An action-adventure game set in an atmospheric labyrinth

Animal Well is an action-adventure and exploration game set in an atmospheric world that features a number of puzzles to solve and many items to solve them with. Exploration in the game is nonlinear, which allows the player to explore wherever they want to explore and at their own pace.

This game features a pixel art style that is similar to games like Shovel Knight and Broforce. However, the gameplay style of Animal Well is a little slower-paced than those games. There is a heavy emphasis on exploration, with plenty of secrets to uncover.

A puzzle game that encourages lateral thinking

Animal Well essentially places an unpowered protagonist in a hostile world. The player must use the various items at their disposal — as well as the environment itself — to navigate the world, defeat enemies, and solve various puzzles. Outside of those puzzles, Animal Well plays like a traditional platformer for the most part, and players are encouraged to explore it in a nonlinear fashion.

Items and the environment

During the course of the game, the player must learn to manipulate their environment and use the items they find in increasingly clever ways. All of the items in the game can be used in multiple different ways, encouraging the player to experiment and try different things. Additionally, it is up to the player to decide what is dangerous and what is safe.

Suitable for experienced gamers

While Animal Well should still be enjoyable for casual players, the variety of items, nonlinear exploration element, and lack of cues about what is dangerous make the game ideally suited to skilled players who enjoy more of a challenge.