Crab Champions
" Dynamic action-adventure roguelike shooter with fluid combat and deep customization but repetitive gameplay "
Crab Champions Review
Crab Champions is a uniquely entertaining third-person roguelike shooter that has captivated players with its fast-paced, fluid movement and vibrant combat set in colorful, procedurally generated islands. Players control armed crabs, engaging in frantic battles with diverse enemies, utilizing a wide arsenal of weapons and upgrades that allow for deep build customization. The gameplay loop is addictive and rewarding, with scalable difficulty options and cooperative multiplayer modes enhancing replayability.
The game is praised for its polished mechanics, stable performance even during chaotic fights, and a fantastic electronic soundtrack by the developer Noisestorm. Regular updates and community engagement have kept the title fresh since its Early Access launch. While it lacks a traditional story, the emphasis on gameplay and progression offers a satisfying experience for fans of roguelikes and shooters alike. The affordable price point and absence of microtransactions further increase its appeal.
Highlights
Players especially praise the smooth and responsive movement mechanics, which perfectly balance crab agility with combat needs. The diverse weaponry and upgrade system allow for creative and powerful builds that keep gameplay dynamic. The colorful, flashy graphics create a visually engaging experience, complemented by a high-energy, memorable soundtrack that adds to the game's charm.
Cooperative multiplayer and competitive modes provide varied playstyles, while the scalable difficulty and procedural generation ensure long-term replayability. The game's technical stability and low hardware requirements also receive positive remarks.
Criticisms
Some players note that the game can become repetitive over extended play, with the core loop feeling similar after many runs. The lack of a tutorial or clearer weapon and ability unlock systems can make initial progression confusing. Certain balance issues arise, such as builds becoming overpowered and some enemy mechanics feeling unfair, like targeting prediction limiting player evasion.
Occasional frustration with random deaths and save system quirks have been reported. A few reviews mention the desire for a sandbox or build-testing mode to experiment freely. The music, while praised by many, is subjective and occasionally critiqued. Overall, these issues are relatively minor and do not detract significantly from the enjoyment.
Pros
- • Fluid and responsive movement enhances combat and player control immensely.
- • Wide variety of weapons and upgrades allow deep build customization.
- • Vibrant, colorful graphics create an engaging and lively environment.
- • Fantastic electronic soundtrack by developer Noisestorm adds energy.
- • Scalable difficulty options accommodate both casual and hardcore players.
- • Stable performance even during intense, chaotic combat scenarios.
- • Cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes increase replay value.
Cons
- • Gameplay loop can feel repetitive after many hours of play.
- • Lack of tutorial makes initial learning curve steeper for newcomers.
- • Some balance issues with overpowered builds reduce challenge.
- • Certain enemy targeting mechanics may feel unfair or frustrating.
- • Random deaths and save system quirks cause occasional annoyance.
- • Desire for sandbox mode to test builds is unmet.
- • Unlocking weapons and abilities can feel confusing or limited.
Rating Criteria
Claw your way across exotic islands combining fluid movement with fast paced combat to become a Crab Champion in this third person roguelike shooter.