Animal Well is one of the best indie games I’ve played in a longtime. A quiet, engaging and gorgeous Metroidvania that hooked me in the first few minutes
Easy and approachable, Animal Well is a fresh take on the platformer and puzzle genres.
Designed and programmed by Billy Basso over the course of seven years, Animal Well was also produced by Youtuber, Videogamedunkey’s indie publishing company, Bigmode.
Caves and Water
From the title screen alone, there’s an ominous, yet comforting tone set. Two rabbits sit staring at the player, with a gentle song playing in the background.
When jumping in, the player is greeted with a glorious view. A pixelated cave with a small orange blob emerging from a plant in the middle of the floor.
The water gently sways and reflects the ceiling of the room, the ambient soundtrack plays creating an atmosphere dripping in comfort.
The way everything sounds is incredible, I cannot bring it up enough. The jump sound effect, the sound of the animals and the rain or running water.
From the first room Animal Well tells the player that it’s both a game of fun systems and astounding atmosphere.
When moving the blob it’s clear that the game is similar to many other platformers in the genre. Simple controls with a high skill ceiling.
There isn’t a story or direct route given to the player, instead you must uncover the hidden story and make your own route through curiosity and interest.
Very few games are able to pull of this approach, as most consumers are attracted to a direct approach, but Animal Well has shown that there’s a place for this style of game.
Animal Well shows it’s hand but it keeps a couple of secrets for the player to find through exploitative game play.
The Well is an interesting place that hides many secrets. You can find eggs around that open up four secret doors depending on the amount you have.
The equipment the player uses able to use is where the real skill of the game comes from.
From a Frisbee the player can ride, to a bubble wand that constructs floating platforms, the equipment is unconventional, but it fits perfectly into the scattered world of the game.
World design wise, Animal Well is a location of sprawling caverns, mixed with industrial pipes and telephone boxes that function as save points.
The mix of man made and wild areas only adds to the mystery of what The Well is.
Wires and Phones
Unraveling the mystery is one of best parts of Animal Well. The lack of story helps add to the individual expiernce of the game.
Once you surface out of the opening area, you are given the choice to go left, or go right.
Each route brings different challenges and equipment, but that’s just the beginning.
The animals are a key part of the challenge. Some will assist you in your journey, others are there to torment the player.
A moment involving a Frisbee and a Cat is one of the most notable.
Most of the challenge comes from the puzzles that litter The Well. Some are obvious, others require a little out-of-the-box thinking.
The puzzles use a simple mix of switches and switches, often requiring the player to back track or use a specific tool to proceed.
This mix is fantastic and makes the player think and keeps them engaged.
Animals and Wells
No game this year has come close to accomplishing the achievements of Animal Well.
It’s non-linear game play and engaging systems provide the game with endless replay value and solid longevity.
Few new games have been able to hook me as much as Animal Well has. It’s comfortable, but at the same time, it’s also eerie.
Animal Well should be experienced by those who love platformers, pick it up if you get the chance.
Featured image credit: Bigmode
Fourth year Film and Journalism student
Deputy editor
Contact - deputyeditor@brignews.com
