Info about Fight Crab: Official game description: Crabs Powered by Simulated Physics! ----------------------------------- Take control of a simulated physics-powered crab and take on various opponents in this 3D action game with one basic rule: "flip your enemy over to win". Take advantage of a wide range of equipment to beat your opponent down: claws, swords, guns, armor, jet engines, and more. Stop your opponent's blade with your pincers, run along walls, and generally go full-on crab with all the fighting techniques at your disposal. Get the total battle crab experience with amazing procedural animations and spot-on accurate collision detection - just like you've always wanted to but probably never realized. Featuring 23 types of crab, 48 different weapons, and 11 unique battle stages! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1 vs. 1, 2 vs. 2, online/offline battle modes... This game has it all. Enjoy campaigns and training modes while waiting for your turn in battle! Campaign Mode featuring over 41 battles as well as training, rankings, and more! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Go through the entire campaign on your own, or cooperate with friends - you can get the full experience either way! Test your might in the advanced-level Hard Mode and wave-based challenge stages to really hone your battle skills. Link up with VRoid Hub ---------------------- Go into battle sporting your very own original avatar on top of your crab! Original avatars can be seen by other players online, so you can show off your bitchin' avatars to players around the world. In some completely different, super weird world, crabs have mastered human weapons and taken over the land. Now immortal, these crabs cannot be killed by gun nor blade. However, there is one crustacean rule by which all must live: "He who turns his back to the ground shall know defeat..." That's right - get flipped over on your back in battle, and you have no choice but to submit to your opponent. You must now embark on a journey to become the strongest ever seen, and flip the entire world itself onto its back. Release date: Jul 29, 2020 Categories: Physics-based Combat, 3D Fighting, Online Co-op, Character Progression, Weapon Customization, Local Multiplayer Feature scans: - Proton/Linux: score 55; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The Linux/Proton evidence is limited but consistent with workaround-heavy compatibility rather than a polished native experience. Users describe selecting different Proton versions, consulting ProtonDB, and testing GE-Proton builds; one GE-Proton7-27 test shows missing in-game menu footage despite audio. The same user eventually gets Fight Crab and other Unsupported games running on Steam Deck, so the title is playable after tinkering, not broken. - Steam Deck: score 55; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The Steam Deck experience is not seamless. Users must manually install and switch Proton versions and enable compatibility settings to run unsupported titles. Reports also mention potential anti-cheat incompatibility, missing main-menu footage, and occasional on-screen unreadability, while controls are generally fine. The overall friction is moderate: playable after tinkering, but not a native out-of-the-box experience. - Hardware Profile: No data Feature extractions: - Community Price: - Community fair range: $9.99 - $14.99 - Reasoning: The reviews are broadly positive but repeatedly recommend buying on sale. The short playtime comment and the reviewer who paid about €8.50 for roughly 3 hours of fun indicate that the perceived value is closer to a discounted price. Although one reviewer calls it an instant buy, most sale-oriented feedback suggests the full $19.99 base price is above the community's preferred fair range. The balance of evidence points to a fair base-game range of roughly $9.99 to $14.99. - Playtime Metrics: - Game completion: 1.0h - Story completion: 2.5h - Session length: 1.0h - Endgame: 1000.0h - Reasoning: The first quote supports gameCompletion at about 1 hour for a fast 100% run using an overpowered strategy. The second quote supports storyCompletion at about 2.5 hours, using the midpoint of the stated two-to-three-hour campaign. The third quote supports sessionLength at about 1 hour, as the player describes sneaking in an hour at a time. The fourth quote, from a ranked/online-focused player, supports endgame at 1,000 hours as a long-tail competitive playtime; other reviews also mention long-term grinding and online play. - Time-to-fun: - Summary: Fight Crab is reported as a clicks-after party brawler: early janky controls and a steep learning curve delay the fun, but once players get past that and have friends or co-op, it can become a riot. Some players still find it clunky and repetitive, especially without others. - Stance: Clicks after - Anchor: Getting past the control learning curve - Time to anchor: N/A - Friction: