that I got the consortium's adaptation and that thing is outright over powered, just stacked with everything I was doing even though my unami was literally left unleveled.
I do hope that this game makes it clear more colorful soulslikes have a place, and that we can have more than just grim grim dark girm dark dark grimmy dark.
I absolutely love it when genres that mainly associate themselves with one specific asthetic get an iteration with an asthetic that massively contrasts the one they are known for
The reason I dropped everything to play this game was because it’s got personality in spades. Crab souls is a clear reflection of passion, vision, and the talent to bring it to fruition - 3 characteristics that are often overlooked when people try to examine what makes a game great or successful because despite it being a creative medium, gaming is ultimately an industry beholden to increasingly unrealistic crabitalist overlords
All that is to say: thanks for taking a chance on making this video! Here’s hoping Mr. YT algo gives this a nudge for both a content creator taking a risk and an indie gem get its moment in the spotlight
I hope you guys are doing well and that you're settling in well! Love the video and thank you
Fun video. Enjoyed it!
The gun assist really helps with that
*anyone can git gun
@@BasementLifePodcast the American lifestyle
"Battle For Bikini Bottom Soulslike"
Take my money
I think this is a solid review. I am alway sceptical though of the assumption that players will always use an easy mode when available, or that the 'normal' mode represents some sort of singular ideal experience of difficulty and overcoming.
The former is just simply not true. The entire existence of Soulslike games and in fact the whole 'easy mode' debate shows that plenty of players will actively avoid easy modes, and work with self-imposed challenges to specifically see if they can. In fact when you see these arguments the claim that 'players will go for the path of least resistance' often actually stands in for 'Other players will go for the path of least resistance'. We accept ourselves as exceptions to the 'rule' without ever considering if the rule might just be a convenient belief we have about why easy modes exist.
The second struggles because it assumes that all players have the same experience at the same difficulty. I come at games with a mild disability, so I may be on the outside edge of this (though with that said I know there are people whose co-ordination, ability to process information in game or disabilities are significantly more of a hinderance than mine), but for me difficult games aren't a 'feeling of frustration that becomes satisfying when I get better', they're just an experience of hitting a complete lockout until my hand seize up. Obviously, that doesn't stop me in every game, and 'easy mode' isn't always the solution (sometimes what i really need is an ability to remap controls more so I don't have to hold one button down while pressing two others).
But I think it underlines that we have this lauded position of the 'The Average Gamer' (which more often than not means 'me', but in those 'not' times means someone able bodied, neurotypical, reasonably familiar with genre conventions and so on) and we miss that often if you fit that bill then 'easy mode' isn't there to make your experience easier (despite the name) it's there to give other people the same exprience you value of failure, leading to a hard fought success, while mitigating for the fact that the developer does not know everything about the person who picks up the controller.
I'll grant that the strategic element is a little murkier, since that's less of a strict difficulty issue and more a potential 'game teaching you an unfun way to play it' situation, but in that case I think that needs to be held separate from issues like easy mode, accessibility adjustments etc, especially with how much of gaming discourse gets tied up in attacking the legitimacy of the experiences of people who rely on those.
Still, looks like a fun game and I think you were pretty thorough here. I just think the prevalence of the argument about the 'intended experience' of the game is often undertheorised when it appears. Easy mode, hard mode and other toggles aren't things that stop people having the intended experience, they're tools to allow the game to be flexible enough to give that experience to more than a narrowly defined group of mid-leve co-ordinated, semi-experienced players (need we forget without difficulty settings speed runners and really experienced players would often be having too easy a time. Hard mode implies the existence of an easy [or easier] mode). That people sometimes misuse them (or just use them to get unintended experiences like sailing through a game to find collectibles, or punching their head into a wall to make rage content for a twitch channel) is really not a big issue, and it's kind of depressing that the idea that it is still gets the time of day.
Sorry, that wasn't supposed to be as long as it turned out. 😅
Between this and Yatzee's review, I'm sold, I'll add the game to my wishlist (I'm in the middle of something else at the moment)!
I haven't gotten into Souls-likes (aside from souls-likes-adjacents like Hollow Knight and Tunic) so this should be fun. I played about 2ish hours of Dark Souls 1, concluded "hey, I think I get the appeal" and then didn't touch it again since.
I don't want games to be a breeze difficulty wise, yeah, but the idea of grinding away attempt after attempt on a boss is pretty off-putting since I work full time and can only pick through games a bit at a time. There was one boss in Tunic I was way under prepared for which took a lot of tries and was satisfying to finally beat. But when you don't have much time per day to play so therefore you're on night 4 of fighting the same guy, that's when I consider something too hard for me.
Loved your Untitled Goose Game video and this one got me seriously interested in the game as well, so when another game got you hooked feel free to let us know!
Good breakdown and great video, I hope we can get more content like this!
This is already one of my all time favorite
Definitely on board for more game reviews like this! also "Sands Between" is genius :P
Thanks. It's been on my radar for the past two weeks and I think this is the push I needed to finally get it.
