Keeper Preview: A “Weird but Chill” Game About a Living Lighthouse

This year at Gamescom I got to sit down with Psychonauts developer Double Fine to check out its latest game, Keeper.

Following a brief introduction from Tim Schafer and the team some gameplay was shown off and I honestly can’t stop thinking about it.

When providing some background on what inspired the game the same phrase kept cropping up, “weird but chill” and that couldn’t be more accurate. There are no enemies in Keeper, no threats to face or major challenges for its characters to overcome, in my mind it’s a game of reflection, exploration and whimsy.

It’s about two unlikely comparisons, a bird and a living lighthouse. Set on a planet with no humans but signs that they once lived there, a decrepit, collapsed lighthouse somehow gains life. Sprouting four vines that twist into legs, the lighthouse sets off with its new feathered friend to the peak of the island it was resting on, for some unknown reason.

The gameplay itself reminded me of games like Journey or Sword Of The Sea. Those cosy titles that respect your time and aim to deliver a concise but memorable experience. According to the team it's around 8-10 hours long.

Xbox Game Studios

Gameplay segments shown involved some light puzzle solving and interactions with the inhabitants of the island, some of which are colossal plant creatures and others are tiny robotic people. The lighthouse can interact with a lot using its beam, which can be focused for different effects.

The lighthouse can also be affected by the environment around it, for instance one part of the demo saw fluffy pink pollen sticking to its sides, reducing its weight and allowing it to float for a brief period.

I think what’s stuck with me the most since being introduced to Keeper is how animated the characters feel. If you told me in the pub that there was a game that gave a lighthouse a personality, I probably wouldn’t believe you, or think you’re exaggerating. There’s no exaggeration here though, the team at Double Fine have somehow managed to bring an inanimate building life, giving it expression and personality.

Pixar is one of the first things that came to mind while I was watching, specifically Luxo Jr, the desklamp character you see at the start of a Pixar film just before the opening credits.

I was seriously impressed with Keeper and I can’t wait to go hands-on with the title when it’s ready. If you love “weird but chill” games, this one is for you.