Crab Champions

About

Crab Champions is a single player and multiplayer casual platformer game. It was developed by Noisestorm and was released on April 1, 2023. It received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

"Crab Champions" is a fast-paced shooter with roguelike elements, where players travel across exotic islands, defeating hordes of enemies to collect loot and build their power. The game features intense 20-40 minute runs, smooth movement and combat, carefully crafted visuals, and an original soundtrack. With the option to play solo or with up to 3 other players, all content is unlockable in-game with no additional purchases required. Every choice made in the game affects the outcome of each run, adding to the replayability and challenge.

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98%

Audience ScoreBased on 17,073 reviews

music489 positive mentions

story22 negative mentions

music
890 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
55%
43%
2%
The music in "Crab Champions" has received widespread acclaim, with many players praising its energetic and catchy soundtrack created by Noisestorm, the artist behind the viral "Crab Rave." Reviewers highlight how the music enhances the gameplay experience, making it engaging and fun, while also noting that it can become repetitive over time. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's appeal and replayability.
- “The music is fantastic and not overly bearing to annoyance like you would think on first listen.”
- “The soundtrack is a standout feature, perfectly complementing the emotional highs and lows of the journey.”
- “The music sets the perfect tone, enhancing the gameplay experience and immersing you in the vibrant world of crustacean chaos.”
- “The music gets repetitive really fast but it's decent.”
- “The only aspect of the game that I do not like or feel like fits the game at all is the music.”
- “The music is overly catchy to the point that it is nauseating how well the music fits.”
gameplay
796 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
53%
44%
3%
The gameplay of "Crab Champions" is widely praised for its fast-paced, addictive mechanics and smooth controls, offering a satisfying roguelike experience with a variety of weapons and upgrades. Players appreciate the blend of chaotic action and strategic depth, although some note that the gameplay can become repetitive due to limited enemy variety and map themes. Overall, the game is seen as a fun and engaging title, especially in multiplayer, with a strong foundation for future updates and content expansion.
- “Addictive gameplay loop and large variety of weapons.”
- “The core gameplay loop is fun and very replayable whether you're going for a simple win on nightmare or a challenge run to see how high up you can get.”
- “Gameplay is smooth, satisfying, and fun.”
- “The upgrades feel very generic and boring; I didn't feel like my decisions changed my gameplay in meaningful ways, so I always felt indifferent when choosing one instead of being excited for the next reward, which is the opposite of what I should have been feeling in a roguelike.”
- “Enemy variety also isn't the best... and that's not just for the fact that they are mostly crabs, but the mechanics of each encounter are very repetitive.”
- “The gameplay loop gets rather stale after about an hour or so.”
graphics
304 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
59%
40%
1%
The graphics of "Crab Champions" have received widespread praise for their vibrant, colorful art style and attention to detail, creating an engaging visual experience that complements the fast-paced gameplay. Many players appreciate the game's ability to maintain smooth performance even on lower-end systems, while the cartoonish aesthetic adds a humorous charm. Overall, the visuals are considered above average for an indie title, contributing significantly to the game's appeal and enjoyment.
- “The graphics are stunning and vibrant, making every arena come to life with vivid colors and intricate details.”
- “The graphical finesse and attention to detail in the claw-to-claw combat scenarios were astounding, making each encounter a symphony of dynamic movements and strategic engagements.”
- “Overall, Crab Champions is a treasure trove of fun, with killer graphics, groovy tunes, diverse weapons, and endless replay value; it's a must-play for any gamer looking for a good time.”
- “The game lacks in graphics and content but totally makes up for it with its gameplay.”
- “Massive performance late game and there is no graphics options.”
- “Graphics are not very optimized, visual clutter makes late game impossible to run at good fps (there is a ton of calculations going on with the weapons modifiers so it's not a surprise).”
humor
297 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in "Crab Champions" is a standout feature, with players consistently praising its absurd and quirky premise of crabs wielding guns, which leads to countless hilarious moments and interactions. The game's animations, witty dialogue, and chaotic gameplay contribute to a lighthearted atmosphere that is particularly enjoyable when played with friends. Overall, the humor is described as both charming and engaging, making it a memorable experience for players seeking a fun and entertaining gaming adventure.
- “Whether you're weaving through projectiles or dishing out your own brand of crustacean chaos, Crab Champions keeps you on the edge of your seat while tickling your funny bone.”
- “The game's humor, evident in animations and witty dialogue, adds a delightful touch.”
- “Let me tell you, watching those pesky enemies get taken down by a courageous crab throwing explosives is nothing short of hilarious!”
replayability
148 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
63%
33%
4%
Overall, the game is praised for its high replayability, with many players enjoying the fluid movement, diverse weapon options, and engaging gameplay loop that keeps them coming back for more. The ability to adjust difficulty and the promise of future updates further enhance its replay value, making it a fun experience both solo and with friends. However, some users noted limitations in variety and balance that could affect long-term replayability.
- “The core gameplay loop is fun and very replayable whether you're going for a simple win on nightmare or a challenge run to see how high up you can get. Personally, I got to 240 on nightmare before King Skull's fire inevitably burned me to death. The game is ultra fun; the further you go into a run, the more the fun increases as the challenge also ups, so go for those loops after you beat the boss.”
- “Genuinely an incredibly well-made game, a ton of replay value, loads of weapons to unlock, and endless fun especially with friends.”
- “The game is unique in all ways and methods, utilizing roguelike systems to offer more replayability for the player, and utilizing 'gambling-like' features to where users can use 3 keys (achieved from boss fights) to roll a new weapon that they can use in their next battle.”
- “Not great replay value, but is actually reasonably priced.”
- “For me personally, what is stopping me from recommending this is the lack of replayability and lack of choices.”
- “I find a lack of replayability in this game simply because the game throws so many upgrades at you; it honestly feels a bit stale.”
story
116 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
9%
72%
19%
The reviews for the "story" aspect of the game present a mixed bag, with many players noting a complete lack of narrative or character development, describing it as a straightforward action experience focused on combat rather than storytelling. However, some players appreciate the whimsical premise of controlling a gun-toting crab and find charm in the game's lightheartedness, even suggesting that the absence of a traditional story allows for enjoyable gameplay. Overall, while some players yearn for a deeper narrative, others embrace the game's simplicity and fast-paced action.
- “This game made me shed a tear from just how much story and emotion there is to this game.”
- “Crab champions is not just a game; it's an emotional odyssey that captivates players with its charm, warmth, and delightful storytelling.”
- “The story building, reminiscent of a living storybook, creates an enchanting atmosphere that pulls you into its embrace.”
- “There's like no story, no real rhyme or reason for anything in this game.”
- “No story, no plot progression, no niche character development, none of that boring stuff.”
- “Simply put, Crab Champions puts you on the nimble legs of a nameless, backstory-less, and voiceless crab who is here to shoot guns and kick ass.”
optimization
77 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
44%
48%
8%
Overall, the game's optimization is highly praised, with many players noting its smooth performance even during chaotic scenes filled with particles and explosions. While some users report minor frame drops and performance issues under heavy load, the majority experience solid frame rates and minimal lag, making it enjoyable on various devices, including lower-end PCs and the Steam Deck. Despite a few calls for further optimization, especially in late-game scenarios, the game is generally considered well-optimized and polished for an early access title.
- “The game is highly optimized, the soundtrack is awesome, and there is a nice build diversity depending on which gun you choose.”
- “The movement is incredibly smooth, and the optimization is top-notch, making for a seamless and enjoyable experience.”
- “Insane polish and performance in its early access state, beating out most AAA titles.”
- “The performance of the game becomes noticeably degraded when the screen fills with dozens of gun rounds, enemies, fireworks, mace shots, dagger shots, grenades, black holes, crystal explosions, etc. I've never crashed this game due to performance issues, but as I write this, maybe I should give it a try.”
- “Fps drops are even worse on lower-performance PCs.”
- “This game is heavily RNG-based and it's clearly not optimized for most computers. I can only run this game at 20-30 fps and my laptop should be capable of running this game a bit better.”
stability
57 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
75%
Overall, the game's stability is generally praised, with many users noting it runs smoothly and has minimal bugs compared to typical AAA titles, especially for an early access release. While some players report occasional glitches, particularly in multiplayer, these do not significantly detract from the overall experience. The game is considered well-optimized and fun, with frequent updates that aim to address any remaining issues.
