PLAYED ON: PC via Steam
When I first stumbled into Animal Well, I thought I had a good idea of what I was getting into. A Metroidvania with a moody vibe, pixel art, and puzzles, how hard could it be? Turns out, I couldn’t have been more wrong 😅. From the moment I stepped into its dark, sprawling labyrinth, I realized this wasn’t just another game in the genre. Instead, it was a mysterious, layered experience that tested my curiosity and creativity in ways I wasn’t expecting. It didn’t take long for me to feel completely absorbed in its world.
The first thing that grabbed me was the atmosphere. The game’s visuals are stunning (atleast for me) - dimly lit, richly detailed, and filled with little touches that make every room feel alive. The sound design added even more to the mood. There’s this mix of eerie silence, ambient noises, and occasional music that made me feel like I was exploring a place both magical and dangerous. It’s the kind of game you play with headphones on and the lights off to really soak it all in.
What really surprised me, though, was how the game flips the usual Metroidvania script. There’s no combat here; just tools like a yo-yo and a bubble wand that you use in all sorts of creative ways to solve puzzles and navigate the world. These tools aren’t just upgrades; they’re multi-purpose gadgets that encourage experimentation. It felt great to figure out how to use them in ways the game never explicitly explained. Every discovery made me feel like a genius 😆
That’s not to say it was all smooth sailing. Some puzzles were downright tricky, and I hit more than a few frustrating dead ends. The lack of direct guidance and a map that could be clearer didn’t always help. But every time I felt stuck, I’d walk away and come back with a fresh perspective, and those "aha!" moments were worth the struggle. Even at the end, I found myself itching to explore more of the game’s secrets. It’s clear there’s so much hidden beneath the surface.
Smash Hit Score: 9/10
Animal Well isn’t just a pixelated puzzle game, it’s an experience. Its mix of mystery, challenge, and atmosphere makes it stand out as something special. Sure, it has its rough edges, but that’s part of what makes it so memorable. If you’re the kind of person who loves diving into the unknown and solving puzzles that make you feel clever, this one’s for you.
All Images & GIFs owned by Shared Memory (Developer of the Game)