
Some games are just a perfect match for Switch. Whether they’re designed with its portability and local multiplayer support in mind, or simply ported so well you’d think Switch was always part of the developers plan all along. Couchplay-orientated hack ‘n’ slasher Crawl comfortably fits into the latter category, bringing with it a blood-drenched formula that’s right at home with a Joy-Con in hand.
Part homage to the monster mayhem of classic horror films, part tribute to the good old days of four-player arcade titles, Crawl embraces its asymmetrical multiplayer concept right from the first swing of your blade. You play a hero exploring a dungeon filled with monsters, ghouls and other unsavoury beasts. On the surface it seems like a run of the mill dungeon crawling romp, albeit with gorgeous pixel art graphics and a chiptune soundtrack that drips with atmosphere and electro beats.

Then Crawl pulls out its grisly trump card: should you perish in your battle with the demonic foes, you’ll be raised from the dead as a phantom. As a spectral being you can’t touch the living, but you can possess traps, objects and monsters - so when another hero conveniently enters the dungeon you can fully embrace your dark side as you burn, bite and eviscerate your victim into a similar grave. Should you hit the killing blow you’ll find your humanity restored and the cycle starts all over again.
It’s a glorious feedback loop that informs the local multiplayer concept at its heart, one that escalates in intensity and difficulty the longer you devote to it. You can play on your own, with the other three phantoms controlled by AI, but nothing compares to breaking out an extra pair of Joy-Cons and gathering around your TV, or the Switch itself. There’s a constant sense of palpable fear diluted with excitement as you enter each new chamber while three other pallet-swapped ghosts scout the room for dangers to possess.
Each room in the dungeons is full of things to do, regardless of which role you’re in. As the hero, you can buy spells to improve your rechargeable special ability, but you’ll need to earn that gold by doing damage to another hero when in phantom mode. Playing as a monster also earns you wrath, which can then be used to upgrade your monsters after each round. It’s a set of systems that will be instantly familiar to anyone who’s played an RPG of any kind, but that doesn’t stop them feeding back into the consistently rewarding cycle that never leaves you feeling left out of the action.

There’s a devilish endgame in place, too. When one player reaches level 10 a portal will activate, enabling you to escape that infernal dungeon. Unfortunately, a boss fight with the tentacled horror of The Beast awaits you first. Oh, and did we mention that the other three players/AI get to control different parts of the monster? It’s the handicap match to end all handicap matches and it’s just as involving and laugh-out-loud as every moment you’ll spend in Crawl.
Having spent three years on PC, two-man developer Powerhoof has brought the most up-to-date and streamlined version to Switch, ironing out most of the kinks that had previously cracked the game’s veneer. There’s still a slight issue with players who gain an early advantage becoming too OP as a result, but it’s mostly muted by a more fair approach to wrath distribution. So if you’re struggling and floundering at a lower level, you’ll have access to more powerful monsters when in phantom mode.
Add in narrator whose hammy, scenery-chewing delivery sounds like the best tribute to Vincent Price, a brilliant soundtrack that keeps the blood pumping while it sprays all over the walls and a genuinely unique approach to monster design, and Crawl is quite a package. Whether it's sentient blobs, spell-throwing necromancers or winged eyeballs, there’s seemingly a beast for any nightmarish occasion trapped within this game.

While some kind of online play would have been welcome, Crawl isn't really geared up for playing with people who aren't in the same room. Part of the game's appeal stems from the fact that you're always within punching distance of your fellow players, and an online mode would lack that all-important social element.
Conclusion
As you might have guessed, we really like Crawl, and we’d bet our collected stash of gold and wrath you will, too. It’s great fun in single-player thanks to some aggressive AI that will hound you at every moment, but that consistent danger takes on a new lease of enjoyment when you and three of your friends are jostling for XP and that all important killing blow. Couchplay doesn’t get much better than this on Switch.
Comments 49
This game sounds like a real laugh to gather around and play with friends. It may just find a way to Crawl onto my Switch
It looks interesting and I’m glad it’s on the Switch. With that being said, I’m tired of all these pixel style games... I just don’t like the look of it and there’s so many now on Switch! It was “retro and edgy” like two years ago (Shovel Knight really claimed the look) but now it’s a bit overdone in my opinion.
I played this game yesterday with my 9 years old daughter and we had a lot of fun ! Excellent !
Added to wishlist
@gloom I agree with you. While the gameplay of Crawl looks like it will be amazing with multiple players, I'm beginning to move on from the 8-bit-pixel aesthetic.
I still wonder if it's worth the purchase if you plan to play it only solo.
I often like pixel-style art in games and don't mind devs going that route but for whatever reason the visuals in Crawl really don't appeal to me and it's probably the only thing that makes me hesitant to give the game a go. That and the fact that I have so many games to play as it is.
@Rebusmind I really think it only worth the purchase if you have some friends to play with.
@gloom I could not agree more. I feel Shovel Knight and Hyper Light Drifter really claimed the look and I get more bored with it with each game that comes out.
@invictus4000 @SomeWriter13 @gloom Curious, do you feel the same way about 16 bit style? For some reason, that never gets old to me. I like good pixel art just as much as nice 3D graphics, typically.
