Core Keeper mining with friends

Core Keeper Review

Game: Core Keeper
Genre: Adventure, RPG
System: Nintendo Switch (also available on Steam (Windows), PS4 & PS5 & Xbox)
Developer|Publisher: Pugstorm | Fireshine Games
Age Rating: US Everyone | EU 7
Price: US $19.99 | UK £15.99 | EU € 19.99
Release Date: October 17th, 2024

A review code was provided, and many thanks to Press Engine.

Core Keeper: A New Gem on the Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch has built a reputation for being a haven for indie games and unique survival experiences, and Core Keeper is a fantastic addition to this catalogue. This top-down crafting survival game, which initially launched on PC after a period of Early Access, has finally made its way to the Switch. Fans of survival and crafting games who’ve been waiting to experience it on a handheld console will be pleased to know that the Nintendo Switch port offers a well-polished experience.

A Mysterious Discovery in the Jungle

In Core Keeper, you play as a curious explorer who ventures into a dense jungle and stumbles upon an intriguing artefact. As with many adventurers before you, curiosity takes over, and without proper precautions, you interact with the mysterious relic. In an instant, you’re transported into a dark, enigmatic cave surrounded by a towering core and ancient monoliths.

Your objective is clear: survive, gather resources, and ultimately find the crystals required to activate the core and escape this strange underground labyrinth. The storyline is minimalist and direct, allowing players to jump straight into gameplay with minimal dialogue or narrative interruptions. This structure will likely appeal to survival and crafting game fans who prioritize action over story.

Core Keeper starting the game
Better start digging

A Hands-Off Approach to Exploration

One of the unique aspects of Core Keeper is its refusal to hold the player’s hand. Right from the start, the game places you in the heart of the caverns with no tutorial, leaving you to explore, gather resources, and craft based on intuition. Players familiar with crafting and survival mechanics will likely appreciate this approach, as it encourages self-discovery and experimentation.

My own adventure began with crafting a basic pickaxe, then moved on to fashioning weapons and armour, lighting up the cave with torches as I ventured further into unknown territory. This initial lack of guidance might feel overwhelming for beginners, but for seasoned players, it’s an invitation to dive deep and uncover Core Keeper’s many layers on their own terms.

Rich Environments and Biomes

As you progress through the game, you quickly realize that Core Keeper has much more to offer than its initial setting. The game gradually opens up, presenting players with diverse biomes that bring a sense of wonder to exploration. Some areas are tranquil and safe, filled with lush greenery and harmless wildlife. Others are more treacherous, home to dangerous creatures and intimidating bosses. The variety in environments is refreshing and adds a genuine sense of discovery as you dig your way through each new area, never knowing what awaits just beyond the next dark corridor.

Core Keeper fishing
Always time to pause and do a spot of fishing

A Multitude of Activities and Goals

Beyond the primary quest to collect crystals, Core Keeper offers a wide range of optional activities and side tasks that can keep players engaged for hours on end. Farming enthusiasts will find joy in growing crops, while builders can craft elaborate railways and even set up an electric grid to power their underground base. This freedom allows players to immerse themselves in tasks that align with their interests, whether that’s enhancing their combat skills or focusing on resource management and infrastructure. The organic way in which the game reveals these features as you play adds to the enjoyment, making every discovery feel like a reward for your curiosity and perseverance.

Intuitive Controls on the Switch

While Core Keeper doesn’t offer explicit tutorials, its controls are straightforward and easy to grasp. The developers have done an impressive job of adapting the PC controls to the Switch, using intuitive shortcuts that simplify inventory management and crafting. For instance, players can quickly transfer similar resources into chests with a shortcut button, a small but thoughtful feature that makes organization a breeze. Combat and crafting also feel responsive, which is crucial for an experience that relies on precision and timing. Core Keeper runs smoothly in both handheld and docked modes, though its portability on the Switch adds to the game’s appeal, making it perfect for on-the-go adventuring or relaxed couch sessions.

Classic Pixel Graphics with a Unique Charm

The game’s pixel art style might initially seem familiar to fans of other survival games, but Core Keeper manages to stand out through its detailed biomes and atmospheric environments. Each area has its own visual identity, from abandoned settlements filled with lurking enemies to peaceful forests teeming with life. This variety in design gives each biome a distinct feel, keeping exploration exciting. Adding to this immersive experience is a soundtrack that shifts seamlessly to match the tone of each new environment, alternating between calm melodies in safe zones and intense, suspenseful compositions in more dangerous areas.

Core Keeper boss fight
Sorry to disturb your slumber

Customisation and Replayability

When starting the game, players can customize their character with various hairstyles and colors, as well as choose from different difficulty levels that cater to both casual players and those looking for a tougher challenge. The game offers multiple save slots, allowing players to experiment with different builds or approaches to the adventure. Moreover, each playthrough is randomly generated, providing a fresh layout of caves and biomes every time. This procedural generation encourages replayability, as each new game promises a different experience with varied resource locations and enemy placements.

Additionally, Core Keeper introduces a flexible class system, enabling players to specialize in mining, combat, or even remain as a jack-of-all-trades. Starting classes offer a few initial items to support your preferred playstyle, but the game’s skill progression system allows you to adapt and evolve based on your in-game actions. For instance, fighting enemies will enhance your combat skills, while spending time mining will make you more efficient at gathering resources. This dynamic levelling system encourages players to develop their own style and adapt as they encounter new challenges, adding depth to the gameplay.

Multiplayer Potential

While Core Keeper is a rewarding experience on its own, the game truly shines in multiplayer mode. Up to four players can team up online, working together to explore the caves, battle enemies, and gather resources. Unfortunately, the co-op mode is limited to online play, with no local multiplayer option. During my review, I tried joining a random online game but found it difficult to connect with others. However, for players who coordinate with friends, Core Keeper offers the potential for a highly enjoyable co-op experience where teamwork and strategy become essential.

A Few Caveats

While Core Keeper delivers an engaging experience overall, it’s not without its drawbacks. The lack of a tutorial could be challenging for newcomers to the genre, and the hands-off approach may feel too abrupt for some players. Additionally, while the pixel art style and soundtrack are charming, those who aren’t fans of retro aesthetics may find the visuals simplistic. Furthermore, the game’s online-only co-op mode might disappoint those looking for a local multiplayer option on the Switch.

Core Keeper character creator
Create your hero

Conclusion: A Must-Have for Survival Game Fans

Core Keeper may not reinvent the survival genre, but it certainly adds its own charm and sense of wonder to it. The game succeeds in creating an atmosphere of exploration and discovery, allowing players to choose their path and take on the challenges of the caves at their own pace. It’s a title that respects your time, offering as much depth as you’re willing to invest, whether you’re a casual player looking for a relaxing escape or a survival enthusiast seeking a challenge. If crafting games isn’t your cup of tea, Core Keeper likely won’t change your mind. However, for those who enjoy gathering resources, building bases, and venturing into the unknown, this game is well worth a spot in your Switch library.

Whether you tackle the game solo or team up with friends, Core Keeper offers enough content to keep you occupied for many weekends. It’s a game that encourages you to dig deeper, explore farther, and build smarter, turning every session into a unique journey. For fans of the genre, this is one game you’ll want to dig into on the Nintendo eShop.

Final Verdict: I Like it a Lot

I like it a lot

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