Animal Well

Animal Well captivates players with its intricate puzzle-solving and exploration, drawing inspiration from titles like Fez and Tunic. Despite repetitive puzzle mechanics, its deep and enchanting world, coupled with its satisfying controls and clever design decisions, make it a magical and engaging experience, appealing to fans of puzzle games and metroidvanias alike.

Animal Well is an atypical metroidvania that exploits many of the genre's tropes to give birth to something different, almost completely eliminating the entire action component to focus exclusively on the puzzles. The end result is a fascinating, mysterious and at times mesmerizing video game that does not end once the credits are rolling, since reaching the ending represents only a new beginning for Animal Well. As long as you really want to escape the well, of course, but why do it? It's so good down here.

The puzzles that Animal Well presents us are challenging enough, but at no point do they feel impossible. The level design guides us little by little, and the way in which each challenge is resolved is through experimentation. Talking about Animal Well can be a disservice to all those who wish to enter this world. My biggest recommendation is: play Animal Well. This is a magical experience that will stay in the minds of all who give it a chance, and I can't wait to see what's next for its developer.

Moody, mysterious, borderline magnificent – this is a modern classic, an adventure that rivals its biggest inspirations without just following their lead. [Issue#41, p.96]

Animal Well takes the Metroidvania model and provides a challenging and satisfying experience while also cutting off all the excess fat. There's basically no story, no upgrades, no flashing fighing mechanics. It proves that you can create a fantastic game with smart puzzle and level design alone, and by giving the player the freedom to figure things out.

Teeming with life, secrets, and charm that surprise and delight, Animal Well held my full, undivided attention. Even in its most trying moments, it left a mark of endearment on me thanks to its absorbing soundscape, distinct yet familiar pixel-based art style, and flexible, mold-breaking approach to exploration.

Animal Well is a fantastic breakout title from both a new developer and publishing studio. Fans of Fez and Tunic will feel right at home jumping into this well.

Animal Well is packed with imagination and fun. The lack of a story is not a problem at all thanks to the lively world and puzzles that keep your brain ticking just enough. When the credits appear you are far from done, because there are still many secrets to be discovered in the depths.

Animal Well is stunning and mysterious, a visual delight that offers open-ended and stimulating exploration. The total lack of explanation may deter some of the public, but anyone willing to see the bottom of the iceberg, or rather, of the well, will have a lot to enjoy in this surrealist metroidvania

With its twisted take on the animal kingdom and a haunting soundscape, Animal Well is a truly atmospheric masterpiece. Its puzzles are just intricate enough, with fun revelations aplenty. The game's trial-and-error nature makes trawling through the post-game kind of a drag though. And seriously, screw that ghost dog.

I'm happy that I discovered ANIMAL WELL because its puzzle-filled world was a great deal of fun to traverse and master. Great stuff.

Animal Well is a refreshing twist on the Metroidvania formula. Its tight platforming and clever puzzles make each exhilarating trek to distinct regions a blast. Although the retro-inspired art direction and odd presentation may not resonate with everyone, the originality and charm that imbues the game make this trip to the absurd a must for fans of the genre.