Animal Well
“Animal Well is the kind of game that doesn’t really communicate very well why it’s special,” solo designer Bill Basso said in an interview. “It’s a game about secrets and holding back information, and I think that’s what makes it interesting to play, but it’s hard to market a game like that—I can’t just show the best parts.” The same goes for recommending it to others. The pixel art metroidvania looks simple and unassuming, but it’s packed with secrets and incredible moments to discover. What seems like a simple puzzle platformer is actually much more, and tight controls and masterful level design make what could end up feeling like a needlessly esoteric and exhausting journey into a thrilling and revitalizing one instead. Games like Animal Well don’t come along very often and we should cherish them when they do. — Ethan Gach
