Animal Well: A Metroidvania With More Mysteries

Animal Well It's the kind of game that arrives quietly, without much fanfare, but in a matter of minutes it hooks you and won't let go. It's like that sound of Charlie Brown Jr. that you put on just to relax and, before you know it, you're on the fifth song, singing at the top of your lungs. But here, instead of striking lyrics, you have a world full of mysteries, puzzles that will fry your brain and an atmosphere so dense you could cut it with a knife.

Metroidvania? More like Metroid Who?

The bid is as follows: Animal Well It sells itself as a Metroidvania, but it's more like a reinterpretation of games that came before Metroid itself. You know that nostalgic feeling of old games, where you had no map, no tutorial, and the only thing you knew was that you had to keep moving forward? Well, Animal Well takes this old school vibe and throws it in your face, unapologetically. You start out as a simple blob – a nondescript little being with no eyes – and are thrown into a mysterious well. No boring tutorials, no little hand holding you back; here, it’s every man for himself.

Dark Atmosphere and a World That Will Leave You in a Stress

The look of Animal Well is a mix of nostalgia with a dark artistic touch that will remind you of those old horror movies, where the suspense was built slowly, with subtlety. The game is almost entirely in 8-bit, but the use of lighting and shadows is out of this world. It's like if the Dark Souls decided to become a 2D platform game. The lighting is so precise that you often only realize there's an enemy or an abyss when you're already on top of it. And the sound, man, it's as if every step, every movement is amplified. The sound effects are so realistic that you'll be on the edge of your seat, waiting for the worst.

Puzzles That Will Make You Rack Your Brain (and Want More)

If you think you'll find standard puzzles, like pressing a button to open a door, forget it. Animal Well is much more creative than that. Instead of cliché abilities like a simple double jump, here you'll use toys – yes, toys! – like yo-yos, frisbees and bubble wands to solve the puzzles. And the best part: you'll do it with that childlike spirit, where curiosity rules and you try everything until something works. Have you ever seen anything like this in a Metroidvania? Me neither.

Every corner of the map hides a secret. Do you think you've explored everything? You're wrong, sucker! There's always something else hidden, waiting for the right moment to be discovered. And the game encourages you to think outside the box, to experiment, to fail and try again. All with that little taste of reward when you finally discover how to use an item in an unexpected way.

Interaction with Animals: Partners or Problems?

Now, let's talk about animals. Animal Well There are a bunch of animals that will make you smile and break out in a cold sweat at the same time. Dogs that shake you like toys, chinchillas that barely move but can be a great help (or really mess you up), and hummingbirds that seem cute until they start messing with your climb. And then there are the bosses, of course. A giant ostrich that chases you through tunnels like a living nightmare and kangaroos that, man, are scarier than most AAA game bosses out there. The cool thing is that these animals have an almost ethereal quality, as if they were ghost versions of themselves, always ready to turn the tables and catch you by surprise.

No Combat, Just Puzzle and Exploration

If you're expecting to go around beating up your enemies, you'd better change your expectations. Animal Well is another game of survival and intelligence. Instead of weapons, you have tools and the environment itself to use to your advantage. Firecrackers are the only “weaponry” you have, and they’re not even for direct attack – they’re more for scaring off the most annoying spirits and creatures that cross your path.

The trick here is to figure out how each creature will react to your actions and how you can use that to move forward. It's like that jerk friend you manipulate into doing what you want without them realizing. Get it?

Exploration That Never Ends

You think you've finished the game when the credits roll? You're wrong again. That's when Animal Well really begins. The credits are just a slap in the face to remind you that there's still a lot to discover. The hunt for Easter Eggs is real, man, and you'll find yourself going back to screens that you've explored a thousand times before, but that hold secrets that only appear when you have the right tool.

Sure, this can get frustrating at times, especially since the game doesn’t give you any obvious hints on where to go back. But that’s where the magic comes in. Every time you discover something new, that feeling of “wow, I’m awesome” is indescribable.

A Game to Play as a Community

The truth is that, to uncover all the secrets of Animal Wellit is almost mandatory to exchange ideas with other players. So much so that the Bigmodethe game's publisher, created a Discord group just for people to discuss theories and solutions. Remember, even with all this exchange of ideas, there were still things left unanswered. And that's what makes Animal Well be more than just a game – it is a shared experience, where the community is a fundamental part of the process.

Pros:

• Beautiful graphics: The only thing the game really gets right is well-done visuals and stunning landscapes.
• Stable performance: There's no complaining about the technical side; the game runs well, without any major performance issues.
• Crew bonus: An interesting mechanic, which, in another game, could perhaps be better used.

Cons:

• Ugly and uncharismatic characters: Lazy, poorly made designs that fail to stand out or captivate.
• Repetitive and uninnovative gameplay: Concord recycles tired mechanics, without adding anything new or interesting.
• Uninspired maps: Generic environments that don't take advantage of the potential of a science fiction setting.
• Weak and confusing story: Practically non-existent narrative and characters without personality, making any connection with the game impossible.
• Lack of relevant content: Few game modes and no real reason to keep playing after the first match.
• Absurdly high price: Charging a lot for a game that offers so little is almost a bad joke.

Final Grade: 9/10

Animal Well is a work of art disguised as an indie game. It's beautiful, clever, frustrating and rewarding all at the same time. The lack of traditional combat may put off those who enjoy beating up enemies, but for those who enjoy a good puzzle and endless exploration, this game is a must-have. However, like any well-served dish, you'll have to work hard to savor every last bite. If you're the type of person who enjoys a good dose of mystery and loves getting lost in a world full of secrets, Animal Well This is the game for you. But get ready, because this well will pull you deeper than you can imagine.

Pros:

• Dark and immersive atmosphere that keeps you hooked from start to finish
• Creative puzzles that challenge your intelligence
• Unique interaction with a bizarre variety of animals
• Exploration full of secrets that guarantees hours of gameplay

Cons:

• Lack of direction can leave some players lost
• Progression can be slow and frustrating at times

Notice: 9/10