Summary
A game that doesn’t take itself too seriously,Another Crab’s Treasureis not afraid to wear its influences on its sleeve, and proudly show them off to anyone and everyone willing to look. Though its atmosphere and style are all its own,Another Crab’s Treasurehas clearly taken a lot of inspiration from some pivotal pop-culture cornerstones, ranging from classic TV shows likeSpongeBob SquarePants, to fellowIndie games likeHollow KnightandDead Cells.
But by far one ofAnother Crab’s Treasure’s biggest inspirations is the ever-growing library of FromSoftware, the developer responsible for pioneering the Soulslike genre. While any Soulslike is inherently inspired by FromSoft’s catalog,Another Crab’s Treasureembraces those influences clearly, pays homage to them via Easter eggs, and even pokes some light fun at some classic FromSoft staples.
Another Crab’s Treasure Isn’t Afraid to Reference Its Inspirations
Another Crab’s Treasure’s Elden Ring References Explained
While a few different games fromFromSoftware’s extensive libraryare referenced inAnother Crab’s Treasure, it’s the developer’s latest Souls-adjacent title that receives the most love inAnother Crab’s Treasure. Right at the start ofAnother Crab’s Treasure, players will run into their very first optional boss, and potentially the first reference in the entire game.
Calledthe Royal Shellsplitter, this first optional boss charges at the player in a horse-like manner, and can act as a painful reminder that althoughAnother Crab’s Treasureis bright and colorful, it’s still going to put up a tough challenge. Though the Royal Shellsplitter doesn’t directly reference FromSoftware, its general design, placement in the open world, and purpose does feel very much inspired byElden Ring’s Tree Sentinel boss, who appears right at the start of the game just after the player enters the Lands Between for the first time.
Talking about the Lands Between,Another Crab’s Treasurefeatures a directreference toElden Ring’s world. After making their way through the Shallows and New Carcinia, players will enter a vast wasteland known as the Sands Between.Elden Ring’s hand-drawn map is also referenced inAnother Crab’s Treasure, with its own map imitating the same art style, with major points of interest and pathways being clearly defined in a similar way.
Other FromSoftware References in Another Crab’s Treasure
ThoseElden RingEaster eggsare just scratching the surface ofAnother Crab’s Treasure’s FromSoftware references. One of the most overt references to FromSoftware takes the form of an in-game skin inAnother Crab’s Treasure. Found just west of the Secluded Ridge Moon Snail Shell in the Sands Between, players can spot a little bonfire surrounded by an array of plastic swords sticking out from the ground.
Here, they’ll find the “Sunlight” costume, a clear reference toDark Souls' iconic Knight Solaire, complete with the same T-engraved helmet, green shoulder pads, and sun-adorned tunic. The in-game description of this costume also pokes a bit of fun at the beloved FromSoft series, with it reading, “Increases your dodge roll i-frames by 30%. Haha, just kidding.”
There are a few more possible references to FromSoftware’s back catalog, though they’re a lot more general and less overt than the ones previously listed here. For instance,Another Crab’s Treasure’s Expired Grove location has all the same trademarks as a classicFromSoftware poisonous swamp, and the game’s first true boss fight is against a screaming horse-like warrior that seems like a reference toSekiro’s Gyoubu Oniwa boss fight.
Another Crab’s Treasure
WHERE TO PLAY
As Kril the hermit crab, you’ll need to wear the trash around you as shells to withstand attacks from enemies many times your size. Embark on an epic treasure hunt to buy back your repossessed shell, and discover the dark secrets behind the polluted ocean.TRASH OR TREASURE?In this undersea society, trash is not only a way of life, but a valuable resource, used for everything from fashion to firearms. But with the presence of trash comes a mysterious infection known as the Gunk, which could spell doom for the entire ocean.LEARN FROM NATUREAs Kril explores the ocean, he’ll gain a variety of Umami Techniques—powerful attacks learned from the denizens of the seas. Punch your enemies with the overwhelming might of a Mantis Shrimp, ensnare them with the horrifying Bobbit Worm, and much more.UNEXPLORED DEPTHSThe ocean goes deeper than one can imagine. Fight your way through kelp forests, coral reefs, sand castle cities, and even the unfathomable darkness of the deep-sea trenches, all in the name of getting back your prized shell.
