Keep Driving (PC, 2025)

Release date: Thursday 6th February 2025

Platforms: PC

Published by: YCJY Games

Developed by: YCJY Games

Genres: Adventure, Simulation, Strategy

Story Driveđź“– 9/20
Accessibility🚪 17/20
Depth🤿 9/20
Challengeđź’€ 12/20
Duration⌛ 10/20
Freedom🌎 14/20
Review Scores
4xDBC
Fouttaf Score
Dimension: 4
This is clearly an indie title, but it’s got just enough extra spice to push its scope slightly beyond the usual. Right off the bat, it scores big on originality, bringing a fresh and innovative concept that’s hard to compare to anything else. But once you get past the initial wow factor, it’s still a fairly lightweight experience. Despite its replayability and multiple runs, Keep Driving isn’t a game built to last more than a couple of afternoons.
The Flair: D
Easily one of the game’s biggest wins. The visuals and soundtrack absolutely slap, dripping with early 2000s road trip nostalgia, while its pixel art aesthetic leans more toward ’90s sensibilities—a beautifully odd mix that just works. But what’s even better is how seamlessly this nostalgic energy spreads across the entire game. It’s not just about the big cinematic moments—you feel it in the menus, in the tiny details, in the way you glance at the rearview mirror and catch a glimpse of your traveling companions. The music doesn’t just sit in the background, it’s got real weight and presence, shaping the mood of every leg of your journey. It’s got soul, and that’s something you can’t fake.
The Feel: B
Alright, let’s tackle the elephant in the room. For all the game’s creativity, the “combat” system is... kinda weird. It’s hard to pin down exactly what feels off, but it manages to be both too simple and strangely convoluted at the same time. The biggest issue? It lacks those “wow” moments—there’s never a time where you feel like you nailed a fight or pulled off some satisfying, clutch move. The tension just isn’t there. Some extra randomness or unpredictability might have actually helped things feel more dynamic. That being said, the progression systems, resource management, and upgrade mechanics are super solid. They turn the journey into a satisfying challenge, even if the actual combat doesn’t quite hit the mark.
The Fuel: C
The world is packed with tiny, well-thought-out touches, whether it’s the map and all its branching routes, the brilliantly weird and lovable travel companions, or the multiple endings, including a true ending for completionists. This game wears its heart on its sleeve, and it knows exactly what emotional notes it’s trying to hit. It’s a celebration of an era that’s long gone, but also a love letter to the very idea of road trips, adventure, and all the little moments in between.
Great
82
Classic Score
Conclusions
Keep Driving is a one-of-a-kind roguelike adventure, proving that even in 2025, there’s still room for clever, captivating innovation. It’s not a game about grinding, min-maxing, or reaching the perfect ending—it’s a game about the ride itself. And, honestly? That’s kind of beautiful. Like the title suggests, the journey never really ends—it’s just about hitting the gas and seeing where the road takes you next. Highly recommended.
Keep Driving
Keep Driving (PC, 2025)
Badge Cabinet
Release date: Thursday 6th February 2025
Platforms: PC
Published by: YCJY Games
Developed by: YCJY Games
Genres: Adventure, Simulation, Strategy
Trait Chart
Story Drive đź“– 9/20
Accessibility 🚪 17/20
Depth 🤿 9/20
Challenge đź’€ 12/20
Duration ⌛ 10/20
Freedom 🌎 14/20
Review Scores
4xDBC
Fouttaf Score
Dimension: 4
This is clearly an indie title, but it’s got just enough extra spice to push its scope slightly beyond the usual. Right off the bat, it scores big on originality, bringing a fresh and innovative concept that’s hard to compare to anything else. But once you get past the initial wow factor, it’s still a fairly lightweight experience. Despite its replayability and multiple runs, Keep Driving isn’t a game built to last more than a couple of afternoons.
The Flair: D
Easily one of the game’s biggest wins. The visuals and soundtrack absolutely slap, dripping with early 2000s road trip nostalgia, while its pixel art aesthetic leans more toward ’90s sensibilities—a beautifully odd mix that just works. But what’s even better is how seamlessly this nostalgic energy spreads across the entire game. It’s not just about the big cinematic moments—you feel it in the menus, in the tiny details, in the way you glance at the rearview mirror and catch a glimpse of your traveling companions. The music doesn’t just sit in the background, it’s got real weight and presence, shaping the mood of every leg of your journey. It’s got soul, and that’s something you can’t fake.
The Feel: B
Alright, let’s tackle the elephant in the room. For all the game’s creativity, the “combat” system is... kinda weird. It’s hard to pin down exactly what feels off, but it manages to be both too simple and strangely convoluted at the same time. The biggest issue? It lacks those “wow” moments—there’s never a time where you feel like you nailed a fight or pulled off some satisfying, clutch move. The tension just isn’t there. Some extra randomness or unpredictability might have actually helped things feel more dynamic. That being said, the progression systems, resource management, and upgrade mechanics are super solid. They turn the journey into a satisfying challenge, even if the actual combat doesn’t quite hit the mark.
The Fuel: C
The world is packed with tiny, well-thought-out touches, whether it’s the map and all its branching routes, the brilliantly weird and lovable travel companions, or the multiple endings, including a true ending for completionists. This game wears its heart on its sleeve, and it knows exactly what emotional notes it’s trying to hit. It’s a celebration of an era that’s long gone, but also a love letter to the very idea of road trips, adventure, and all the little moments in between.
Conclusions

Keep Driving is a one-of-a-kind roguelike adventure, proving that even in 2025, there’s still room for clever, captivating innovation. It’s not a game about grinding, min-maxing, or reaching the perfect ending—it’s a game about the ride itself. And, honestly? That’s kind of beautiful. Like the title suggests, the journey never really ends—it’s just about hitting the gas and seeing where the road takes you next. Highly recommended.

Great
82
Classic Score