GamerTake
ANIMAL WELL

Explore a dense, interconnected labyrinth, and unravel its many secrets. Collect items to manipulate your environment in surprising and meaningful ways. Encounter beautiful and unsettling creatures, as you attempt to survive what lurks in the dark. There is more than what you see.

Current Players: 173
Developers: Billy Basso
Publishers: Bigmode
Release Date: May 9, 2024
Price (USD): $22.49
Overall, the sentiment surrounding Animal Well is overwhelmingly positive. Players are captivated by its art, the depth of its exploration, and the intrigue of its puzzles. While there are minor criticisms regarding the game's visual style for some and occasional technical gripes, these are drowned out by the praise for its engaging gameplay, innovative design, and the surprises it holds. Its mix of nostalgia and novelty has evidently struck a chord with a diverse audience, positioning Animal Well as a memorable entry in the indie game landscape.

Positive Points

  • Stunning art and atmosphere, described as both beautiful and creepy.
  • Nonlinear gameplay with tons of secrets and hidden mechanics to discover.
  • The game feels polished, highly engaging, and offers a rewarding exploration experience.
  • Fans of Metroidvanias and platformers praise its innovative approach and unique puzzles.
  • Excellent soundtrack and sound design that adds to the immersive experience.
  • Tight and responsive controls, especially praised for platforming challenges.
  • A variety of items and tools that add depth to gameplay through puzzles and exploration.
  • Small game size with a significant amount of content, offering high secrets-per-megabyte ratio.

    • Negative Points

  • One review mentions clunky platforming experience not justifying its price.
  • Some players find the visual style hard to parse and potentially eye-straining with CRT-like effects.
  • Several reports of technical issues, like compatibility with large displays and the lack of ultrawide or high framerate support.
  • Keyboard controls might feel awkward to some, with a few complaints about non-rebindable keys.

    • Mixed Points

  • The game's humor and references to other games like Halo 2 and 3 were enjoyed by many but seen as unoriginal jokes by others.
  • While many find the game's difficulty and puzzles to be perfectly balanced, a few reviewers hint at wanting more upfront guidance.

    • Common Themes

  • Comparison to iconic games, including Halo 2, Halo 3, and Super Mario Bros., both as jokes and sincere praise.
  • High appreciation for the game's art style, described as a mix of retro charm and modern polish.
  • The exploration and discovery aspect is frequently lauded, with many players excited about the secrets and hidden paths.
  • Some reviews mention specific gameplay elements like puzzles, item usage, and completing challenging areas.
    • Updated 5/10/2024, 5:16:11 AM UTC
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