Ocean Keeper Wins TouchArcade Game of the Week

TouchArcade Rating: A winning formula: seamlessly blending distinct gameplay styles into a cohesive whole is a rare feat. Think Blaster Master's blend of side-scrolling platforming and top-down shooting, or the recent hit Dave the Diver, which masterfully combines roguelike diving with restaurant management. Ocean Keeper from RetroStyle Games achieves this same magic, creating a compelling gameplay loop and upgrade system that keeps you coming back for more.

In Ocean Keeper, you've crash-landed on an alien underwater planet in your powerful mech. Your mission: descend into underwater caverns to mine resources. But time is of the essence! Waves of enemies are closing in, demanding you return to your mech to defend against their onslaught. The mining segments unfold from a side-scrolling perspective, requiring you to excavate rocks for resources and artifacts, earning you coins in the process. This mining phase is timed; once it ends, you must face the enemy waves. The combat shifts to a top-down twin-stick shooter with light tower defense elements, as you battle a variety of bizarre underwater creatures.

Resources gathered fuel upgrades for both your miner and your mech, with extensive branching skill trees for each. The roguelike nature means death during combat resets your progress for that run. However, persistent upgrades and customizations unlockable between runs ensure consistent forward momentum, even after setbacks. Expect varied overworld and cave layouts with each playthrough.

Be warned: Ocean Keeper has a slow start, and early runs might feel frustrating. Persevere! As you unlock upgrades, hone your skills, and grasp the game's rhythm, you'll transform into an unstoppable underwater mech force. The synergy between weapons and upgrades is the game's core strength, offering endless experimentation with builds and strategies. Initially, I was hesitant, given the slow start. But once the game gained momentum, it became incredibly difficult to put down.