extremely janky control learning curve; huge learning curve; first few hours flailing wildly; clunky controls; repetitive, novelty dies fast; without friends it deflates quickly - Unlock drivers: getting past the control learning curve; mastering unique weapon combos and specials; learning uppercuts, parries, and grapples; playing with friends or co-op; developing strategies and weird co-op tactics - Conditions: having patient friends or two; local/splitscreen or Remote Play Together; enduring the learning curve and flaws; taking your time; short bursts with friends; online co-op or versus; solo play can lose appeal quickly; AI partner for offline co-op campaign - Player Archetypes: - Social Party Brawler (sale) - Motivation: Shared laughter and chaotic fun with friends. - Playstyle: Casual local/online co-op and party matches, leaning into intentionally awkward physics. - Experience: newcomer - Purchase stance: sale - Labels: N/A - Reference games: QWOP - Competitive FGC Hopeful (no buy) - Motivation: Competitive online duels and the dream of an active fighting-game scene. - Playstyle: Ranked and casual online versus, seeking skilled opponents and scene growth. - Experience: veteran - Purchase stance: no buy - Labels: N/A - Reference games: N/A - Co-op Campaign Min-Maxer (buy) - Motivation: Optimizing crab builds and clearing campaign co-op with a chosen partner. - Playstyle: Experiments with loadouts and stat upgrades while playing campaign co-op or AI-assisted solo. - Experience: familiar - Purchase stance: buy - Labels: N/A - Reference games: N/A - Steam Deck Tinkerer (buy) - Motivation: Getting the game running well on Steam Deck or Linux with minimal friction. - Playstyle: Handheld or couch play with controller support, using Proton and community compatibility guides. - Experience: familiar - Purchase stance: buy - Labels: N/A - Reference games: N/A Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category. Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews. What players like: - Entertaining and fun gameplay (weight 0.41): Players consistently describe the game as highly entertaining, fun, and a fantastic time waster. It provides a lot of fun whether playing solo or against friends. - Diverse crab roster (weight 0.29): There is a large variety of crabs to choose from, including favorites like Coconut Crab and Elbow Crab. Each crab has different weapon swings, making exploration of fighting styles fun. - Shop and upgrade system (weight 0.28): The shop allows buying weapons and items to help your crab fight, and also enables becoming different crabs like Coconut Crab and Elbow Crab. Players can upgrade and level up crabs using money to enhance resistance, movement, or strength. - Play as a crab (weight 0.25): The unique concept of playing as a crab is a major draw, with many players citing it as a primary reason to play. The crab elements are enjoyable and differentiate the game. - Unwieldy controls enjoyable (weight 0.21): The controls are unwieldy but allow for interesting gameplay. Despite the controls, the game remains fun, and once mastered, players can attack and move as intended. - Insane number of crabs, weapons (weight 0.14): There is an insane number of crabs and weapons, each feeling different. The rich weapon, crab, and upgrade system adds immense variety and depth. - Ridiculous weapons and lightsabers (weight 0.14): The concept of crabs wielding lightsabers and other ridiculous weapons is interesting and adds to the fun. This absurdity is a key part of the game's charm. - Flipping wins matches (weight 0.14): Flipping the opponent's crab over wins the match, allowing comebacks even after taking a lot of damage. This mechanic adds excitement and strategic depth. - High replay value (weight 0.14): The game offers good replayability and high replay value due to its variety of crabs, weapons, and mechanics. This keeps players coming back for more. - Spirit bomb crab (weight 0.13): A king crab can perform a spirit bomb, adding a whimsical and overpowered move. This highlights the game's humorous and creative design. - Hyper mode mind games (weight 0.13): Hyper mode creates interesting mind games, adding a layer of psychological strategy. This mechanic is appreciated for its depth. - Shrinking combat area intensity (weight 0.13): A recently added battle royale-like rule where the combat area shrinks makes fights more intense. This addition keeps matches dynamic and engaging. - Awesome soundtrack (weight 0.13): The soundtrack is awesome and greatly enhances the gaming experience. Players specifically praise the music. Common complaints: - Clunky and unintuitive controls (weight 0.99): Many players report that the controls feel clunky, unwieldy, and difficult to learn, especially movement and camera. Keyboard and mouse controls are particularly problematic, with some describing them as god awful. - Combat lacks depth and clarity (weight 0.62): Combat feels like flailing more than fighting, with imprecise hit detection, zero-distance brawls, and tangled weapons. It is deliberately not intuitive and lacks strategic depth. - Unpolished UI and visuals (weight 0.55): The UI is barebones, crude, and has placeholder-looking elements, harsh sound effects, and janky menus. Graphics are also criticized as not the best, eye-searing, or causing screen overflow on launch. - Poor online multiplayer experience (weight 0.49): Finding online matches is very hard because the player base is empty or sparse, and the online PvP feels like solo roleplay. Many say the multiplayer is not worth the price and wouldn't recommend it. - Game is too short and repetitive (weight 0.47): Players find the game short, with content running out after a few hours, and it quickly becomes boring and not replayable. The campaign can be beaten quickly, and achievements are few. - Keyboard and mouse control limitations (weight 0.35): Keyboard and mouse controls restrict movement freedom and cause both arms to move in the same direction simultaneously. Some items cannot be used effectively without a gamepad. - Steep learning curve and complexity (weight 0.31): The game is hard to understand at first with many unclear points, requiring memorization and practice. Beginners struggle, and many quit due to extremely complex controls. - Balance issues with weapons and crabs (weight 0.23): Certain weapons like double revolvers and the Mantis Shrimp lightsaber combo are overpowered, while others like the Poseidon trident need nerfs. Crab balance is uneven, affecting matchups and gameplay. - Camera and targeting problems (weight 0.22): The camera is often zoomed in too far, leading to button mashing, and is tough to control. Auto-targeting can cause self-destruction, and after death it's hard to move the camera to watch. - Level design and environmental issues (weight 0.18): Destructible environments fall on crabs, slopes are hard to climb, and certain stages like the Chinese restaurant are too narrow, causing falls. The supermarket stage becomes bad due to auto-targeting. - Progression and upgrade problems (weight 0.17): Progression is based on random weapon earning, and upgrades cannot effectively improve control feel. Even maxing speed does not change perceived speed. - Controller issues on Steam Deck (weight 0.17): On Steam Deck, the main menu shows a black void, and multiplayer has conflicting reports. Controllers sometimes stop working entirely. - Niche appeal and price concerns (weight 0.16): The game's proposal is very niche; if you don't buy the joke quickly, it won't sell you. The price makes people back away, especially given the bad online play. - Unfair and stressful moments (weight 0.15): Sometimes the game feels unfair and can be a stress factor for those who cannot control it well. It can also make you mad if you let it. - Visual clarity issues (weight 0.15): Bright effects and on-screen chaos can make it illegible, and long legs are often not visible enough. This contributes to confusing gameplay. - Lack of game modes and meta (weight 0.11): There is a dearth of game modes and meta stuff, reducing long-term engagement. Only 7 achievements also feel short for a meme game. - Control system restricts item usage (weight 0.11): Some items like revolvers cannot be used due to control system limitations. Keyboard and mouse also limit control as both arms move in the same direction. Gameplay feedback: - Crab-themed competitive fighting game (weight 0.96): Players control weapon-wielding crabs in physics-based battles to knock opponents onto their backs. The game blends absurd crustacean combat with competitive 1v1 to 4v4 fights and has elements that could appeal to the fighting game community. - Multiplayer and co-op support (weight 0.64): The game supports local split-screen, online multiplayer, Remote Play Together, and couch co-op. Players can engage in versus matches and cooperative play with friends. - Crab customization and progression (weight 0.52): Players can customize crabs with weapons and upgrade attributes such as tenacity and stamina. There is also a progression system where crabs level up, ascend to higher power levels, and can be mutated into different subspecies. - Weapon variety and stealing (weight 0.48): Multiple weapons are available, including guns, revolvers, and environmental objects like chairs. Players can also take weapons from defeated enemies and use them against their foes. - Unlockable playable crustaceans (weight 0.48): A variety of playable crabs can be unlocked, including a lobster, king crab, and mantis shrimp. Each crab has its own abilities, speed, power, weight, and weapon swing style. - Dual-stick claw controls (weight 0.43): Each analog stick independently controls one claw, with triggers used for striking and shoulder buttons for blocking. The control scheme may feel clunky or janky to some players. - Online ranked and casual matches (weight 0.39): The game offers online matchmaking with both ranked and casual modes. Players can compete in ranked matches or duel each other casually. - Single-player campaign and solo (weight 0.22): A solo campaign mode is available that unlocks new seafood and weapons for purchase. Players can also play single-player matches outside of the campaign. - Crab stick creation from defeated (weight 0.21): After defeating other crabs, players can turn them into crab sticks. The game features multiple crab species to fight against and unlock. - Claw-based melee combat (weight 0.13): Crabs use their claws to kill enemies in combat and can hold weapons in each claw. The fighting involves close-quarters crustacean action. Performance notes: - Controller functionality broke recently (weight 0.08): Controller support stopped working for one player in the past week, despite previously functioning in this game and continuing to work in other games. This suggests a recent game update or driver conflict. - Steam Deck menu rendering issue (weight 0.08): On Steam Deck with Proton, the main menu displays only text against a black void instead of the usual in-game footage. This visual bug affects the menu experience. - Stable performance with physics emphasis (weight 0.08): Reviews indicate generally stable performance, with the game's physics being a key element. Players find it reliable for what it offers. Recommendations: - Wait for sale (weight 0.35): Multiple reviewers suggest getting the game on sale or waiting for a discount, including checking gameplay first. Sale purchases are highly recommended over full price. - Absurdist multiplayer fun (weight 0.34): The game is recommended for players who like absurdist games and wacky beat-em-up fun, suitable for online multiplayer. It provides a relaxing and stress-relieving experience, good for a few laughs online or with friends. - Highly recommended overall (weight 0.31): Reviewers highly and whole-heartedly recommend the game, encouraging players not to hesitate to add it to their library. It is recommended to everyone and worth the $10 price. - Crab fighting fun (weight 0.24): Players recommend the game for those who enjoy crabs and fighting, calling it everything you could want from a crab fighting game. It is a no-brainer for crab enthusiasts and those with friends ready for a crab battle. - Great with friends (weight 0.24): The game is highly recommended for group play, couch co-op, or shared screen sessions, generating anecdotes and friendly competition in minutes. It is a hit at parties if players endure the learning curve and have patient friends. - Solo ranked matchmaking issues (weight 0.22): Solo play is enjoyable, but ranked matchmaking is criticized as a marine cemetery; those expecting a competitive scene should look elsewhere. Poor online population makes it not recommended at full price, with some returning it. - Instant buy no regrets (weight 0.21): Reviewers call it an instant buy with no regrets, encouraging players to buy Fight Crab and crack open this delicious treat. The review lists reasons why you should play this game. - Controller strongly recommended (weight 0.17): Using a PlayStation 4-like controller such as an 8BitDo SN30pro+ is recommended, while skipping the game is advised if you do not have a controller. A beginner tip is to not use the left stick. - Support creativity (weight 0.17): Players encourage buying the game to support creativity in games, even if you do not play it. It is described as one of the best experiences, a 10/10 best crab game ever. - Positive but niche (weight 0.16): Reviewers recommend it for fans of Ace of Seafood or other off-kilter battlers from Japan, and as a bit of a laugh between friends especially on sale. Not recommended for Takāshigani fans until adjustments are made. - Mixed control smoothness (weight 0.13): Some players do not recommend the game for those who value smooth and fluid action game controls. However, others find it fantastic if they like physics-based games. - Play once then refund (weight 0.11): Some recommend playing once with friends and then refunding the game. Others suggest deleting local content and removing it from the library. - Streamer and YouTuber friendly (weight 0.07): The game is recommended for streamers and YouTubers due to its high entertainment value. It provides good content for online or friend sessions. - Overall high ratings (weight 0.07): The game receives overall ratings of 9/10 and 10/10 from some reviewers. It is praised as a top experience. - Try ranked without fear (weight 0.07): Players are encouraged to try ranked match without fear to polish their claws. This suggests ranked can be fun despite issues. - Trust your own crab (weight 0.06): A reviewer advises to trust your own crab, implying personal judgment. It is a quirky recommendation. Other player notes: - Developer and publisher background (weight 0.26): Developed by Calappa Games and published by PLAYISM, with