Animal Well: Better Than Well; It's Great

The first game released by Video Game Dunkey's Bigmode firm is called Animal Well. Dunkey himself advertises it as a hybrid between Halo 2 and Halo 3. Billy Basso is the only brilliant person who designed the game.

Animal Well sounded intriguing when I heard the hoopla, but it's not my kind of game. I don't like Metroidvania. Although I don't typically look for Metroid games, I have enjoyed several. I'm happy I finally bit and bought it after listening to an episode on the Get Played podcast.

It isn't easy to assess this game without giving away some of its fantastic features. You take control of a blob character who is exploring a maze home to various critters. To move farther and farther, you have to gather the different objects you come across. Yes, I enjoy playing games outside of GotX occasionally. However, go here to learn more about that.

Gameplay

Since it is a significant aspect of the experience, I don't want to ruin any of the things you receive. However, they are special and can be used in entertaining ways to help you solve the game's numerous riddles. This game does a fantastic job with environmental puzzles.

They can be approached in various ways and are never overly challenging. Even when I wasn't playing, my mind would be on this game and what I should do next. This isn't the only way this game will take up your time; I was constantly planning my next move in my mind.

Additionally, the platforming and movement feel excellent and tight. I never had the impression that anything was unjust or that poor controls were punishing me. Every platforming-related problem inspired me to try again. You respawn at a prior ledge; you don't take any damage while falling.

Eggs, too? Along your adventure, you will come across a wide variety of eggs strewn across the game. Although they are necessary for one of the endings and somewhat thrilling to locate, these are not important to the game.

Visuals

This game's graphics are stunning despite their simplicity. Although the surroundings are somewhat gloomy, some fantastic colours have been added in various places. This game would look great on the Switch or OLED Steam Deck.

This game demonstrates the power of basic graphics. Every time you come into a new space with a different colour scheme, it inspires you to investigate deeper to discover what else you may find. The other creatures that appear give the game a fantastic look, making it more thrilling.

Sound

The game's soundtrack is quite soothing and enjoyable. It contributes to the ambient experience of a game where the player must solve puzzles in many colorful places. The experience makes me think of the Tetris Effect or Lumines, where the vibrant graphics and music captivate you.

The Endings

This game is said to have three possible endings. There are two more endings, but I only have the first one. There is an actual ending for collecting everything and a third ending, but the one I received was just the standard one for finishing the game.

Every game contains a puzzle piece that transforms it into an ARG. There are fifty parts in all, and to finish the problem, you must work with others to find the piece they hold. There are a lot of secrets in the game that you haven't yet discovered.

Basso has concealed a great deal of information in this game. He has been said to possess secrets that he doubts anyone will ever discover. As you conduct research and collaborate with others online to uncover everything, this game has the potential to take over your life.

Overall

Video games should be like this experience. You should enjoy them and think about them all the time. Only one individual was able to produce such a magnificent work of art. This game is for you if you're feeling overwhelmed by the latest AAA releases and need a change of pace. Get this game as a favour to yourself.