Gatekeeper
Gatekeeper Review
Gatekeeper is a roguelike game heavily inspired by Risk of Rain 2, offering a top-down perspective and unique gameplay mechanics. Players appreciate its engaging combat loop, character progression system, and cooperative multiplayer support. The game features a variety of characters, an item system with choices rather than random drops, and a level-up system that allows meaningful ability upgrades. The downtime between levels provides a safe area to strategize, test damage, and manage resources. Many players find the art style, soundtrack, and mob designs appealing, and the developers are praised for being responsive to community feedback.
However, the game is often criticized for its grindy progression, long run durations without save options, and repetitive objectives. Some players find enemy difficulty spikes frustrating and combat mechanics occasionally awkward or unbalanced, especially for melee characters. The artifact exclusion system adds strategic depth but can feel punishing due to its costs. Overall, Gatekeeper is recommended for fans of the genre but may require patience and tolerance for its current flaws.
Highlights
Players praise Gatekeeper's engaging gameplay loop with strategic item and ability upgrades, which provide meaningful choices during runs.
The art style and soundtrack receive consistent positive remarks, enhancing the sci-fi roguelike atmosphere.
Its multiplayer support is valued, allowing cooperative play up to four players.
The downtime between stages, including safe zones and item shops, is appreciated for adding tactical depth.
Character variety and meta-progression systems contribute to replayability and build diversity.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include long and grindy runs with no mid-run save or suspend feature, causing frustration especially during crashes.
Players note the repetitive objectives, such as standing in circles to charge totems, which reduce engagement.
Enemy difficulty spikes and tanky foes often feel unfair or lead to frequent one-shot deaths.
The artifact exclusion system is seen as costly and limiting, hindering experimentation.
Combat can feel awkward or unresponsive, particularly for melee characters, and some skills or upgrades lack impact.
Visual clarity suffers in later stages due to cluttered effects.
Content variety and progression systems are considered limited, with some players desiring more maps, enemies, and impactful items.
Pros
- • Engaging gameplay loop with strategic item and ability choices.
- • Appealing art style and immersive sci-fi soundtrack.
- • Supports cooperative multiplayer for up to four players.
- • Safe downtime zones allow testing and resource management.
- • Varied characters with unique abilities and builds.
- • Responsive developers actively update and improve the game.
- • Meta-progression system adds depth and replayability.
Cons
- • Runs are long with no save or suspend mid-run feature.
- • Repetitive objectives, often requiring standing still to progress.
- • Enemy difficulty spikes feel punishing and unfair at times.
- • Artifact exclusion system is costly and limits build experimentation.
- • Combat can feel awkward or unresponsive, especially melee.
- • Visual clutter reduces clarity in later stages.
- • Limited enemy and map variety reduces replay value.
Rating Criteria
Gatekeeper is a fast-paced rogue-like. Go on a quest to chase down Chaos and reclaim the stolen Heart of Time, fighting your way through relentless enemy forces. Play solo or in 4-player co-op and become the next Gatekeeper!