Since its debut on the Nintendo Switch, Crawl has carved out a unique niche within the crowded roguelike genre.
Developed by the indie studio Powerhoof, this pixel art dungeon crawler boasts a fresh twist: players alternate between playing the hero and haunting their friends as spirits.
With its arrival on the Nintendo eShop, Crawl continues to entice fans of local multiplayer with engaging, unpredictable gameplay and a distinctive art direction. At its core, Crawl blends elements of classic dungeon exploration with robust multiplayer mechanics, creating a game best enjoyed with friends on the couch.
Up to four players can jump in, each taking turns as both the adventurer delving into the dungeon and the ghosts striving to thwart progress.
The primary objective is to reach level ten as the hero, then enter a portal to defeat a formidable boss.
However, with every death, the former hero becomes a ghost, able to possess traps, conjure monsters, or unleash chaos—all of which keeps the pace frenetic and the competition lively. In a statement representative of the game’s reception, critics have noted that, while the solo campaign is serviceable, Crawl truly flourishes in a multiplayer setting.
"The premise is ingenious," reviewers have summarized, "and the chaos of battling friends on the same screen enhances every aspect of its design.
When the competition is between friends rather than AI, every obstacle or trap feels personal, and the laughter is relentless." Even the single-button controls for attacking and executing special moves are tailored for quick pickup and fast-paced sessions. Within each dungeon floor, players encounter familiar trappings of the roguelike genre, including shops offering weapons and potions, mysterious altars, and a wide array of monstrous upgrades.
Spirits earn Wrath points by hindering or defeating the hero, which can then be used to power up monsters for future confrontations.
Although the game encourages experimentation, some features are less intuitive—demanding players discover their functions through trial and error, which adds to Crawl’s sense of mystery but may frustrate newcomers. Crawl’s visuals evoke a sense of nostalgia, with its vibrant yet chaotic pixel art style reminiscent of arcade classics like Gauntlet.
While the aesthetic is striking, the action can sometimes become so frenetic that it’s easy to lose track of your character amid the chaos.
Progression is tied to discovery, with players able to select a God at the start for unique run-defining perks, and upgrade monsters in ways that significantly alter strategies each session. Although Crawl may not reach the same cultural impact as genre stalwarts such as The Binding of Isaac or Enter the Gungeon, it offers a distinct multiplayer experience on the Nintendo Switch—a platform renowned for fostering group play.
With its clever mechanics, charming art style, and robust local co-op, Crawl stands out among the best indie titles available on the eShop for players seeking a fresh twist on traditional dungeon crawlers. Crawl is available now on the Nintendo Switch via the Nintendo eShop.
Developed by Powerhoof, it continues to earn praise for its inventive design and is a recommended addition for any local multiplayer game night.
Developed by the indie studio Powerhoof, this pixel art dungeon crawler boasts a fresh twist: players alternate between playing the hero and haunting their friends as spirits.
With its arrival on the Nintendo eShop, Crawl continues to entice fans of local multiplayer with engaging, unpredictable gameplay and a distinctive art direction. At its core, Crawl blends elements of classic dungeon exploration with robust multiplayer mechanics, creating a game best enjoyed with friends on the couch.
Up to four players can jump in, each taking turns as both the adventurer delving into the dungeon and the ghosts striving to thwart progress.
The primary objective is to reach level ten as the hero, then enter a portal to defeat a formidable boss.
However, with every death, the former hero becomes a ghost, able to possess traps, conjure monsters, or unleash chaos—all of which keeps the pace frenetic and the competition lively. In a statement representative of the game’s reception, critics have noted that, while the solo campaign is serviceable, Crawl truly flourishes in a multiplayer setting.
"The premise is ingenious," reviewers have summarized, "and the chaos of battling friends on the same screen enhances every aspect of its design.
When the competition is between friends rather than AI, every obstacle or trap feels personal, and the laughter is relentless." Even the single-button controls for attacking and executing special moves are tailored for quick pickup and fast-paced sessions. Within each dungeon floor, players encounter familiar trappings of the roguelike genre, including shops offering weapons and potions, mysterious altars, and a wide array of monstrous upgrades.
Spirits earn Wrath points by hindering or defeating the hero, which can then be used to power up monsters for future confrontations.
Although the game encourages experimentation, some features are less intuitive—demanding players discover their functions through trial and error, which adds to Crawl’s sense of mystery but may frustrate newcomers. Crawl’s visuals evoke a sense of nostalgia, with its vibrant yet chaotic pixel art style reminiscent of arcade classics like Gauntlet.
While the aesthetic is striking, the action can sometimes become so frenetic that it’s easy to lose track of your character amid the chaos.
Progression is tied to discovery, with players able to select a God at the start for unique run-defining perks, and upgrade monsters in ways that significantly alter strategies each session. Although Crawl may not reach the same cultural impact as genre stalwarts such as The Binding of Isaac or Enter the Gungeon, it offers a distinct multiplayer experience on the Nintendo Switch—a platform renowned for fostering group play.
With its clever mechanics, charming art style, and robust local co-op, Crawl stands out among the best indie titles available on the eShop for players seeking a fresh twist on traditional dungeon crawlers. Crawl is available now on the Nintendo Switch via the Nintendo eShop.
Developed by Powerhoof, it continues to earn praise for its inventive design and is a recommended addition for any local multiplayer game night.