Even if these only end up on this channel, I hope more game stuff like this can continue! I still love that old Gloria's Theatre video, and it's nice to see you discuss games!
I really enjoyed this, and was pleasantly surprised to see a game review from you
This reminds me of a mushroom game my brother used to play that I absolutely cannot remember the name of. So if anyone knows of a series of 2 games where you play a little mushroom guy in a big world where you fight creatures that have been taken over by evil fungi, let me know. It'd be a fun throwback for a gift for my brother.
They came out sometime in late 00s/early 10s and I think they were on the Wii
Lover your game reviews. I’m longtime souls player and was teetering on picking this up, you have convinced me to do so!
Thank you for reviewing this game! I genuinely loved it, but my friends are not sure about playing it and I needed more proof to convince them 😅
The answer is good rhythm. Cool spectacle. Dank lore. And monetizable lore content creation
Hell yeah, I never would have heard of this if it wasn't for you. Exactly my kind of game
Love your content guys! Happy that they're back❤❤❤
Same, love this style of videos
Rarly i write a comment caus i just feel like its screaming into the void but damm Geoff a game review from u just feels good. Keep up the good work
The video I would love to see is a return of "Whats In An OP/ED" for Konosuba Season 3 to go along with the analysis of Seasons 1 and 2.
I enjoy your game reviews, with the trails one being a video I return to from time to time
"since I last commited games journalism" 💀
If I wasn't holding off on spending more money on games for a while, topped with the neverending to-play pile I currently have (which coincidentally enough is full of Souls games), this would be one I would nab up in an instant. I absolutely will down the line, because any excuse to play another Soulslike - as a newcomer to Souls games, is a good one, for me!
Also, Aggro Crab is an incredible indie company that deserves all the attention, love and support possible. So it's a win-win to get this game not just for personal reasons, but to support an amazing and talented team to make more games like these.
love to see your reviews! would love to see more, absolutely!
I've been hearing about this game, but this video was the one that finally pushed me over the edge and convinced me to buy it. I've never been one for soulslikes but it just looks so interesting I can't pass it up
Thanks for reminding me about this game! I've never played any souls-likes before but when I first heard about this game, I thought it might be a good introduction into the genre for me. And then I forgot about it lol I'm going to correct my mistake and get good now
Honestly, even though I do like regular souls-likes, (though I’m more of a Nioh fan myself) and I very rarely like easy modes, I think this sounds pretty interesting for the simple reasons that I don’t really have as much time to game anymore. Some souls likes are frustrating because you really need to take the time to get good to enjoy the content. I’m at a moment in my life where I prioritize games where I’m sure I’m going to enjoy every minute
One thing I want to touch on is that you said that anyone can get good at souls games if they try hard enough. While technically true, you do have to consider how much time that would take. One of my friends is very new to video games that aren't more passive like Animal Crossing. Things that I find incredibly easy (moving character and camera at the same time) they struggle a lot with. I imagine that if they played a souls game on easy mode (theoretically) they would struggle with it as much as I struggle with the normal game. Not everyone is on the same level, and giving more people the opportunity to experience games they have an active interest in is nothing but a net positive. I would never choose easy mode, simply because it would be too easy for me. But there are people out there who either do not have the skills or the time to "git gud". I am very thankful that they added an easier mode and even give you quite a bit of control over what changes. I will definitely be checking it out and maybe I'll be able to get my friend to do so as well
Still waiting for that in depth look at all of Psychonauts 2's levels, especially Bob's Bottles.
I love your game reviews, please do more if you can manage it! Your Untitled Goose Game review/video still lives in my head rent-free lol.
Every review I see about this game brings me closer to buying it
Very excited to play this game! Gonna hit it during the steam summer sale
Great vid! Would love to see more videogame stuff
I noticed that the crab was dressed as Mr. Crabs
Update: I just finished the game! This was great, thanks for the recommend! I think this game actually gave me the bug to try other souls-likes. I learned I really like going for parries in this game, so I might try Sekiro next :o
Honestly I have not beaten a single souls like except sekiro just because i loved the parry mechanism so much and the style makes me feel more power in combat instead of doge roll I am definitely gonna try this game now
Great video, gonna consider picking it up
I personally love how much more accessible Crab Souls is. I don't even think there's any shame to be had from using the gun. In doing so, Aggro Crab unlike some developers, actually respects your time and acknowledges that maybe you just want get on with the game instead of banging your head against a boss for hours on end in the limited free time you have.
Great video, I'd definitely like to see more game reviews!
Hey just wanted to let you know, I was watching Mother’s Basement and you shouted out your podcast. I had no idea you had one and I love listening to anime podcasts and I like watching your TH-cam videos. It would be awesome if you moved to Spotify cause that’s where I listen to my podcasts, but I’m definitely gonna be giving a listen now.
Love seeing more love for our good boy Krill. If you're into it, please have a look at Laïka: Aged through blood. I have a feeling it's right up your alley
So good to see you review a game again after so long! I'll definitely be checking it out when I get the chance!
Oooh i like the artstyle
Loved this and I would watch more
So glad to see the video game reviews back! And even more glad to see it be about my favourite crab game ❤
I started this comment about Salt and Sanctuary and then you mentioned it.