I do find myself getting a little fatigued with the 8 bit style, but some of them I definitely still love - Shovel Knight for example. Also, can't forget the fact that this sort of art style is just much quicker and easier for most indie devs. Not that you have to like it any more because of that, but it does make it a bit more understandable why it's become so common over the last few years, as indie titles have become more common.
@roadrunner343 16 bit era graphics still look great, they're timeless. I can play SNES, Megadrive and Neo Geo games today and still be impressed by the graphics. NES graphics meanwhile weren't even that impressive back in the day. Yet that's the look nearly every indie game goes for, I'm sick of it too. I can understand why they go 8bit though, it's the easy option. 16 bit graphics requires extra work and lots of imagination to pull off.If not done right they can look terrible.
@roadrunner343 Was gonna say something similar. The art style of crawl is a little too far in the low res direction for my tastes, and actually works to the detriment of the gameplay and visuals. The size of the playable area and characters just doesn't seem to have hit the right balance. But a 16-bit aesthetic would have been perfect!
@roadrunner343 in contrast, I love 16-bit style. In my opinion it has a better mix of nostalgia and detail than 8-bit. Sadly, there aren't a lot of new games that use it.
Yeah these visuals are a bit too bad for me, these seem like somewhere between atari and NES. Plus I've still got too many games to play lol.
That narrator is AWESOMELY OVER THE TOP!
@SegaBlueSky As I look at it again, I think that's part of my issue - the game is too busy for this style to work well for. Large, colorful 8 bit sprites tend to work well in my opinion, and I absolutely loved the style of Shovel Knight. It was simple, colorful, and easy to see what was going on at a glance.
On the other hand, this looks dark, muddy, and a little difficult to make out certain characters/details. Maybe it looks better in motion. I've never played the game, but have seen video. Though, this review is making me a bit more interested... I do love local co-op.
EDIT: Should have asked those who played this game - how is it for 2 players in co-op? Still fun, or is it much better with 4? Don't get a chance to play with 4 people as much as I used to.
"gorgeous pixel art graphics"
[squints at screen]
It seems that one of us should have gone to Specsavers... Are we looking at the same thing?
@Monkey_Balls While I agree it's not gorgeous, it looks a LOT better in motion than in screenshots.
@link3710 I guessed/hoped that might be the case; thanks for clarifying. I'm not a graphics snob by any means but those screenshots aren't helping it much are they - it seems to be my sort of game though so I'll likely pick it up at some point.
@gloom They aren't doing it to be edgy though. This is likely the easiest way for an independent company to enter the game development space. Powerhoof is just two dudes from Australia I think.
Yeah, I can't buy a game that looks like this. I grew up in the NES era. The sprites back then looked clearer and didn't need to attempt ridiculous levels of detail or numerous animation frames to be fun. This would bug the crap out of my eyes after only a few minutes of play. Some retro-looking games are done very well. Shovel Knight was mentioned, Blaster Master Zero and Mighty Gunvolt Burst, and games like Rogue Legacy do it very well. This game, this look? I can't do this at any price.
I wish all these amazing couch co-op games had online support (I know the reviewer said it wouldn't be as good here) as I have a ton of friends with switches but none local to me... all these multiplayer games just pass me by for now
How does it play with just two people? That's the situation I'd most often be in, and I don't even have four separate control options (I just have the joy cons and one pro controller).
@ErraticGamer From what I've seen on the Ps4 version, you can just add some AI players to total 4, and it's just like 4player. This game is truly a great time with friends, and I must say these screenshots don't do the game justice at all.
Take off those rosy goggles, folks. This game is leaps and bounds better performing than most pixel-centric romps,,especially anything TRULY 8-bit.
Well, non of the time went to fix up the presentation - that looks awful.
No 8 bit game looked like this. Its simply a retro style but those that think 8 bit moved or looked this good don't really remember 8 bit graphics that well. It's just an artistic retro style. Even Shovel Knight, while looking fairly 8 bit, could never have run on an NES or Master System. Actual 8 bit games are limited by color palette, sprites on screen, etc. No current game has that limitation. If you don't like that style its certainly understandable but it's hardly 8 bit simply because it uses sprites.
I dont get it. Do all 4 of you play on the same screen, or on split screen, or on individual screens (ala Switch)?
Do all 4 players begin as living characters, or do some of you begin as ghosts?
I would like to know if the lack of a second analog stick when playing with 4 people matters much... As you can 't run and shoot in different directions.
@Rebusmind If someone just outright says "it is better in multiplayer, but still tons of fun in single player", I'd get it. Saying "while it's great fun", sounds politely critical, lol, I think. I wish reviews would really underline "still buy it if you have no one". I don't play games locally with anyone. My cat loves the eShop start up screen for some reason though. That's as close as I get.
