Animal Well rekindles the mystery of Metroidvanias

Last week, YouTube gaming’s last remaining let’s player VideoGameDunkey announced a release date for Animal Well this spring. At PAX East 2024, the game was playable in demo form following that announcement on PS5 and Steam Deck. Animal Well is the first indie published under Bigmode, and developed by former Netherealm employee Billy Basso‘s Shared Memory.

Go big mode

While Dunkey has done wonders for propelling attention onto it, I have no doubt that Animal Well would have found its audience on its own. That said, with the added platform of a popular YouTuber, Basso’s work on this game has more eyes on the well deserved excellence in game design presented in this demo. The story contents of the game still remain a mystery, but we do know is player’s control a blob. That blob gets to interact with animals and a lot of mysterious creatures as it descends the fascinating caves.

Anyone who is a sucker for a good Metroidvania (hello, welcome to my home) will immediately recognize the genre staples. Old people like me will think of the likes of Metroid II, for example. Namely, for its use of minimalist, dark, retro aesthetic and lonesome sound design. However, with the way Animal Well applies quality of life updates like map and UI deeply implemented physics will make the new guard of the genre reminisce on Hollow Knight as they play.

Stay a while

The caves of Animal Well’s world are vibrant and luminescent with neon and pastel colors contrasting against dark backgrounds. In those caves, players navigate the world to unlock new paths and procure new abilities and resources. The main mechanics shown in the timed demo requires navigating and weaving in and around subtle entryways. The routs lead to switches to unlock doorways, pull hand cranks to levy a platform for crossing, and narrow tunnels. Instead of weapons, players throw fireworks at spirits and ghouls to banish them with light. The vibe of the game can be picked up on immediately, and Basso clearly understands the appeal of the genre. Animal Well has an energy that makes you feel alone in a meditative way. This allows time to carefully explore leading to the unearthing of secrets and pathways.

All this is covered with a veneer of a literal CRT filter to complete the vibe. When mentioned in conversation with Basso, he expressed interest in using the filter to immerse players in the art direction. He noted the difference between retro games and the pixel perfect indies in the Metroidvania genre when it began its resurgence a decade ago. We believe this paid off in spades.

We demoed the game on both PS5 and Steam Deck, and were amazed by the polished and familiar feel right from the start. It leaves a first impression, and genuinely makes you feel nostalgic for something completely new.

Animal Well is set to release on May 9 of this year and will be available on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch and Steam.