Double Fine Productions, the studio behind inventive titles like Psychonauts, has revealed its next project, an action-adventure game titled Keeper. At the heart of the story is a pair of characters: a boy named Ori and his magical goat-like friend. The partnership has already drawn comparisons to Banjo and Kazooie, reminding many of the playful spirit that made 90s platformers so memorable.
Key Takeaways
- Double Fine Productions is developing a new action-adventure game called Keeper.
- The game features two main characters: a boy named Ori and his magical companion.
- The gameplay focuses on the cooperative abilities of this duo.
- The character dynamic and art style are being compared to the classic Nintendo 64 game Banjo-Kazooie.
The game is set in a colorful, handcrafted world. Ori’s journey revolves around becoming a Village Keeper, but he is not facing that path on his own. A large, magical creature resembling a goat travels with him, serving both as a trusted companion and as a mode of transportation. The gameplay centers on how the two work together, using their combined abilities to explore, solve puzzles, and overcome obstacles.
The comparison to Banjo-Kazooie feels almost inevitable. Rare’s beloved 1998 Nintendo 64 title featured Banjo the bear and Kazooie the bird, a duo that relied on teamwork and shared abilities to progress through levels. In Keeper, Ori’s smaller size and reliance on his larger friend draw a clear parallel, and the formula of cooperative play feels like a natural continuation of that legacy.
Double Fine Productions has long been known for creative storytelling and memorable characters. Founded in 2000 by Tim Schafer, the studio’s work includes titles such as Brütal Legend, Broken Age, and the acclaimed Psychonauts series. Now operating as part of Xbox Game Studios, Double Fine has strong support for its ambitious ideas. Keeper is being directed by Lee Petty, who also served as art director on Psychonauts 2.
Early footage of Keeper shows Ori riding on his companion’s back across lush, painterly landscapes. The art style leans whimsical and storybook-like, adding to the sense of warmth and charm.
Public reaction has been strongly positive so far. Many players are excited by the focus on friendship, discovery, and the bond between two characters. While there is no release date yet, the reveal suggests that Keeper is shaping up to be a heartfelt adventure, one that balances exploration with the simple joy of companionship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the game Keeper about?
A. Keeper is an action-adventure game where you play as a boy named Ori who, with his magical goat-like companion, must become a Village Keeper by exploring a colourful world and helping its inhabitants.
Q. Who is developing Keeper?
A. The game is being developed by Double Fine Productions, the studio behind popular games like Psychonauts and Brütal Legend.
Q. Why is Keeper compared to Banjo-Kazooie?
A. The comparison comes from its central duo mechanic, where a smaller character (Ori) works together with and rides on a larger companion. This is very similar to the gameplay of the bear Banjo and the bird Kazooie in the classic Nintendo 64 game.
Q. What is Double Fine Productions known for?
A. Double Fine is known for creating video games with unique art styles, strong humour, and memorable characters. Their most famous titles include Psychonauts, Psychonauts 2, Brütal Legend, and Broken Age.
Q. Is there a release date for Keeper?
A. No, Double Fine Productions has not yet announced an official release date or the platforms on which Keeper will be available.
