Core Keeper

amei

Sorry Terraria players: but this game is beeetttterrr! At least, obviously, to me and personally in opinion. I was never much a fan of how tedious/small Terraria was in general of size of each 'interactable place' nor really figured out how to really 'progress' the game exploring and still being a little confused.. But that's my own issue. If you liked Terraria though, you may also like this one! To the real review though: It really is amazing! The style/design of each biome, the lighting to no-lighting in places, and how well the design flows with each pixel in the designs is very pleasant and pretty. And the MUSIC! I seriously didn't dislike a single one, and each one fit their biomes SO dang well; even the boss music was crazy! It does have a slowish or rough start on figuring out 'what am I suppose to really do?' besides explore, but it is similar in Terraria with having 'bosses you need to fight' and it progresses tougher as you go of course. [h3]Pros:[/h3] [list] [*] Beautiful pixelart style. Plenty to fill and see whilst also not being overloading and difficult to tell things apart. [*] MUSIC! It is SO good! It's all relaxing, while also tense/fun in battles. Some music even has similarities to its biome-items! One biome, has an ore that makes a musical-like sound while digging it; that tone is actually used in that biome's music and matches basically! [*] Different classes? or battles styles? you can take, but is mostly broken down to 'ranged or melee'. You can change any time and will usually need to based on gear given during progression. [*] PLENTY to explore! It is random generated in each biome, but there is many different structures and even rare/hidden ones to find as you explore each biome! They are often actually good in rewards too- whether for legendary items or simply boosting yourself. [*] Every single monster and even bosses, drop a rare 'figurine' for collectors out there that want to really milk the game for more personal fun/goals! [*]Controls are simple and basic like any top-down viewing game, but much 'quality of life' is also added: like quick-stacking like-items into nearby chests with 1 button press! There is also automation for those who seek that, but is simpler and easy. [/list] [h3]Cons:[/h3] [list] [*] Sadly, eventually, it does get repetitive. Enter biome, explore, find boss, fight, get item for progress, repeat in new biome. Although most of the main bosses are unique in battle in some way, some bosses are also reused with small changes. These do make sense though for the game, but to others it can seem dull I suppose or even 'easy?' after the first one. [*] Gear. I have quite the trouble figuring out the best or right gear. Even some gear that tells you directly 'im good for this', isn't always really great for future biomes nor in the long run sadly. You eventually feel like you are forced into 'just these two gear sets as best', and have to move on without change, or at least until the next best eventually shows up from exploring. [*] Legendary items... Cool for achievements, useless in gameplay. They are generally not worth their effort except for achievements sadly. Only the bow and staff are actually useful even for late game if used right. The amount of work it took for the dang Song of Storm sword... It should be WAY better. (14hrs lost on that thing) [/list] Overall: It was still amazing! I know I gave it a few strong 'cons', but even with those, the game being so pretty, so well filled and different in each biome, and still wanting to find 'what else is new??' or fighting the next cool boss, kept me going and playing it~. This game will end up being either a 'hit or miss' for you. If you are a Terraria player, you may not find enough to satisfy with the game. If you are new to this kind of 'explore and boss fighting' game, I feel like this is a good beginner-friendly go-to style. It was easier for me to figure out and learn, while still having a few puzzles to also figure out and building up your battle skills. I feel like the design and music alone really is what makes the game sell and pop as unique, fun, and beautiful. The combat could use a little more work though. The Atlanteon worm was the best fight overall!, but the others felt slightly lacking compared, especially 'current end-game' bosses. There is more content to come though and look forward to it and the improvements they are suggesting~! So don't give this game a pass yet!