Wildkeepers Rising is a unique bullet haven and so much more.
Wildkeepers Rising was developed and published by Lioncode Games; this title merges intense survival mechanics with an engaging companion system. Lioncode Games was founded by Sergio Garcés in 2020, and with nearly 20 years of experience in fixed development, Garcés aimed to create something original and independent. This aspiration led to the creation of Mech Armada, the first title by Lioncode.
Mech Armada was a game that placed players in command of custom-built mechs, challenging them to outmanoeuvre monstrous swarms in a post-apocalyptic world. With its blend of tactical turn-based strategy and rogue-lite elements, the game gradually earned very positive reviews and a dedicated fanbase.
Now, with the release of Wildkeepers Rising, Lioncode Games takes an even bolder step into the gaming industry. This latest addition to the studio’s expanding portfolio introduces a fresh and exciting twist to the bullet-havens genre, blending monster taming, survival mechanics, and fast-paced action that escalates in intensity the longer a player survives.
As soon as the game begins, players are treated to a stunningly animated cutscene that elaborates on the lore of this enchanting world. The opening narrative recounts the era of the Wildkeepers, powerful guardians who stood alongside mighty beasts, their fates bound together by ancient magic. Together, they upheld peace, but as in all great stories, such tranquillity is often temporary.
Soon, chaos erupts as a ravenous and monstrous horde emerges, threatening to consume everything in its path. The once-peaceful land is thrown into turmoil, forcing its inhabitants to fight for survival. This rich and engaging backstory immediately draws players in, setting the stage for the action-packed adventure ahead.
Right from the start, players are thrown into action, with an introductory battle serving as both a tutorial and a challenge. This initial phase effectively demonstrates key mechanics, particularly how players gain experience (EXP) to acquire new abilities.
As enemies are defeated, they drop experience orbs, guiding players toward the upgrade menu, where they can select from a range of skills categorised as legendary, common, or rare. The upgrade system is where strategy comes into play.
Some abilities enhance health and survivability, while others improve dexterity and combat power. While honing your skills is essential, it’s not the only strategy needed to navigate the relentless challenges ahead. A significant advantage comes from the ability to tame beasts, each with unique attributes and combat abilities.
As players navigate the battlefield, they will encounter strange stone cubes—monoliths that imprison powerful creatures. Releasing these creatures enables them to join the player in combat, enhancing their fighting capabilities. Some beasts are large and offer strong defensive support, while others excel in quick, high-damage strikes or ranged attacks.
The addition of these creatures introduces an exciting layer of depth to the game. Not only do they make battles more dynamic, but they also introduce a strategic element—choosing the right combination of beasts can determine the outcome of a run. This system guarantees that each playthrough feels unique and different from the others as they continue.
While Wildkeepers Rising has similarities to popular mobile bullet-haven games, it sets itself apart with thoughtful design, engaging level layouts, and a rewarding difficulty curve. The game’s presentation is polished, and its enemy variety, environmental challenges, and rewarding progression system keep players invested. The graphics effectively combine visual appeal with functionality, presenting vibrant environments that are enjoyable to explore while ensuring they remain easy on the eyes.
The game’s UI (User Interface) is designed for accessibility, making it intuitive even for new players. Players can easily jump into the action and learn as they play, without lengthy tutorials. Beyond the scenery, the creature designs are another highlight.
The beasts, both large and small, possess unique aesthetics that make them both charming and formidable. The design choices ensure that collecting and upgrading these creatures is as enjoyable as the battles themselves.
Wildkeepers Rising offers a challenging yet rewarding experience. The game’s difficulty adjusts according to the player’s choices, ensuring that each playthrough is unique. As difficulty settings increase, so do the rewards, providing an enticing incentive for players who seek greater challenges.
The game’s story is heavily integrated into gameplay, relying on the player’s success in missions to unlock more narrative elements. Progress is achieved through freeing beasts, defeating dark scourges, and meeting various survival conditions, such as lasting a certain amount of time or eliminating a specific number of enemies.
For players who enjoy chasing achievements, the game offers plenty of content to unlock. The combination of story progression, difficulty scaling, and creature collection ensures a high level of replayability.
Wildkeepers Rising’s music and sound design are another standout feature. The soundtrack is epic and immersive, heightening the intensity of battles while keeping the gameplay engaging. For players seeking a more personalized experience, there is an option to mute the in-game music and play their own tracks, something that many players will appreciate.
Wildkeepers Rising masterfully blends multiple genres into a cohesive experience, offering bullet-haven gameplay where players must survive against waves of enemies in fast-paced action. It incorporates creature collection and taming, allowing players to find, bond with, and grow alongside powerful beasts. The unique progression system encourages experimentation with different builds, upgrades, and team synergies.
Wildkeepers Rising’s rogue-lite mechanics ensure that every run offers new challenges, keeping the experience engaging. There is also strategic depth, as players must discover which beasts and skills complement each other best.
Permanent progression is a key highlight, as upgrades made in the town, including skill trees and passive abilities, remain consistent throughout the many runs, while temporary run-based upgrades reset after mission completion.
Overall, Wildkeepers Rising is an incredibly fun and accessible game that offers a perfect balance of challenge and entertainment. Its visually pleasing design, engaging mechanics, and strategic depth make it a must-play for fans of bullet-haven and rogue-lite games. While it may not be for the faint of heart, especially as the difficulty escalates, it is highly rewarding for those who enjoy a challenge.
For players who love the thrill of overcoming overwhelming odds, experimenting with different builds, and taming powerful allies, this game is absolutely worth checking out. With its blend of chaotic action, compelling strategy, and charming aesthetics, it’s easy to see how Wildkeepers Rising can keep players hooked for countless hours.
Whether you’re a bullet-haven veteran or a newcomer to the genre, Wildkeepers Rising delivers an experience that is both fresh and familiar, engaging and addictive. Lioncode Games has once again proven its ability to craft an exceptional title that pushes the boundaries of its genre. The game masterfully blends multiple genres into a cohesive experience, and it’s definitely worth checking out.
