TouchArcade Rating: A masterful blend of distinct gameplay styles is what makes Ocean Keeper shine. It seamlessly integrates side-scrolling mining with top-down mech combat, reminiscent of classics like Blaster Master and modern hits such as Dave the Diver. This dual-mechanic approach, coupled with a compelling upgrade system, creates an addictive gameplay loop that keeps you coming back for more.
In Ocean Keeper, you're a mech pilot stranded on an alien underwater planet. Your mission: descend into subterranean caves to collect resources. However, time is of the essence; waves of enemies relentlessly attack your mech, demanding you switch between mining and intense twin-stick shooter combat. The side-scrolling mining segments involve excavating resources and artifacts, earning you in-game currency. Once the enemies arrive, the perspective shifts to a top-down view, transforming the gameplay into a thrilling tower defense-style battle against bizarre aquatic creatures.
Resources fuel upgrades for both your mining equipment and your mech, with extensive branching skill trees for customization. As a roguelike, death means losing progress within a single run. But persistent upgrades between runs ensure continuous advancement, even after setbacks. Expect varied overworld and cave layouts for replayability.
Initially, Ocean Keeper might feel slow, and early runs can be challenging. However, persevere! As you unlock upgrades and master the game's rhythm, you'll become a formidable underwater force. The synergy between weapons and upgrades is the game's core strength, encouraging experimentation with diverse builds and strategies. While the slow start might be initially off-putting, the rewarding gameplay loop that unfolds makes Ocean Keeper incredibly difficult to put down.
