Downwell

Moppin’s work easily deserves to stand alongside the likes of Nuclear Throne, Spelunky, and The Binding of Isaac as a tough but rewarding game where no two runs are the same and the temptation to return is overwhelming...It’s also proof positive that reviewers don’t give games low scores because they “suck at the game” – I have no shame in admitting I’m absolutely awful at the bloody thing, but I adore it nonetheless.

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.

Please do yourself a favor and buy Downwell now, on PC or on iOs, wherever it suits you. This masterpiece has a thing that most of modern AAA games lack: pure fun. A wonderful shoot'em up and a love letter to the genre.

You shoot monsters with your shoes while falling at high speed. Why? Because video games, that’s why. [13/2015, p.71]

Downwell isn't the kind of game everyone will like, but if you like challenging arcade platforms, you'll love Downwell.

Simply put, Downwell is a masterpiece and everyone that regards himself as a true gamer should buy it immediately.

It’s a deep dark well filled with monsters and gems, equal parts platformer and reverse vertical shooter, and falling into its depths is the stuff that 1980s arcade dreams were made of.

Downwell is one of those great small jewels where everything runs like clockwork.

Downwell is an unique take on the shoot em' up and roguelike genres that is sure to keep you coming back.

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.

Learning the skills and vocabulary of the game gives you the confidence to risk chaining large combos, and it’s at this level where you can experience Downwell's most exhilarating moments again and again.

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.

A remarkably simple, addictive game. The no-nonsense gameplay and furious action make it one that’s easy to jump into over and over, and with numerous styles, powerups, and weapons to use along the way, each plunge through the randomly-generated world is unique.

It is fun and addictive, but moreover it’s adrenaline-pumping and shocking in its barbarity.

Downwell is at its best when you’re bounding from one enemy to the next, blasting through obstacles, and frantically scanning for a safe path through the chaos. This moment-to-moment challenge is fun, and the later levels (and final boss) put your skills to the test. Unfortunately, the journey to that level of proficiency feels like a grind. Though each run is technically different, they all start to feel the same.

Downwell‘s a very slight game based around a great, fast-paced mechanic.

Falling down has never been this hard. Or this pixelated.

Procedurally-generated levels are the new zombies. The design does not work beyond mobile gaming. [Aug 2016]