a history of seafood-themed high-quality nonsense games like Ace of Seafood. Also published by Paradox Interactive. - Positive comparisons to other games (weight 0.25): Reviewers compare the game favorably to Goat Simulator (buggy but good), Earth Defense Force, and Super Smash Bros. It is also likened to Ace of Seafood and other off-kilter Japanese battlers. - Steam Deck compatibility issues (weight 0.24): The game is marked as Unsupported on Steam Deck by default, but a workaround using ProtonUp-Qt and GE-Proton7 exists. However, not all unsupported games work with this method, and those with Easy Anti-Cheat reportedly do not work. - Short campaign and quick completion (weight 0.23): The campaign is short, taking only two to three hours to beat, and players can achieve 100% completion in about an hour. This brevity is noted in comparisons to other fighting games. - Gameplay becomes repetitive quickly (weight 0.22): The novelty of the game dies fast, leading to a repetitive experience. Quality is considered middling, and the game is often compared to quirky titles like QWOP. - Inexpensive with substantial content (weight 0.22): The game is inexpensive and offers a large amount of content for the price, including a decent variety in the campaign. This makes it a hidden gem for some players. - Multi-platform availability and cross-play (weight 0.22): The game is available on multiple platforms, including Switch, and supports cross-platform play. A smartphone version exists with simplified controls, making it easier to play. - Controller versus keyboard support (weight 0.21): Keyboard is not supported in split-screen couch versus mode, and the splash screen recommends using a controller. Console controllers are detected, and the Switch version allows intuitive play with Joy-Con. - Couch co-op and online modes (weight 0.21): The game can be played in couch co-op on PC and offers online versus mode with ranked matches. Background matchmaking is also available. - Quirky and humorous presentation (weight 0.21): The game has a sense of humor about itself, with a main menu featuring a Japanese song and UI inspired by Dreamcast-era arcade games. It includes a photo mode for taking crab pictures. - Low online player population (weight 0.19): The online player population is very low, making it difficult to find random matches. At the time of one review, there were zero active players, and the verdict was 'great idea, nonexistent community'. - Mixed critical reception and review score (weight 0.17): One reviewer gave a total score of 5.6/10, and another refunded the game. The reviewer leaves it up to the reader to judge if it is worth the price. - Comparisons to fighting games (weight 0.16): Reviewers compare it to a crab street fighter, noting that the campaign is not the focus. It is also compared to SSB regarding mechanics and Smash Bros with items for game feel. - Comparisons to other genres and titles (weight 0.16): The game is compared to Demon Slayer for its swordsmanship, Hellish Quart as a realistic swordplay simulator, and Armored Core for heavy, robot-like controls. - Community and exposure through events (weight 0.15): The game was featured in RTAinJAPAN2021 summer as a race and the reviewer was introduced by Vargskelethor (Joel). The reviewer hopes the sequel Fight Crab 2 is just as good. - Regular updates and patches (weight 0.13): The game is regularly updated with patches that include balance changes and new content, such as Season 2 with new crabs and weapons. This ongoing support is appreciated by players. - Alternate titles and crossover content (weight 0.11): The game is known as 'Crab Wars' and 'Crab Fight: Loser Goes in the Pot'. A crossover with a deer protagonist adds a playable deer character. - Soundtrack and music appreciation (weight 0.11): The reviewer bought the soundtrack, indicating appreciation for the game's music. The main menu features a Japanese song as background music. Emotions: - Amusement (weight 0.19): Players find amusement in the game's absurd premise of crustaceans wielding weapons, which leads to hilarious and chaotic fights. The janky controls and ragdoll physics add to the comedy, creating moments like crabs spinning with hammers or getting tangled. The silly weapon selection and over-the-top animations consistently provoke laughter. - Disappointment (weight 0.12): Disappointment stems from clunky controls and shallow combat that fails to meet expectations. The online multiplayer is empty, making matches hard to find, and the content runs out quickly after beating the short campaign. Technical issues like lack of Steam Deck support and crude UI further detract from the experience. - Frustration (weight 0.1): Frustration arises from unintuitive and complex controls that are difficult to master, leading to button mashing and imprecise actions. The zoomed-in camera and chaotic on-screen effects make combat hard to follow, while low player population