TouchArcade Game of the Week: ‘Ocean Keeper’

TouchArcade Rating: A masterful blend of distinct gameplay styles is what makes Ocean Keeper shine. This game seamlessly integrates side-scrolling mining with top-down mech combat, creating a compelling and consistently rewarding experience. Think Blaster Master's vehicle/on-foot action, but with a roguelike twist reminiscent of Dave the Diver's diverse mechanics.

The core gameplay loop involves piloting a mech on a strange underwater planet. You'll descend into side-scrolling caves to mine resources, a time-sensitive endeavor as waves of enemies are constantly approaching. Successful mining yields resources and coins, fueling upgrades for both your miner and your mech. The top-down perspective shifts to a twin-stick shooter when enemies attack, requiring strategic defense against various aquatic creatures.

Resource management is key, feeding into extensive upgrade trees for both your mining equipment and your mech. The roguelike element means death resets your run's progress, but persistent unlocks between runs ensure continuous advancement. Procedurally generated overworld and cave layouts add replayability.

While the initial stages might feel somewhat slow and challenging, perseverance is rewarded. As upgrades accumulate and skills improve, Ocean Keeper transforms into an exhilarating experience. The synergistic interplay between weapons and upgrades forms the game's core, encouraging experimentation with diverse builds and strategies. Despite a slow start, the addictive gameplay loop and satisfying progression make Ocean Keeper a truly captivating title.