Another Crab’s Treasure Stands Out Among TGA 2024 Overlooked Gems

Each year, the conversation around The Game Awards is thick with discussions about the biggest snubs, to the point where it feels like there should be a dedicated category for it. This time around, the absence of a nomination for Silent Hill 2’s remake in the Game of the Year segment has stirred quite the buzz. Many fans argue that this spot was overshadowed by Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. Now, nobody digs into the quality and mastery of Shadow of the Erdtree, but it does raise questions about the place of remakes, remasters, and DLCs at this grand event. Then, there’s the chatter about how EA Sports College Football 25 seemed left out in the Sports category, and how Palworld didn’t get a nod in any category at all. This dialogue is surely going to persist well into The Game Awards 2024. Yet, what really caught me off guard was the omission of Another Crab’s Treasure.

Despite its remarkable achievements, Another Crab’s Treasure didn’t receive a single nod at the show hosted by Geoff Keighley. That’s quite baffling given its impressive qualifications across several categories. It’s not just an outstanding indie game of 2024; it stands toe-to-toe with the best in the Soulslike genre. From delivering punishing yet delightful combat to presenting a dark world hidden beneath bright visuals, the game nails the essential aspects of the genre. The bosses are equally moody and formidable, and the environmental storytelling can rival any FromSoftware title. Although it wears a cute facade, it unfolds a gripping narrative about an apocalyptic environmental collapse. It certainly merited recognition in multiple categories, yet to see it get none is disheartening.

It’s essential to mention that Another Crab’s Treasure took home the Best Indie Game award at the 2024 Golden Joystick Awards. That win was well-earned. Even if we break it down statistically, there are some intriguing disparities. Black Myth: Wukong, the Game of the Year nominee with the lowest score, holds a Metascore of 81. Another Crab’s Treasure trails just slightly at 78, earning generally favorable reviews. This score arises from 33 critic reviews on Metacritic, with 70% positive and none negative. On OpenCritic, it sports a Strong rating, a Top Critic Average of 78, and recommendations from over 81% of critics. On Steam, it enjoys a Very Positive overall rating, with recent reviews flirting with Overwhelmingly Positive.

The game fits snugly into numerous key categories. It’s evidently a serious contender for the Best Indie Game slot, especially in a year rich with impressive indie releases. While it’s tough to guarantee a win there, missing a nomination feels unexpected. Its emphasis on making a Soulslike game accessible also makes a compelling case for the Innovation in Accessibility category. Plus, where else can you play as a crab wielding a gun? Aggro Crab ensured that its accessibility features were engaging, and blasting a tough boss underwater as a crab has its own quirky charm.

Moreover, Another Crab’s Treasure aligns well with the Games for Impact category. Through its environmental storytelling, it speaks volumes about broader world issues, including the rent crisis, while exploring themes of resilience and survival amid global upheavals. This narrative strength could have secured it a nomination in Best Narrative, and its artistic environmental storytelling could have listed it under Best Art Direction.

While I’m not suggesting it should snag every possible nomination, or that existing entries should be displaced, the complete absence of Another Crab’s Treasure from the nominations list is truly startling. Since Kril lost his shell, life has thrown him one curveball after another. It’s just another rough day for Kril…but then again, when is it ever easy for Kril?