Downwell

 PC
Downwell Image
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 137 Ratings

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0 out of 10
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  • Summary: Downwell is a curious game about a young person venturing down a well in search of untold treasures with only his Gunboots to protect him.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. Destructoid
    Oct 21, 2015
    100
    The variety makes the frequent deaths more palatable and I would probably buy a custom dedicated handheld that just played this game.
  2. GameCrate
    Jan 8, 2016
    93
    Easily one of Devolver Digital's best releases from last year, Downwell is an old-school delight that won't let you down in the least. It's difficult at times, but still utterly rewarding when it comes to exciting gameplay, plenty of unlockables and a right-at-home presentation for NES fans. Now we just need a console release to seal the deal.
  3. CD-Action
    Jan 12, 2016
    90
    You shoot monsters with your shoes while falling at high speed. Why? Because video games, that’s why. [13/2015, p.71]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. Kill Screen
    Oct 21, 2015
    80
    It is fun and addictive, but moreover it’s adrenaline-pumping and shocking in its barbarity.
  5. SpazioGames
    Nov 13, 2015
    80
    It’s an incredibly simple and intuitive game, but creating such a fun experience with this kind of simplistic gameplay is a feat that only a truly brilliant developer can achieve. Get this game, it costs only 3 dollars and it’s fun, fast, and extremely intelligent.
  6. GamingTrend
    Oct 30, 2015
    80
    Downwell is a simple and fun 2D platformer. Its unique gameplay makes it fast-paced and challenging, and its roguelike qualities keep it from growing bland or frustrating. Spend a little time with this game and you may get hooked too.
  7. Games.cz
    Jan 4, 2017
    50
    Downwell is an arcade game with purposefully archaic look and Spartan equipment for gaming masochists. Fans of retro, speed run and especially extreme difficulty will be thrilled, others should let their hands off!

See all 21 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 19
  3. Negative: 2 out of 19
  1. Hub-i
    Nov 16, 2022
    10
    Very difficult skill based gameplay and great replayability , Downwell is an indie masterpiece. The way it combines the platformer andVery difficult skill based gameplay and great replayability , Downwell is an indie masterpiece. The way it combines the platformer and vertical shooter is genius. 10/10.… Expand
  2. antonima
    Nov 15, 2015
    9
    This is an excellent ARCADE GAME. As in, you play it for 30 minutes, do something else, and come back later. Yes, you will lose every time.This is an excellent ARCADE GAME. As in, you play it for 30 minutes, do something else, and come back later. Yes, you will lose every time. Yes, it is unfair. But, every 10th game when you make it to the 3rd level, and every 50th game you make it to the 4th level, your heart will be pumping! And, it has a surprising amount of depth and replayability as you learn how to maximize combos, use the different weapons, and choose upgrades in between stages. Really, for $3 this is the best value I've ever gotten from a game.

    It surprises me so many low reviews!! Probably kids see the very high metascore, buy it for just $3, and then are frustrated they can't master it immediately. Sheesh, that is the beauty of unforgiving RNG games.    … Expand
  4. akidan
    Oct 22, 2015
    9
    That was pretty fun, I guess. I'll give it another go.

    Wow, combos are pretty cathartic. Nice. Okay, one more game. Holy crap, so    That was pretty fun, I guess. I'll give it another go.

    Wow, combos are pretty cathartic. Nice. Okay, one more game.

    Holy crap, so many gems... alright, just one more game.

    ...

    just one more game..    … Expand
  5. tommydlbass
    Jan 2, 2021
    8
    Fun roguelike little game with a minimalistic art and a fantastic gameplay. Is fun and very hard.
  6. Charbles18
    Apr 15, 2022
    8
    Crunchy, fun, endlessly replayable arcade-style game. The roguelike structure perfectly enhances a pick-up-and-play structure that appears toCrunchy, fun, endlessly replayable arcade-style game. The roguelike structure perfectly enhances a pick-up-and-play structure that appears to be the basis of the game. It excels perfectly at what it does, and only gets an 8 due to the inherent limitations of this kind of gameplay. More than worth $3.… Expand
  7. Tromble
    Jun 28, 2021
    7
    Downwell is a fantastic little roguelike but is is dripping with untapped potential.

    I would recommend Downwell.
  8. fedakar57
    Aug 20, 2016
    0
    This game is nothing more than a snack. It is VERY VERY VERY hard to beat. Really hard. I just spent my ******* 24 hours to beat it and forceThis game is nothing more than a snack. It is VERY VERY VERY hard to beat. Really hard. I just spent my ******* 24 hours to beat it and force my willpower but nothing happened.… Expand

See all 19 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

46
#46 Best PC Game of 2015
50
#50 Most Shared PC Game of 2015

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