Developer Background
YCJY is a small but ambitious indie studio based in Gothenburg, Sweden, founded by developers Josef and Christopher. The duo made their debut in 2016 with The Aquatic Adventure of the Last Human, a narrative-driven exploration game set in a post-apocalyptic underwater world. Known for their commitment to crafting unique and thought-provoking experiences, YCJY continues to push creative boundaries in the indie gaming space.
Gameplay & Design
Keep Driving is a roguelike that completely redefines what you expect from the genre. Typically, roguelikes are all about high-stakes combat—fighting wave after wave of enemies until you're overwhelmed and sent back to square one. While Keep Driving shares that core idea, it trades frustration and intensity for something much more relaxed—maybe even too relaxed. On the surface, your goal seems simple: get from point A to point B. But after my first playthrough, I realized this game isn’t really about the destination—it’s about the journey. It’s an exploration of what it feels like to be a teenager striking out on their own for the first time.
I really like the idea of this game. I love roguelikes, but what I love most about them is their fast-paced nature—and Keep Driving slows things way down. Instead of intense battles, your interactions (which would typically be fights) are followed by long stretches of waiting. And that, for me, is where the frustration sets in. There’s nothing to speed up the pacing except car upgrades, but since you have to carefully budget for gas, food, and other necessities, boosting your speed isn’t exactly a priority. At first, I found the slow pace calming, but after staring at the same scene for too long, it started to feel like a desktop background—beautiful, but static.
One thing I can wholeheartedly praise is the soundtrack. You collect CDs throughout the game, and every band featured is fantastic. But, like in a real car, if you don’t switch up the music every now and then, even the best songs start to wear on you.
Ultimately, Keep Driving has a great concept, and I wanted to love it. But for my taste, it’s just a little too slow.
Feedback
While Keep Driving is a well-crafted and thoughtfully designed game, I found myself wishing for a faster pace. The deliberate slowness is clearly an intentional design choice, reinforcing the game's themes of solitude and self-discovery. However, as someone who enjoys the quick, high-energy gameplay typical of roguelikes, the waiting between interactions felt a bit too drawn out for my taste. That said, I can appreciate the care put into its mechanics, atmosphere, and storytelling—it’s just a game that requires more patience than I personally prefer.
Verdict
Keep Driving is a bold reimagining of the roguelike genre, replacing its usual fast-paced, combat-heavy structure with a more introspective, slow-burn experience. It’s a game about the journey rather than the destination, capturing the feeling of a teenager’s first taste of independence. The concept is strong, and the game is undeniably well-crafted, with a gorgeous atmosphere and an excellent soundtrack that enhances the sense of solitude.
However, for those who enjoy the adrenaline rush of traditional roguelikes, Keep Driving may feel too slow. The long stretches between interactions, while intentional, can make the experience feel static rather than engaging. While upgrades exist, resource management often forces players to prioritize survival over speed, further reinforcing the game’s unhurried pace.
Ultimately, Keep Driving is a unique and thoughtful game that will resonate with players who appreciate meditative experiences. While I can see its appeal, the slow pacing wasn’t quite for me. If you’re looking for a more laid-back, atmospheric roguelike, this might be exactly what you’re after. But if you crave action and momentum, you may find yourself wishing for a faster ride.
Keep Driving is available now for PC via Steam.
