Classics: Claw

If you were born in the 90s or early 2000s, it’s almost impossible that you haven’t played Claw on a PC at least once. In Egypt, it felt like Claw came pre-installed with Windows! Today, we’re revisiting this iconic game to understand why it captivated our generation, especially as many current game designers grew up with it.

A Timeless Classic

Released in 1997 for Windows, Claw is a 2D action platformer that became a massive success, particularly in the Middle East. Its vibrant art style and accessibility for all ages made it an instant hit. But what made us addicted to it?

Claw is a platforming game where you play as Captain Nathaniel Joseph Claw, a pirate cat battling against dog enemies. The story is simple: after being attacked by pirates and losing his treasure, Claw is imprisoned and sets out on a journey of revenge to recover what’s his. Though the plot is lightly explored through dialogues during boss fights, it adds charm to the experience.

Innovative Level Design

Claw’s levels stand out for their escalating difficulty and variety. Each stage introduces new enemies and challenges, keeping the gameplay fresh. For instance, the game starts with a prison escape—an easy introduction with straightforward objectives. But as you progress, enemies with ranged attacks or one-hit-kill abilities appear, raising the stakes significantly.

Each level offers a visually distinct setting, with vibrant and imaginative designs rarely matched even today. A similar level of variety can only be seen in games like *Crash Bandicoot 4*. The final level, for example, is a testament to the developers’ creativity, rewarding players who make it that far with a uniquely challenging and visually stunning experience.

A True Challenge

Claw’s difficulty spikes dramatically as you advance, with the final level being especially tough. This old-school design philosophy prioritized challenge over convenience, treating video games like chess—a test of skill and strategy. Back then, it wasn’t frustrating to replay sections repeatedly; it was part of the fun. Today, with an abundance of games to try, players might not have the patience for such a steep learning curve.

Still, Claw’s challenging design gives players a sense of accomplishment upon completion. Games like *Returnal* evoke similar emotions, proving that bold, difficult designs can still succeed in modern gaming.

Legacy

Many successful platformers have drawn inspiration from Claw’s level design, mechanics, or aesthetic. Developed by Monolith Productions, the studio behind *Shadow of Mordor*, Claw introduced ideas that still resonate in the industry. Just as *Shadow of Mordor* revolutionized gaming with its Nemesis System, Claw left a lasting mark on the platforming genre.