A lighthouse that grows thin legs, befriends a bird and controls time: Double Fine's latest game is strange in the best possible way. — Photos: Double Fine Productions/Microsoft/dpa
BERLIN: A lighthouse wanders through a deserted landscape filled with crooked plants, dilapidated buildings and glowing mushrooms. A green bird with a wooden beak is perched on the lighthouse. Together they trudge along an undefined path while not a word is spoken.
There's no question: Keeper, from Double Fine Productions, is a strange game. One could somewhat dismissively call it a "walking simulator" because above all, you walk through an enchanting and strange world where there are no longer any humans, but all sorts of peculiar creatures.
The inspiration for the game partly stemmed from the Covid pandemic, explains studio head Tim Schafer. During the lockdown the game's lead developer, Lee Petty, took to taking long walks.
'Keeper' is relatively short – you can finish it in four and a half to five hours. It’ll only take longer if you really want to discover all the secrets.
"He did a lot of hiking in the hills around his house. He was very inspired by nature, the solitude and how nature and living beings are interconnected and constantly changing," Schafer said. Petty also has a penchant for surreal art. Both elements – the relaxing solitude of nature and the strangeness of surreal structures – are clearly reflected in Keeper.
Not just walking – there are puzzles too
However, it wouldn't really be a game if there wasn't something to do aside from walking. You'll frequently encounter environmental puzzles, which admittedly aren't particularly challenging, but they do add interest to the gameplay.
The lighthouse and the bird interact with levers and switches to open doors or even alter the flow of time. You also have to navigate some dark passages along the way. The result is a beautiful, sometimes breathtaking experience.
Keeper is relatively short – you can finish it in four and a half to five hours. It’ll only take longer if you really want to discover all the secrets. As a compact game, it’s perfect for a rainy weekend when you might not want to leave the house but still want to go for a walk.
The game is available for Windows and Xbox Series X/S. It costs around €30/US$30 (RM79.90) and is suitable for players aged 12 and older. – dpa
