85
CRITIK
Animal Well
What lurks beneath the surface of this deceptively minimalistic adventure? In Animal Well there is more than what you see. Explore a dense interconnected labyrinth, and unravel its many secrets. Collect items to manipulate your environment in surprising and meaningful ways. Encounter creatures both beautiful and unsettling, and try to survive what lurks in the dark.
Critik
Scorecard
CLOSE ALL
Story and Narrative
85
The Story of Animal Well captivates with its mysterious and unique narrative praised as both bizarre and beautiful, featuring a blend of life and death elements. Critics laud its dense world filled with mysteries and strange rituals, offering endless playfulness. While some find the non-linear storytelling and minimalistic narrative challenging, these aspects also make the game stand out, allowing for individual interpretation and engagement. Overall, the game's focus on exploration and discovery in a surreal world has garnered overwhelming positive feedback, immersing players in a captivating experience that prioritizes uncovering secrets and mystery.
Show more
Gameplay
91
Critics rave about Animal Well's gameplay, lauding its innovative Metroidvania approach with a focus on exploration, puzzles, and platforming over combat. While some find the lack of traditional fighting a drawback, most appreciate the game's unique mechanics, challenging puzzles, and player agency. Overall, reviewers hail Animal Well for its engaging, rewarding, and fresh take on the genre, making it a standout title in the gaming world.
Show more
Graphics and Visual Design
90
Critics rave about Animal Well's stunning pixel art, detailed environments, and immersive world design, praising its visual aesthetics and thematic zones for different animal species. While some reviewers criticized certain areas for feeling bland or unsettling due to the 8-bit aesthetic, the general consensus is overwhelmingly positive. Overall, Animal Well delivers a visually captivating and creatively crafted experience that enhances gameplay and immersion, making it a standout in the gaming world.
Show more
Music and Sound Design
85
Critics rave about Animal Well's sound design and music, praising its ability to create an immersive and eerie atmosphere. While some critics wanted more music, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive. The game's haunting soundscapes and immersive audio elements have been compared to Twin Peaks, enhancing exploration and tension. Animal Well's exceptional sound design is a standout feature that significantly adds to its appeal.
Show more
Voice Acting
Analysis Unavailable
NA
Description unavailable
Show more
Technical Performance
73
Critics praise Animal Well for stable performance on Nintendo Switch and seamless experience on PC, highlighting forgiving gameplay and unique design. However, some reviewers note minor issues like softlocks and checkpoint problems on PC. Overall, the game offers an enjoyable experience with minor technical hiccups across platforms, receiving positive feedback for its gameplay and design innovation.
Show more
Replay Value
84
Critics rave about Animal Well's replay value, praising its abundance of secrets, collectibles, and intricate level design that encourage exploration. While some mention potential drawbacks like post-game engagement and pacing issues, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive. The game's focus on hidden secrets, challenging puzzles, and community collaboration for 100% completion offer a rewarding and engaging experience, making it a must-play for completionists and exploration enthusiasts alike.
Show more
Overall Verdict
Animal Well receives overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics praising its engaging gameplay, immersive world, and intricate design. Despite minor criticisms about difficulty spikes and lack of checkpoints, the consensus is that it's a standout title in the Metroidvania genre, challenging players and rewarding creativity. A must-play for fans of the genre seeking a memorable and rewarding gaming experience.
Show more
85
CRITIK
Reviews
69 reviews found100
Noisypixel.net
May 9, 2024
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Animal Well is praised as a masterpiece that challenges players with its complexity and rewards creativity and perseverance.
Read full review
100
Destructoid.com
May 9, 2024
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Animal Well is praised for its enchanting world, satisfying gameplay, and indie charm. The reviewer recommends embracing the game for its immersive experience and gameplay mechanics.
Read full review
100
Nintendolife.com
May 9, 2024
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Animal Well excels in delivering a unique and meticulously crafted Metroidvania experience that prioritizes exploration and puzzle-solving, offering a visually stunning world with exceptional sound design and long-term replay value.
Read full review
100
Eurogamer.net
May 9, 2024
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Animal Well is a mesmerizing and maddening game that evokes singular, odd, rich, and well-chosen ideas, offering a range of magical elements clipped together in a satisfying manner, providing a deep and astonishing experience.
Read full review
92
Hobbyconsolas.com
May 9, 2024
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Considered one of the most interesting indie games of 2024, offering a fresh take on the metroidvania genre with captivating gameplay and an immersive world.
Read full review
91
Atomix.vg
May 14, 2024
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Recommended as a magical and memorable experience, best enjoyed by diving in without prior knowledge.
Read full review
90
Metro.co.uk
May 10, 2024
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Animal Well is praised as one of the best games of the year, offering a uniquely different experience in the Metroidvania genre with fantastic design and visuals, despite minor issues with difficulty spikes.
Read full review
90
Ign.com
May 9, 2024
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Animal Well is highly praised for its intellectual challenge, intricate design, immersive world, and deep replay value, with minor quibbles related to the hunt for secrets and potential frustration in puzzle-solving.
Read full review
90
Godisageek.com
May 10, 2024
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Animal Well is praised for its uniqueness, lack of combat, freedom, and striking visuals, making it a must-play game despite minor issues.
Read full review
90
Butwhytho.net
May 9, 2024
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Animal Well is praised for its gorgeous art style, unique gameplay, and uncompromising vision. While it may not appeal to all players due to its challenging design and lack of hand-holding, those who appreciate its strengths will find it a memorable experience.
Read full review