Game reviews / Animal Well
Animal Well
2024 · PC · PlayStation 5 · Nintendo Switch · Metroidvania · Puzzle-platformer · Adventure
6 scored sources · 2 countries contributing scores
Review consensus
Animal Well is a remarkably dense, atmospheric Metroidvania that replaces conventional combat with exploration, environmental puzzles, and layered discovery. Critics consistently praise its inventive tools, precise platforming, haunting pixel-art presentation, and the way familiar items reveal unexpected uses. Its compact world is packed with secrets that continue well beyond the credits, giving the game unusual longevity for a small indie release. The main drawbacks are equally consistent: minimal direction can leave players circling or stuck, and late-game backtracking and map limitations can make completionist hunting frustrating. Even so, its mystery and depth make it an exceptional puzzle-driven adventure.
Limited geographic coverage. Treat this score as an early indication.
Last researched: 2026-09-23
Pros
- Inventive tools and environmental puzzles
- Atmospheric pixel art, lighting, and sound design
- Large number of secrets and substantial post-game content
- Precise, satisfying platforming
Cons
- Minimal direction can cause confusion or aimless wandering
- Backtracking and late-game secret hunting can become tedious
- Map and navigation tools are not always sufficient
Review sources
7 sources found across 2 countries. This is not exhaustive worldwide coverage.
- GamesRadar+ · United Kingdom · 80/100
- Nintendo Life · United Kingdom · 100/100
- PC Gamer · United Kingdom · 90/100
- Push Square · United Kingdom · 80/100
- Destructoid · United States
- Game Informer · United States · 90/100
- Shacknews · United States · 90/100