Fighting games have been getting more polished lately, with each aspect of the gameplay being refined. Yes there are humorous aspects to the genre still, but most games feel like they have fallen into formulaic patterns, with little any variation simply being another type of established formula. Then there are games that come along and just throw away expectations and go crazy with the gameplay ideas and over the top gameplay. This is the case with Fight Crab, a game about giant fighting crustaceans engaging in Kaiju battles that resemble wrestling matches, definitely a game that bucks trends.
Fight Crab may seem like a goofy game at first, with a glitchy control scheme, but upon playing the tutorials and learning the mechanics, you realize that everything works perfectly. You have a selection of giant crabs, lobsters and more to choose from, with more unlocked as you play, and plenty of settings in which to fight. Some of the crustaceans are better suited to certain fighting styles, such as wall attacks for instance, so picking one that fits your style is key. The more you play, the more you will understand that the controls make perfect sense, as each input moves your character in a different way. You have basics striking attacks, but also grabs that let you attack the enemy directly or pick up objects like cars, trees or giant blades to use as weapons to attack with. Timing is everything, and knowing when to grab and when to block will make all the difference in a fight.
The other thing to remember, is that while the fights take a while to get used to, this is one of the best monster fight games around, as feels like a successor to the 3D Godzilla arena fighters in a way. The game also has a lot in common with the King of the Monsters games from SNK, as it has a lot in common with wrestling games, with a way to win being to knock your opponent on their back for three seconds. This hybrid style of fighting game works well to create an experience that is unlike any other. Yes, you will need some time to adjust to the controls, but the game has a great tutorial and campaign mode that will allow you to not only understand the game but enjoy it immensely. The sheer amount of crazy that fights can become is far beyond what other fighting games have given so far.
If I have any complaints, its that the lighting in the game seems off at times. There are some parts where the visuals look off to me because of the lighting issues, but they are not present on every stage, and sometimes not even on the same stage. Other than that, I cannot say I have complaints, except that the game is not for people with a fear of spiders or spider like legs. The unique control scheme just means you need to work harder to understand how to play, and the music fits the game perfectly, to give everything an epic feel. The stages are well designed, and the various abilities of each playable crustacean gives a lot of possibility.
Fight Crab promised to be different, and it lived up to that promise. This is one of the most unique fighting games yet. I recommend it.
Disclaimer: A review key was provided
Images taken from Nintendo.com