A friend got me to play this game on Steam a short while back, and it was a lot of fun to play. Definitely worth it, so I will likely be picking this one up on the Switch.
hmmm, some people are "tired" of the old pixel art style... "it was great years ago".... Will you guys ever "tire" of new realistic art style? Or super edgy futuristic style? Oh wait, this is called variety. Please, I would like to know, cause it really really really makes you guys sound dumb when you say these things. "Ugghh, another fps...with guns...that you shoot people....eewww, so tired of it, eeew eeww eewwww"
Like maybe some indies have limited budget but a good idea in mind like just maybe.
Personally I am really tired of this old Commodore 64 style pixel graphics art style, there has been way too many indie games doing this on the Switch lately.
I am also really tired of these "party" indie games that are only fun if you are playing them with buddies, who are usually never interested in these kind of games, or a tiny and very niche online community that will likely die out very fast.
@crashnnburn Nobody is really saying that they don't like 8-bit pixel graphics in general, they are just criticizing how many Switch games have been doing it lately as well as how bad it looks in this particular game.
As for modern 3D graphics, well I would assume that over 90% of people who aren't into gaming would immediately say how they look better. Modern graphics don't need to rely on nostalgia and niche fanbases like retro inspired graphics do. Retro style graphics can look nice, but this isn't a good example of that.
This game is brilliant, what a fantastic effort by the devs. The eshop is really flooding with the Indy games now, but this one really stands out like Isaac or shovel knight. You can really see the difference when total care is taken into the development. This game is polished to the core don’t be fooled by the visuals. Anyone on the fence about this one watch the opening narrative tutorial on youtube and you should be sold. What you get out of single player Depends on the person, there are unlockables, Quests (achievements) and challenges to help with replay value. Excellent game a real hidden Gem that was also recommended by Edward McMillen.
@terostrike Yeah I just feel like that isn't good advice for a lot of people when it's a game that is designed around multiplayer. The distinction needs to me made with these kind of games that they are definitely not for everyone, since while it might be a 9/10 for a niche group of people who are big fans of this kind of thing, for everyone else it is a lot harder to appreciate.
@JayJ Well I’ll be playing mostly single player, I knew the situation going in. For myself playing with mates is a bonus. This game might not be for everyone one, but then again what game is? This is however a very unique and fun game that is easy for anybody to pick up and play and is a breath of fresh air compared to all the average trash out there flooding the market.
I had a feeling this was an entertaining party game. Don't have 3 friends to play with these days, but who knows? I'll keep it on my radar.
@roadrunner343 I love how people complain about this, but Minecraft is one of the most popular games in the world right now. People play it on PS4 pros even. I play any good game, and kingdom new lands has taken up plenty of my time over last couple months. And so has Rive.
@Donutman Not really sure what you're referring to specifically - if you read my post, you'll see that I love both 8 and 16 bit pixel graphics, when done well. From the screenshots, I can't tell if this is good or not - it doesn't immediately look great to me, but as I mentioned in my post, perhaps it looks better in motion.
I too play any game I deem "good" regardless of art style. However, graphical design certainly plays a part in that. For those that don't like 8 bit styled graphics, that's no different than me disliking point and click adventure games. Everyone has different preferences.
Your point about Minecraft makes no sense and is entirely irrelevant to the discussion. I don't like Minecraft, but I love plenty of other pixel art games. Not sure what you're trying to get at.
Crawl and Slain are my best two purchases... after I get Mario Kart. I’ve held off getting Mario Kart, but I can’t hold off anymore.
It's great fun. Period.
I played it with my two nephews (in a two player game, sharing on of the joycons) during this xmas holidays and we had a blast. Go get it and share some good ol' dungeon crawling!
Liner note: I loved the art style even if it could get a little confusing on the mos hectic moments.
@roadrunner343 while I agree that I am becoming very tired of pixel art games, I do find ones that are more detailed and animated well are still more than capable of grabbing my attention. Things like Hyper Light Drifter, Crawl, Enter the Gungeon, and even Phantom Trigger are all good examples of good modern pixel art.
Stuff like Mutant Mudds I find are just too basic.
Love the concept, hate the graphics. Even with Shovel Knight's level of detail I could be swayed into considering this, but no cigar.
@DizzyDee81 which would you say is the better, if I could only purchase one which would you recommend?
@Deathwalka best was meant to be “next”, but I ended up purchasing them both first since they are cheaper. I’m having more fun with Slain, crawl isn’t what I expected it to be, but it’s still ok. Only one player out of four at a time can crawl through the dungeons fighting until you reach level 11 to spawn to the boss level... You’re essentially a ghost most of the time trying to spawn demons and use the environment to kill the current player and take his place... it sucks when you deliver most of the damage only to have your demon die and someone else finish the job. Gungeon is likely a better purchase than crawl.
@DizzyDee81 is slain too hard? I’ve heard some people say that, can you give an example compared to another switch game as far as difficulty level?
@Deathwalka I think the original release was the one that had a lot of criticisms... the back from hell version on the Switch isn’t any harder than the mummy demastered. It’s certainly challenging, but worth it.
Absolutely had become my favorite Co-op party game on Switch and even single player is a blast to play. Seriously a complete package of a game and one of my best purchases.
@gloom To be honest I could not disagree more. I love this artstyle plus it's relatively easier to make a pixel game look good than other artstyles.
Show Comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...