Core Keeper focuses on the desire to farm, mine, explore, and fight. The Terraria/Stardew Valley gameplay is incredibly addictive. Moreover, the relaxed approach makes this an unbelievably moreish affair. As you explore the dark world, you are free to do as you wish. This freedom may be overwhelming for some, but I adored every moment.
This relaxing indie game was developed by Pugstorm and published by Fireshine Games. Furthermore, it can be enjoyed alone or online with 8 players. The latter option is where it truly excels. However, if you love to play solo, you won’t be disappointed. As you explore the cold and dark cave, you’ll discover an array of unique and interesting biomes. Each area has individual challenges and its own fauna, creatures, and monsters. As such, you never know what is around the corner.
Core Keeper tells a mysterious story.
This genre normally delivers a heartwarming tale of loss and redemption. Harvest Moon and Stardew Valley are prime examples of this model. Yet, Core Keeper does things differently. Instead of guiding you through seasons and an array of romantic encounters, it lets the action do the talking. As such, mystery and intrigue sit front and centre stage.
The action revolves around a hero or group of stranded heroes. This bunch of nobodies awaken in a mysterious cave. The solo adventurer or group of heroes are surrounded by strange alters and miles of dirt, rocks, and resources. if the hero(es) is/are to be successful, they must venture into the unknown and find a way out of their predicament.
Lose yourself in the action.
Core Keeper is wonderfully casual but uniquely complex. There are plenty of character builds to play with, and it is easy to lose yourself in the action. If you want to run a farm, you can. Alternatively, maybe you love to build a massive base whilst getting your creative juices flowing. You could be the violent sort that loves to smash bosses, or you adore exploring because of your adventurous side. Either way, you have the chance to play this however you wish.
What makes this truly great is the ability to integrate each of these roles into an 8-player world. Each gamer can select their favourite role, or you can share the load. This sense of belonging and the lack of pressure makes Core Keeper a fun and unique experience.
Time to improve yourself.
Personal improvement is the name of the game. Whether you are improving your gear or your skills, it is all relevant. Running, mining, crafting, and cooking are just some of the skills you can improve. Furthermore, melee, ranged, magical, or summoning can be specialised and refined.
Every action improves your skills. Consequently, if you specialise in one task, you’ll soon become an expert. However, Jack of all trades can equally enjoy improving their character, albeit at a slower and more relaxed pace.
Alongside this, you can upgrade your equipment and base to improve your chances. Workbenches and a shiny new house are par for the course. Furthermore, storage, furnaces and areas to repair your gear are essential. This simple idea of gathering resources to improve your chances is well-trodden, but Core Keeper executes it perfectly.
Core Keeper looks great.
Isometric pixelated indie titles may not appeal to everyone. But I think Core Keeper looks great. The dank cave system is juxtaposed with vibrant and fascinating biomes. Moreover, the lighting effects are great, and I love how the world expands and evolves as you explore. Though the animation is rudimentary, the movement is smooth and this makes combat a joy to experience.
Despair and loss from central themes during the early action. However, as your character gets stronger, and you become familiar with your surroundings, things are more upbeat. These ideas are complemented by the varied and well-executed audio. The blend of exciting and bleak melancholy songs was fascinating. Additionally, the sound effects are well-considered. The thwack of a ranged weapon or the twunk of your sword brings a wry smile to your face.
Accurate controls.
Core Keeper was ported from PC. As such, I was concerned that the controls wouldn’t work particularly well. Thankfully, the excellent UI, responsive inputs, and intelligent button layout make this a joy to play. Alongside this, a helpful crosshair improves your accuracy whilst enhancing the user-friendly experience.
On the face of it, this has countless hours of gameplay. Each world is unique, and you can do as you wish. As such, you will tackle this casually unless you have an active online lobby. This relaxed idea makes it moreish and stupidly addictive. As such, this can be enjoyed between AAA titles or independently with friends.
Buy Core Keeper, you’ll have no regrets!
This is a genre that attracts a large but particular audience. Yet, the freedom to do as you wish, and the multiplayer action make it more viable for casual gamers. What’s more, the fascinating character progression, the hidden secrets, the unlockable vendors, and much more make this stand out from its peers. Accordingly, Core Keeper is fantastic and I recommend buying it here! Can you uncover the mystery and survive? Choose your role, unlock your equipment, and see where the adventure takes you.
