TouchArcade Game of the Week: ‘Ocean Keeper’

TouchArcade Rating: A masterful blend of distinct gameplay styles is what makes Ocean Keeper shine. This game successfully merges side-scrolling mining with top-down mech combat, creating a compelling and consistently rewarding experience. Think Blaster Master's vehicle/on-foot action, or the roguelike diving and restaurant management of Dave the Diver, but underwater!

In Ocean Keeper, you pilot a mech on a strange aquatic planet, venturing into underwater caves to extract resources. Time is of the essence, though, as waves of enemies constantly threaten your base. The side-scrolling mining segments involve excavating rocks for resources and artifacts, earning you in-game currency. Once the mining window closes, the action shifts to a top-down twin-stick shooter, defending your mech against increasingly challenging waves of bizarre sea creatures. This incorporates light tower defense elements.

Resources fuel upgrades for both your mining equipment and your mech, with extensive branching skill trees for each. The roguelike nature means death ends your run, resetting progress. However, persistent upgrades between runs ensure continuous advancement, even after setbacks. Expect varied overworld and cave layouts with each playthrough.

While Ocean Keeper initially feels slow, persevere! As upgrades accumulate and skills improve, the gameplay loop becomes incredibly addictive. Experimenting with different weapon and upgrade combinations is a core element of the fun. The initial slow start shouldn't deter you; once the momentum builds, it's hard to put down. The synergistic interplay of upgrades and weaponry forms the game's core, offering endless replayability and diverse strategic options.