The Crackpet Show is an action-packed rogue-lite shoot’em-up about mutated animals that fight in a bizarre TV show, crushing their opponents with a variety of weapons. Choose your beastie, gear ‘em up, and go kill your enemies in the name of fame and sweet sponsorship deals!
The game's shooting mechanics eschew direct aiming in favor of an auto-aim system. Rather than precisely targeting enemies, players simply press the fire button, and the game automatically locks onto nearby foes. This forces players to focus on positioning and timing their shots, creating a unique challenge compared to traditional twin-stick shooters.
Players can choose from a vast array of firearms, each with their own distinct properties. The shotgun, for example, deals high damage in close quarters, while the lava-spewing gun leaves scorched earth in its wake. Additionally, the game offers a wide selection of perks and items that grant transformative abilities, such as turning the player into a berserker or causing bullets to bounce between targets. Experimenting with these synergistic combinations is a key part of the gameplay loop.
Each run in the game begins from the start, but players can carry over permanent upgrades and unlocks between attempts. This rogue-lite structure encourages a sense of progression, as players gradually strengthen their character and unlock new content. Furthermore, the game's levels are procedurally generated, ensuring that no two runs are exactly the same, adding to the title's replayability.
The game's action is punctuated by intense boss encounters that introduce bullet hell-style attack patterns. These challenging fights require players to meticulously dodge a barrage of projectiles while finding opportunities to counterattack, adding a layer of tension and skill-based gameplay.
The game supports local cooperative play for up to four players. In this mode, teammates must work together to coordinate their strategies and synergize their abilities, while also competing for resources and power-ups. This co-op experience amplifies the game's chaotic and comedic nature, creating a multiplayer experience that is both cooperative and confrontational.