Animal Well (Cross-platform, 2024)

Release date: Thursday 9th May 2024

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch

Published by: Bigmode

Developed by: Shared Memory

Genres: Platformer, Puzzle, Metroidvania

Story Drive📖 3/20
Accessibility🚪 15/20
Depth🤿 10/20
Challenge💀 17/20
Duration⌛ 14/20
Freedom🌎 14/20
Review Scores
5xCDF
Fouttaf Score
Dimension: 5
If you’re raising an eyebrow at a 5/9 scope rating for an indie game, think again. While its presentation screams indie, its ambition is on another level. Crafting a map this vast, detailed, and brimming with secrets is already impressive, but what truly blows minds is how the items interact and feed into the platforming and puzzle mechanics.
The Flair: C
Visually and aurally, Animal Well nails its eerie and mysterious atmosphere. The game constantly evokes a sense of unease, making every dark corner feel like it’s hiding something. The creepy yet charming pixel-art creatures add personality, and while it’s far from a technical powerhouse, the art direction is purposeful and effective. That said, the real ambition here isn’t in flashy visuals or over-the-top set pieces, but rather in the depth of its gameplay and world-building.
The Feel: D
It’s rare to see a game where each layer reinforces the others this well. Unlike most Metroidvanias, there’s no combat, but the game doesn’t need it. The puzzle-platforming stands strong on its own, and the sheer depth of interactions between items and the environment makes every discovery feel earned. Each tool you acquire doesn’t just unlock new areas—it reshapes how you approach the entire game, creating a sense of progression that feels both organic and exhilarating. If there’s one misstep, it’s in the save and life system, which feels somewhat inconsistent. The manual save points act more like respawn locations than true save files, making it confusing to understand what progress is actually preserved. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it does take some getting used to.
The Fuel: F
As if Animal Well weren’t already packed with content, it layers on even more secrets for players who refuse to stop digging. It’s not just about finding hidden areas—it’s about peeling back layer after layer of increasingly cryptic puzzles, some of which go beyond the game itself and flirt with breaking the fourth wall. Even after rolling credits, the discoveries don’t stop, as the game continues to unfold in unexpected and mind-blowing ways. The sheer density of mysteries, optional content, and deeper mechanics makes this an absolute paradise for completionists and puzzle enthusiasts alike.
Outstanding
90
Classic Score
Conclusions
Animal Well isn’t just another Metroidvania—it’s a new genre unto itself. From its ingenious mechanics to its meticulously crafted world, it constantly rewards curiosity and out-of-the-box thinking. It’s an absolute must-play for puzzle lovers, Metroidvania fans, or anyone who enjoys games that dare to be different. This is Hall of Fame material, a game that redefines its genre and sets a new standard for how deep an experience can truly go.
Animal Well
Animal Well (Cross-platform, 2024)
Badge Cabinet
Release date: Thursday 9th May 2024
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
Published by: Bigmode
Developed by: Shared Memory
Genres: Platformer, Puzzle, Metroidvania
Trait Chart
Story Drive 📖 3/20
Accessibility 🚪 15/20
Depth 🤿 10/20
Challenge 💀 17/20
Duration ⌛ 14/20
Freedom 🌎 14/20
Review Scores
5xCDF
Fouttaf Score
Dimension: 5
If you’re raising an eyebrow at a 5/9 scope rating for an indie game, think again. While its presentation screams indie, its ambition is on another level. Crafting a map this vast, detailed, and brimming with secrets is already impressive, but what truly blows minds is how the items interact and feed into the platforming and puzzle mechanics.
The Flair: C
Visually and aurally, Animal Well nails its eerie and mysterious atmosphere. The game constantly evokes a sense of unease, making every dark corner feel like it’s hiding something. The creepy yet charming pixel-art creatures add personality, and while it’s far from a technical powerhouse, the art direction is purposeful and effective. That said, the real ambition here isn’t in flashy visuals or over-the-top set pieces, but rather in the depth of its gameplay and world-building.
The Feel: D
It’s rare to see a game where each layer reinforces the others this well. Unlike most Metroidvanias, there’s no combat, but the game doesn’t need it. The puzzle-platforming stands strong on its own, and the sheer depth of interactions between items and the environment makes every discovery feel earned. Each tool you acquire doesn’t just unlock new areas—it reshapes how you approach the entire game, creating a sense of progression that feels both organic and exhilarating. If there’s one misstep, it’s in the save and life system, which feels somewhat inconsistent. The manual save points act more like respawn locations than true save files, making it confusing to understand what progress is actually preserved. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it does take some getting used to.
The Fuel: F
As if Animal Well weren’t already packed with content, it layers on even more secrets for players who refuse to stop digging. It’s not just about finding hidden areas—it’s about peeling back layer after layer of increasingly cryptic puzzles, some of which go beyond the game itself and flirt with breaking the fourth wall. Even after rolling credits, the discoveries don’t stop, as the game continues to unfold in unexpected and mind-blowing ways. The sheer density of mysteries, optional content, and deeper mechanics makes this an absolute paradise for completionists and puzzle enthusiasts alike.
Conclusions

Animal Well isn’t just another Metroidvania—it’s a new genre unto itself. From its ingenious mechanics to its meticulously crafted world, it constantly rewards curiosity and out-of-the-box thinking. It’s an absolute must-play for puzzle lovers, Metroidvania fans, or anyone who enjoys games that dare to be different. This is Hall of Fame material, a game that redefines its genre and sets a new standard for how deep an experience can truly go.

Outstanding
90
Classic Score