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Writer's picture@brunosbom

Review: Core Keeper

Core Keeper is a deeply engaging exploration and adventure game. In it, we are transported to a vast cave filled with mysteries and grotesque creatures, and our only option is to explore this unknown world.


GAMEPLAY / VISUAL

Core Keeper offers classic gameplay for those who enjoy constant progression and mining. We start with a simple pickaxe and, as we progress, we evolve to mining gigantic objects with the help of automated drills. For fans of this type of progression, Core Keeper is a delight – I personally love this style of game and would like to see more titles as well made as this one. At first, the experience resembles playing Terraria in an isometric view, which completely won me over.


The vast world of Core Keeper has a gradually well-adjusted difficulty, and the combat is balanced, offering a variety of weapons and classes (which depend more on the pieces of equipment we use). We can choose to play as an archer, swordsman, melee warrior, mage, summoner, among others, depending on our creativity and the items available for the build. However, the more diverse builds, such as the summoner, suffer a certain imbalance compared to the physical damage builds, which can use very powerful weapons, such as the obliterator. Even so, at the beginning of the game, all classes are well utilized, ensuring a balanced experience for new players.


There are still some points that could be improved to optimize the game system. For example, the connection between chests and distant crafting tables is limited – only the tables close to the chests use the stored resources. A system that allowed me to unify or connect chests would be very useful, especially in the late game, when I have accumulated around 30 or 40 chests and organization becomes a real nightmare. It's not that I'm the most organized person, but the game system certainly doesn't make life easier for players in this regard.


ACHIEVEMENTS

Core Keeper's achievements could be better explored. In general, they are extremely linear, with objectives such as "earn 100 points in mining" or "defeat such and such boss". Most achievements are directly related to the bosses, which limits the diversity of challenges proposed.


The game, which is so intense and immersive, lacks a touch of creativity in its achievements. One example would be the giant shell that references "Cell" from Dragon Ball, in its perfect form. If there were an achievement linked to this reference, such as finding the shell or something similar, the experience would be even more fun for fans. Pop references, like this, could give an extra shine to the achievements and make them more memorable.


In addition, there are several other missed opportunities when it comes to the creativity of the achievements. Some of the most frustrating, for example, involve searching for specific points on the map to find quest items, which can range from a quick search lasting minutes to hours of exploration. With more diversity and originality, achievements could make the journey within Core Keeper even more engaging.


TRAILER OFFICIAL

RESUME

Core Keeper was certainly one of the most exciting games I've ever played. My journey of over 100 hours with my character was worth every minute. The feeling I had when playing Core Keeper, from start to finish, was like rediscovering Terraria, but from a new perspective and with ramifications that Terraria should have explored from the beginning.


Unfortunately, I didn't have the opportunity to play in multiplayer mode, so all the discovery was solitary - which, in the end, became a true adventure. Core Keeper constantly challenges you, creating an addictive cycle of progression that makes you always want to improve. Progression in the game happens organically, in contrast to some games in the genre where you have to research in depth to know how to perform certain actions. Core Keeper finds a perfect balance, showing the way, but never overly clear, which, in my opinion, is essential in a good exploration game.


The game's 2.5D perspective adds a beauty that, in my opinion, Terraria could never achieve due to its visual limitations.


With the various updates and additions that the game seems to be preparing for the coming years, even after its official release, Core Keeper has everything to become a true exponent in the genres it explores.


Unfortunately, to complete the entire story of Core Keeper and explore everything the game has to offer, it would take several dozen hours. I will continue the journey in search of the other achievements – simply because the game is awesome!


Review by Gamertag: Scoulz


SCORE: 95/100



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