TouchArcade Rating: A masterful blend of distinct gameplay styles is what makes Ocean Keeper shine. It successfully merges side-scrolling mining with top-down mech combat, creating a compelling and replayable experience reminiscent of titles like Blaster Master and Dave the Diver.
In Ocean Keeper, you're stranded on an alien underwater planet in your trusty mech. The gameplay alternates between side-scrolling mining sequences where you excavate resources and artifacts within underwater caves, earning in-game currency, and intense top-down twin-stick shooter sections where you defend your mech against waves of aquatic enemies. The limited mining window adds strategic tension, forcing careful resource management.
Resources fuel upgrades for both your mining equipment and your mech, branching skill trees offering diverse customization options. The roguelike element means death resets your run's progress, but persistent upgrades ensure continuous advancement between playthroughs. Procedurally generated overworld and cave layouts guarantee fresh challenges each time.
While the initial stages might feel slow, and early runs challenging, perseverance is rewarded. As you unlock upgrades and refine your skills, Ocean Keeper transforms into a whirlwind of underwater mech action. Experimenting with weapon and upgrade synergies is a core element of the fun, encouraging diverse playstyles and strategic depth. Initially hesitant, I found myself captivated by Ocean Keeper's addictive gameplay loop once it gained momentum.
