X
- Bigmode
- Bigmode
- Bigmode
- Bigmode
Animal Well
Released On: May 9, 2024
7.9
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
Based on 33 Critic Reviews
91
88% Positive
29 Reviews
29 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
Based on 33 Critic Reviews
91
88% Positive
29 Reviews
29 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
At a time when the big video game companies are focused on building video games designed to function like sport, with seasons and passes and never-ending fixtures designed to dominate your leisure time, what a joy to be presented with a game that is so intricate and contained. This is a perfectly made contraption, with a start, a middle and an end, intended to inspire joy and build culture, and not, mercifully, shareholder value.
Animal Well is a masterclass in puzzle design, with tight platforming, set in a beautiful, oftentimes perilous world. It's actually at its weakest when it's just a Metroidvania, and instead, its world and the genre serve as a way to deliver some of the most intricate, interconnected puzzles of any game I've ever played.
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 273 User Ratings
7.9
71% Positive
194 Ratings
194 Ratings
14% Mixed
38 Ratings
38 Ratings
15% Negative
41 Ratings
41 Ratings
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 273 User Ratings
7.9
71% Positive
194 Ratings
194 Ratings
14% Mixed
38 Ratings
38 Ratings
15% Negative
41 Ratings
41 Ratings
It's now one of my favorite games like, ever. the puzzles are so goddamn clever, it had so much stuff thought out, and it's 33 MEGABYTES, it's truly amazing how ONE person did the gorgeous art, the puzzles that really stick out from different games, the amazing sound design and music, the WHOLE GAME ENGINE. after finishing everything from this game i was left amazed and already kinda sad that all of it ended, but if you were like me and starving for content i did find tunic and fez after it which give kinda the same itch.also i just want to talk about the **** reviews i found, one of them talked about "outdated" backtracking being ass, My brother in christ you're playing a metroidvania, also the puzzles can get a bit extreme at times, but they're still doable to some degree (except some), also **** (which is official) states that no, we did not find everything, which is interesting to say the least.
tldr: i LOVE this game
Report
PC
Anyone who falls into this well won't want to leave it any time soon: Animal Well is a Metroidvania milestone.
Animal Well is something quite remarkable. A Metroidvania title that still feels fresh in 2024 thanks to its puzzle-centric gameplay, incredible atmosphere and army of secrets to discover, this is a must-play for those who like a bit of mystery in their games. Players should just make sure to discover the secrets themselves.
Animal Well is stubbornly traditional in keeping you in the dark as you embark on your adventure, but that's firmly to its credit as you unravel the mysteries sprinkled around its map. Puzzles involving animals, toys and mechanical devices demand creative thinking, while the sense that nothing is quite as it seems never lets up. This is an endlessly inventive Metroidvania with unfathomable depth.
Uncover secrets, evade dangers, and embark on an eerie journey in ANIMAL WELL. Billy Basso has crafted a dark neon aesthetic and enigmatic gameplay that delivers a Metroidvania unlike many others. The mystery and cryptic puzzles won’t be for everyone, but those who enjoy a challenge and a good platformer will be rewarded with a haunting adventure.
If you want a solid and quirky adventure that will put your reflexes and puzzle-solving to the test, Animal Well is an absolutely fascinating journey.
What a completely pleasant surprise. Thr first thing that captures your attention are the amazing pixel graphics mixed with modern fog and transparencies. The next thing that hooks you is the gameplay. So many different and unique tools. The next thing that hooks you are all the secrets and mysteries. So, so many deep unique puzzles. It very much reminded me of Tunic in that way. A game which I also adore. If you consider yourself a true gamer this game is for you! It's truly legendary!
Report
PC
Beautiful game with an amazing atmosphere and some decent puzzles. However, as the difficulty ramps up near the end, the game goes from clever and fun to being overly fiddly and extremely frustrating. By the time I finished the first ending I basically had enough. Also a bug where an item was picked up during the credits but did not end up in my inventory essentially stopped me from playing the game any further. If you like metroidvania's and games where you die over and over to complete a difficult objective (think Elden Ring) then you will love this game, otherwise I would be wary.
Report
PC
Well made exploration puzzle platformer. While it did have some clever vibes reminiscent of older games like Solomon's Key and Adventures of Lolo, the lack of an overall narrative or purpose beyond just solving the puzzles didn't hold my attention for longer than the first couple of hours. It feels like an expensive tech demo/pet project at the $25 asking price. I'd only consider picking it up when it's below $10 on sale.
Report
PC
I wish i can turn back time and take my money **** so dark my eyes hurt worst game , blurry graphics like a 80s game,after i took my eyes of the screen i saw so many lines,curse yall the high score troll user and sites
Report
PC
Technically, it works well. The platforming is precise. Everything else is poor. Blurry graphics, an even blurrier map, too much backtracking, weak level design, the whole game world looks the same. It’s a shame, so many poor indie game developers can’t sell their games and this happens to be the critical darling. I don’t get it.
Report
PC
Summary Explore a dense, interconnected labyrinth, and unravel its many secrets. Collect items to manipulate your environment in surprising and meaningful ways. Encounter creatures both beautiful and unsettling, as you attempt to survive what lurks in the dark. There is more than what you see.
Platforms:
- PC
- PlayStation 5
- Nintendo Switch
Initial Release Date: May 9, 2024
Developer:
- Shared Memory
Publisher: Bigmode
Genres: