Review: Wildkeepers Rising

Four little monsters, a thousand projectiles, and zero time to breathe.

From the first playthrough, the game draws attention with its concept of taming creatures found inside rocks or crystals throughout the journey. This concept is especially appealing to those who grew up playing titles focused on monster evolution. The structure is reminiscent of Vampire Survivors due to the sheer number of enemies on screen and the pace of the runs, but Wildkeepers Rising adds personality by offering real choices of guardians, builds, and specific combinations that change your play style.

GAMEPLAY

Wildkeepers Rising is a bullet hell style roguelite action RPG, combining chaotic combat with elements of collecting and taming creatures called guardians. Developed by the independent studio Lioncode Games, the game features hand-drawn visuals and a concept that blends inspiration from Vampire Survivors with its own unique progression and narrative systems.

The guardian system is the heart of the game. Each match begins with three starting options, each with its own unique abilities and interesting variations. As the player progresses through missions, new monsters are unlocked, appearing both randomly in runs and in specific progressions. It's possible to focus on certain monsters to increase the chance of encountering them again, and up to four guardians can be equipped simultaneously, creating combinations that enhance buffs, super abilities, and unique interactions.

The progression is natural and fun. Unlocking pets as you play is one of the most appealing aspects of the experience. The typical bullet heaven mechanics are prominent: massive waves of enemies, constant updates, increasing levels, and upgrades that appear as the journeys advance. Even taking clear inspiration from other games, Wildkeepers Rising manages to deliver a taming mechanic that truly stands out and makes it difficult to analyze it objectively, especially for those who enjoy this style.

VISUALS

The art style appears entirely hand-drawn, with fantastical environments and charming creatures. The vibrant colors and guardian design make the game visually appealing. At times, the heavy HUD clashes with the art style, but the overall visual work remains a highlight.

However, the HUD can be excessive at times, taking up too much space and reducing the appreciation of the subtle details of the monsters and enemies. Another point to adjust is the difficulty curve. Outside of casual mode, the jump between difficulty levels is too steep. Perhaps it would be more enjoyable to unlock difficulties gradually as you progress, instead of presenting everything from the start.

ACHIEVEMENTS

The achievements are well distributed throughout the progression. Some appear quickly, while others require specific combinations or more complex conditions. Many of them involve leveling guardians to the maximum level, encouraging the player to test new builds and explore different creatures. It's a system that favors replayability without feeling artificial.

OFFICIAL TRAILER

SUMMARY

Wildkeepers Rising blends established elements with a taming system that truly makes a difference. It delivers engaging progression, charismatic creatures, and gameplay that encourages constant experimentation. Even with an intense HUD and abrupt difficulty curves, the game offers an addictive and enjoyable cycle. For those who like to collect, evolve creatures, and create different builds, this is a title that promises many hours of fun.

Review by Gamertag: Scoulz

SCORE: 79/100