- “A refreshing change from all the recent AAA releases; fun, well-optimized, loads of content, and great value for money. Not a single battle pass or microtransaction in sight. Runs great on Linux too. Nice one, devs! Well done.”
- “Even in early access, this was stable, optimized, and almost completely bug-free.”
- “It runs great and plays smoothly—two very important factors in a game like this.”
- “Game sucks so far bruh every time I tab in it just freezes and I can't play.”
- “Very buggy, luck drops and criticals are overly overpowered and they have 2 guns that overpower every other gun, the frames drop even on a 4090 13900k down to 20 when you spam a trillion different things like they let you do and the game is just not that fun after a few runs, especially since there was a bug that made me lose my run on nightmare at level 70.”
- “Early access multiplayer has been extremely buggy so far, but I hope with continued development, it will smooth out because yeah it's an awesome game.”
grinding
51 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
6%
31%
63%
The grinding aspect of the game is a mixed bag; while many players find it addictive and rewarding, especially with the variety of achievements and customization options, others describe it as tedious and requiring excessive time investment. Some reviews highlight that the game effectively balances skill progression with grinding, but the late-game can become repetitive and frustrating due to poor loot choices and the sheer volume of grinding needed. Overall, it seems to cater well to those who enjoy grinding, but may overwhelm others with its demands.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “If you try to 100% it, the game becomes an insufferable and tedious dookie fest.”
- “Having to drop something just so I can pick something up to drop it again is just tedious work (especially if you have to go through 5 chests from which you cannot use anything).”
- “Only complaint is that unlocking everything can be quite tedious.”
monetization
32 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
22%
44%
34%
The monetization model of "Crab Champions" is highly praised for its complete absence of microtransactions, allowing players to unlock all content through gameplay without any additional purchases. Reviewers appreciate the game's commitment to providing a fun experience without the pressure of cash grabs or paid DLCs, making it feel like a genuine passion project. Overall, the game is celebrated for its player-friendly approach to monetization, enhancing the enjoyment of its fast-paced action.
- “I also love how there's no in-game purchases and all the gun skins, etc. are earned by playing.”
- “The complete absence of any microtransactions of any kind is beautiful.”
- “What I appreciate most about Crab Champions is that all content is available to unlock in the game by playing, and there are no loot boxes or microtransactions.”
- “Cash grab but fun.”
- “Needs microtransactions, maybe a battle pass.”
- “The fact that there's no microtransactions (and as far as I know none in the future) makes me actually have hope for the future and community around this game.”
emotional
20 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its wholesome storytelling, charming dialogue, and a soundtrack that enhances the player's experience, evoking a range of feelings from joy to nostalgia. Players express a deep connection to the narrative, often shedding tears and feeling a sense of community and warmth while engaging with the game. Overall, it is celebrated as an emotional journey that resonates with players, making them feel both entertained and touched.
- “This game made me shed a tear from just how much story and emotion there is to this game.”
- “Crab Champions is not just a game; it's an emotional odyssey that captivates players with its charm, warmth, and delightful storytelling.”
- “The dialogue is witty and heartfelt, contributing to a narrative that effortlessly tugs at the heartstrings.”
atmosphere
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
29%
28%
43%
The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its engaging music and sound effects, which create a soothing and enchanting environment. Players appreciate the vibrant colors and effects that enhance the overall experience, making it feel like a living storybook. The combination of these elements contributes to an immersive and captivating atmosphere that draws players in.
- “The game’s music is soothing and relaxing, creating a serene atmosphere.”
- “The story building, reminiscent of a living storybook, creates an enchanting atmosphere that pulls you into its embrace.”
- “The music and sound effects significantly contribute to the atmosphere.”
character development
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Reviews indicate a lack of character development, with players noting the absence of a story or plot progression, leading to a perception that the characters are underdeveloped and unengaging.
- “There is no story, no plot progression, and no meaningful character development; it all feels incredibly dull.”
- “The characters lack depth and growth, making it hard to care about their journeys.”
- “Character development is virtually non-existent, leaving the cast feeling flat and uninteresting.”