makes finding online matches a struggle. Issues like controller malfunctions and poor climbing mechanics exacerbate the irritation. - Enjoyment (weight 0.08): Players enjoy the fun, physics-based combat and the unique concept of crabs fighting with weapons. The story mode and couch co-op provide hours of entertainment, and despite control issues, the game remains enjoyable to play with friends. The deep combat system and intuitive controls contribute to the overall fun. - Excitement (weight 0.08): Excitement is driven by the adrenaline of intense battles and the thrill of mastering combat to feel like an unstoppable god. The ability to play as various crab species with different weapons, along with silly bosses and level progression, sparks a desire to see more. Gripping PvP matches and hyper mode mind games keep players eager to return. - Satisfaction (weight 0.06): Satisfaction comes from overcoming challenges, such as defeating a Kamchatka crab to become the crab king, and from the game's novel concept of anthropomorphized crabs. The gameplay feels rewarding once skills are learned, and progressing with weapons provides a sense of accomplishment. Winning battles with claws and pincers adds to the fulfillment. - Love (weight 0.04): Players express love for the game's amazing weapon selection and overall quality and depth. They appreciate the developers' efforts and the enjoyment derived from specific gameplay moments. The game as a whole, including its design and execution, elicits strong affection. - Enthusiasm (weight 0.04): Enthusiasm is fueled by the fantastic physics-based gameplay and the unique goal of becoming king crab. The deep competitive balance and absurd elements like crabs with chainsaws on jet planes generate excitement. Players are eager to share the game with others and encourage purchases. - Confusion (weight 0.04): Confusion arises from not understanding how such an absurd game concept was conceived, as well as unclear mechanics like Super Saiyan mode and green bars. The meta changing daily adds to the uncertainty, and bad controls combined with bright effects make it hard to follow. Overall, the game's chaotic nature leaves players puzzled. - Appreciation (weight 0.03): Appreciation is shown for fun additions like crab-on-crab violence and the ability to punch, grip, and stab with knives. The developers' effort in creating an over-the-top soundtrack for such a game is praised, and the absurd concept is viewed as art. Players value the unique and entertaining experience. - Joy (weight 0.03): Joy is experienced through silly gameplay with friends, nonstop laughter, and the absurdity of the brawls. The hilarious fights and epic final battles, along with beautiful stages and a divine soundtrack, create a delightful and memorable experience. The game consistently brings happiness through its chaotic fun. - Surprise (weight 0.02): Surprise comes from the game being much richer and more complete than it initially appears. It proves to be more fun and better-executed than expected, and offers a shocking amount of content for its price. Players are pleasantly taken aback by the depth and quality. - Amazement (weight 0.02): Amazement is expressed at the game being an absolute amazing gem, with high overall quality that exceeds expectations. Players are awestruck by the unique and polished experience. The game stands out as a remarkable title. - Anger (weight 0.01): Anger can arise if players let the game's frustrating elements get to them. The chaotic and challenging nature may provoke maddening moments. However, this anger is often self-inflicted by players' own reactions. - Entertainment (weight 0.01): Entertainment is derived from the game being simply entertaining. Its absurd and chaotic gameplay provides amusement. Players find it a fun way to pass the time. - Fun (weight 0.01): Fun is had by playing with two controllers over Remote Play Together, allowing for shared enjoyment. The multiplayer experience enhances the game's entertaining qualities. It creates a lively and engaging session. - Inspiration (weight 0.01): Inspiration is drawn from remembering a crab friend named Sebastián who died for his friends. This narrative element evokes a sense of heroism and sacrifice. It motivates players in their own gameplay. - Challenge (weight 0.01): Challenge is felt in conquering three difficult levels for each battle, which is not easy. The game tests players' skills and perseverance. Overcoming these hurdles provides a sense of achievement. - Affection (weight 0.01): Affection is shown for the game despite its absurd concept. Players develop a fondness for its quirky characters and gameplay. The unique charm fosters a warm feeling toward the game. - Hysteria (weight 0.01): Hysteria ensues during chaotic multiplayer sessions with friends. The unpredictable and wild nature of the game leads to uncontrollable laughter and excitement. It creates memorable and uproarious moments.}