Keeper Review: New Xbox Game Is Very Cool, Very Odd, and a Perfect Example of Gaming as an Art

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Keeper is a unique game that might not appeal to everyone at first glance. Instead of fast-paced action, you manage a lighthouse in a world after humans are gone. It’s a slow, thoughtful experience, focusing on atmosphere and mystery. It’s difficult to put into words what makes Keeper so captivating – even its beautiful visuals don’t fully explain it.

I’ve played it, and it’s truly special. Double Fine’s *Keeper* is a strong example of video games as art, offering a peaceful, puzzle-filled journey. The puzzles aren’t overly difficult, but they’re charming and beautifully melancholic, set in a world of vibrant, fading beauty. It won’t appeal to all players, but *Keeper* highlights Double Fine’s creative strengths and demonstrates the power of gaming when developers take risks with design and presentation.

Score: 4.5/5

Pros: Cons:
Gorgeous visuals speak to a level of craft rarely seen in the AAA-gaming space. A relatively straightforward gameplay loop can grow repeitive.
A purposefully slow pace encourages natural exploration in a gorgeous setting. A focus on calm vibes leaves much of the game without a sense of stakes.
Strong worldbuilding and confidently ambiguous storytelling benefit the design aesthetic and storytelling Not for everyone

An Xbox Game Unlike Any Other You’ve Ever Seen

I have to say, *Keeper* is one of the most beautiful and unique games I’ve ever played on Xbox. It’s not about fast action; instead, it’s a quiet, almost peaceful journey through a world where humanity is gone. You play as a lighthouse that… walks! It’s incredible. As you explore the ruins of civilization, you’re joined by a little bird, and there’s this constant sense of mystery with these dark, shadowy figures always circling overhead. It’s really captivating and unlike anything else I’ve experienced.

Going deeper into the story might ruin the impact of its intentionally unclear nature, but that doesn’t diminish how beautifully made the game is. At times, it feels more like an artistic animated film than a typical Xbox game. *Keeper* truly shines when players naturally discover more about its world. Instead of focusing on battles, the game emphasizes puzzles and interacting with the environment. This plays to its strengths, showcasing the stunning visuals and encouraging players to explore simply for the joy of discovery.

Keeper presents a world that’s both stunning and heartbreaking, visually depicting a large landscape dotted with the remnants of destroyed villages. The game leans heavily into the quirky, unique style that Double Fine mastered in games like *Psychonauts*, letting that distinctive charm define the experience rather than carefully blending it with the game’s story and setting.

Become The Lighthouse

While some might call *Keeper* a ‘walking simulator,’ that actually captures what the game is all about. The platforming isn’t very difficult, and the biggest challenge at first is getting used to the unsteady movement of the lighthouse. Instead of fighting, you mainly use the lighthouse’s beam of light to solve puzzles, push back enemies, and even make flowers grow.

The game features simple puzzles that can be solved with a single button press, sending your bird companion to fetch items or interact with the environment. While there’s little real danger, the gameplay is relaxed and focuses on exploring a world that feels ancient and connected to the lighthouse. The puzzles aren’t difficult, and that’s perfectly fine – they often lead to charming little stories, like waking up a nature spirit or building a bridge with growing trees. This simplicity enhances the game’s overall sense of wonder and encourages exploration, which is central to the experience of Keeper.

As the game progresses into its third act, the puzzles become more challenging, and the world opens up beyond the straightforward path of the beginning. This part of the game will likely be most enjoyable for typical gamers, as it encourages exploration and rewards players who have become skilled at using the lighthouse’s unique movement. However, even with these more complex challenges, Keeper still prioritizes its emotional story and distinctive visual design.

Players who enjoy fast-paced action might find this game frustrating or repetitive. Even fans of relaxing puzzle games should know this one is different. While it draws inspiration from other games, *Keeper* has a special, calming quality that makes it much slower than most. But if you’re willing to adjust your expectations, you might discover what makes this game truly special.

Keeper Is The Artsy Pixar Film Of Mainstream Gaming

The film *Keeper* feels most similar to the beginning of Pixar’s *Wall-E*. Like that film, which introduces its main robot character with very little dialogue against the backdrop of a desolate Earth, *Keeper* also evokes a poignant mix of loneliness and beauty. While *Keeper* showcases more natural landscapes than the stark world of *Wall-E*, both films successfully capture a bittersweet feeling of solitude alongside a gentle sense of wonder.

Despite its simple and sometimes repetitive gameplay, *Keeper* is surprisingly engaging. While this type of gameplay could hurt other games, *Keeper* stands out thanks to its clear attention to detail. The beautiful art style, captivating music, and unique characters all contribute to a mesmerizing experience. Discovering a solution and watching a new part of the world open up – or realizing a distant mountain is actually a living creature – is truly special.

Players seeking fast-paced action might find *Keeper*’s story and world a bit slow and confusing, but it’s still worth checking out. The game is beautifully crafted, with a unique artistic quality that’s hard to ignore. While it might not become a yearly replay, *Keeper* could be one of the most unforgettable Xbox games in a long time. It proves that games can be as artistic and thought-provoking as movies, music, or paintings, and offers a refreshing level of creativity that the gaming world needs more of.

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2025-10-17 19:43