Return to Crab
What a charming review and equally charming game.
great video, i enjoy your takes on video games please do more of these
From the moment i started the game, i knew i had to 100% it. I think i finished at lvl81 with a Vit 10, Res 15, Atk 30, MSG30.
Love this stuff. Will definitely consider getting the game when I can afford it. And I’ll be sure to recommend it as a way to subtly introduce people to souls-likes ☺️
baldie gonna react to it, mark my words
Ashen is also a good souls like for beginners!
I played through the wholw game because it happened to be on gamepass and I was bored between semesters of college and was very pleasantly surprised in how good the game was. I definitely encountered my fair share of bugs in the game but they didnt impact my experience too much. My biggest grip is definitely late game scaling. I didn't find too much reason to scale into magic and strength gave too much benefit to heavily invest into. Past the mantis shrimp fight none of the bosses ever posed me a challenge. Once I had the parry timing down the bosses could never do enough shell damage to matter which trivialized the bosses. Overall, it was a fun game still and would recommend it to anyone especially if you own gamepass.
The devs first game before this was “Going Under” which I recommend to anyone who hasn’t checked it out.
good to see a new game review after all this time, hope they stick
I'm personally not into souls likes, but I will make sure to share this review with my souls like addicted friends :D
thanks
Fantastic to see Aggro Crab getting success. If you liked the writing and humor, and are ok with a different flavor of action RPG, I strongly recommend their previous game Going Under. The games finale is simultaneously a cutting satire of capitalism and a deeply funny anime riff.
Also, respect to a fellow heterodox "Best FromSoft Game" advocate. As a Dark Souls 2 stan, it's a tough row to hoe in this fanbase.
This game looks awesome. Sekiro is best seconded. That combat flow, bro
What surprised me bout this game was that I found the jokes pretty good
Good, more please.
hell yeah brother
I agree about sekiro being the best fromsoft game. It was definitely the hardest to get into though, even counting dark souls and demon souls. But I still replay that game every few years because it's a ton of fun to engage with the content. I am looking forward to the elden ring dlc and this game was certainly a fun diversion.
Oh my god
please do more game reviews!
I used to think I didn't like Souls-like games but I think the problem was I didn't want any of the lore of the spicy fire boys or the umbilical cord eaters, especially with a bunch of people online as inclined to help me if I'm stuck as the war boys in Mad Max: Fury Road.
Like, yeah, I do care about Star Wars and this hermit crab.
I'm sure I'll play this at some point... I'll even play it for real at some point... But I'm not gonna lie, the instant I saw footage of Krill with a gun, I knew I wanted to just slam through the whole fucking game with the firearm just for the shit of it. That sounds hilariously fun.
Hey, our opponents are sealife. Would that make it a... school... wait...
Might play this after playing Sekiro for my first time. Geoff you got good taste.
I would like to see more game reviews.
Interesting and well-presented, especially for a "quickie." If you find the time, by all means try to fit in more game reviews. There are several out currently getting very good reviews that, like this one, don't take a ton of hours to complete. Do you indulge in aRPGs? Path of Exile would likely be too time-consuming (it's more like a job), but I'm having fun with Last Epoch.
I’m in my late forties so my interest in Souls-like games is throttled because I’m not sure I’m capable of gitting gud. I’d hate to get sucked into something that I’m simply not fast enough to master.
Soulslike aren’t about speed (except nioh and lies of P)! They’re about patience, observation, and a little bit of rhythm.
Try this game. If you can clear it, you can do most of em with some trial and a lot of error
Enjoyed it
damn as an old mb fan i missed this so much, geoff putting that dusting game design degree to use always hits
a little late to the party but wonderful video, enjoy engagement
Basement life is best life! 🔥🔥🔥🔥
11:16 Dangerously close to a "You cheated the game and yourself" rant there.
No coment on the baki referente in the crab samurai fight?
Crab
Plz do more game reviews!!!
It's unfair to use Lies of P as an example of a Soulslike that doesn't bring anything new to the table. The weapon system alone encourages build experimentation in a way that Souls games don't.
I'm sorry for your metrics but I'm 5 minutes into this video and I've decided to buy this game. Which means I can no longer finish this video until I've played. Task failed successfully.
For the algorithm!
This made want to buy the game and give it a try ☺️🦀
Great video :)
As a soulslike tryhard i found the game pretty disappointing. And while the worldbuilding and story is pretty cool...
All enemies have the same "long windup into fast swing" attack where you just react to the first fast motion during the windup. And then Umami as a playstyle just is horribly balanced and youre entirely better off just maxing out melee damage considering a majority of shells dont even scale with umami to begin with because they dont actually do damage but have some other effect.
Meh - id still recommend nioh 2 as the best non fromsoft game.
Going under was really good tho.
Souls-like games don’t typically interest me. They seem too slow and cumbersome for my gameplay taste, and I don’t like the horror aesthetic of most of them. But I might give this one a shot.
I am engaging with this content
game good
A fellow Sekiro enjoyer
Algorithms.