Animal Well: Step into a stunning and adorable world

WEB DESK: “Animal Well” recently debuted to the delight of gamers everywhere on Thursday. As a Metroidvania puzzle game, its trailer alone generated significant excitement, even trending on Google—an impressive feat for an independent project. But what exactly is Animal Well, and why has it captured everyone’s attention?

Developed by Shared Memory and published by Bigmode, “Animal Well” is available on Windows, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch platforms, offering players a single-player experience set in a dark labyrinth teeming with fantastical animals.

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The mastermind behind Animal Well is Billy Basso, an independent game developer whose passion project took seven years to come to fruition. As per his own social media accounts, Basso’s background includes stints at Level Ex, NetherRealm Studios, and Phosphor Studios.

Meanwhile, according to Moby Games, he founded Shared Memory in 2020 in the city of Chicago, United States (US). Prior to diving into game development, Basso freelanced as a video editor from 2007 to 2012.

In Animal Well, players navigate challenges reminiscent of classic 90s games like Sonic and Mario, but with cooler physics—especially notable in the yoyo mechanics, which Basso, a yoyo enthusiast since childhood, meticulously crafted. The game’s trailer alone sparked excitement, offering a whimsical glimpse into an otherworldly environment inhabited by space-faring animals.

Despite its 2D format, Animal Well boasts stunning graphics and scenery, immersing players in its visually captivating world. The game’s flashy neon graphics add to its spectacle without overwhelming the players’ senses, drawing comparisons to Rain World for its animation style.

While “Animal Well” evokes hints of nostalgia, it does so in a refreshing manner, avoiding the pitfalls of nostalgia bait. Pixel art enthusiasts particularly appreciate the game’s intricate designs, an art form that in recent years has grown into dedicated communities celebrating its complexity on various online platforms, including a thriving subreddit.

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Ultimately, “Animal Well” offers a fresh take on the gaming landscape, breaking away from formulaic clichés that saturate the entertainment industry. It’s a testament to Basso’s dedication and creativity, providing gamers with an innovative and captivating experience amidst a sea of familiar tropes in movies, nostalgic remakes, and gaming trends.