Animal Well

Release: 2024

Developer: Billy Basso

Publisher: Bigmode

Gameplay Stats: 11 hours, all eggs, 2 endings, 20/20 achievements

Oh man, what can really be said of Animal Well without giving it away. I think this game may have been a little over hyped, but I still highly recommend. A classic example of a game that starts out looking like one thing and then becoming another. This game is a lot deeper than many games we get these days. Truly a labor of love from the creator.

The game starts as a metroid-vania in the way you get items that change how you can traverse the game, but the more you begin pushing at the seams the more you find little pockets the developer intended you to find. The game quickly becomes more of a metroid-brainia in that it rewards your creativity and attention to detail. Of note, the art and soundtrack are shockingly good. I hadn't heard any mention of them prior to starting the game and I think that's a shame. Easily a contender for my game of the year.