9.0
Downwell is an incredibly difficult roguelike platformer where you descend a monster-infested well and try not to die a horrible death.
Downwell
Moppin · Oct 15, 2015
About
Downwell is a curious game about a young person venturing down a well in search of untold treasures with only his Gunboots for protection. Make your way further and further down into the darkness filled with nasty creatures and mysterious secrets to collect the spectacular red gems scattered about the rocks. Step into precariously placed shops and buy some helpful items or level up between levels to battle well-dwelling monsters and uncover hidden caves filled with riches and relics. No two trips down the well are ever the same!
Trailers & screenshots
Scores by platform
Critic reviews
- Downwell is fun, addictive and visually distinct vertically scrolling shooter/platformer. It’s tough enough to challenge you without being too frustrating, and will scratch that retro platforming itch in a whole new way. Check it out.
- 8.0Ojiro Fumoto’s smartly designed arcade game loses none of its appeal on Nintendo Switch, where a variety of display options and a budget price make it an essential purchase.
- There’s not a lot else that needs to be said about the Switch version of Downwell. It’s easy to pick up and play, it’s very hard to master, and it’s very addictive. This is one of the simplest games I’ve ever played on the Switch, but also one of the most replayable games available on the system. It goes for less than three dollars on the eShop, so I can’t recommend it enough. It’s an absolute steal and a joy to play.
- Pound-for-pound (or dollar-for-dollar), Downwell is one of the Switch’s best games in its price bracket and just generally one of the system’s best games, which applies to every system that Downwell has appeared on to date. Despite being four years old this year, Downwell is still as maddeningly enticing as ever and, thanks to the multitude of ways of playing, might be at its most compelling on Switch.
- 9.0This is an excellent port of a game that feels like it’s found a natural home on Switch thanks to a plethora of control options and the console’s natural facility with vertical orientation. Short of popping your 4K TV on its side, Switch offers the very best way to play Downwell. Its roguelike structure and twitch platforming might not be for everyone, but you should really give it a chance. For our money, it’s a modern classic that should be in everyone’s collection.
Gamer reviews
Doing Well
Gameplay: 2.5 Monetization: 2.5 Replayability: 2 Atmosphere: 2.5 Score: 9.5 Personal Play Time: 3 hours Downwell ventures into the territory of vertically-scrolling roguelikes with a distinctive approach, emphasizing rapid action and inventive gunplay mechanics. Its perpetual free-fall down the treacherous well, armed only with gun boots, creates an intense, adrenaline-fueled experience. The game's standout feature lies in its varied gun mechanics, each weapon influencing the descent in unique ways. Whether stomping on foes or blasting them away, the strategic depth adds layers of satisfaction and experimentation to the gameplay. While Downwell excels in offering diverse challenges and an engaging descent, it's not without its drawbacks. Some color schemes inadvertently hinder enemy distinction, leading to unwarranted damage or unexpected deaths. Additionally, the demanding pace can disrupt the intended flow, necessitating split-second reactions that might counteract the game's natural momentum. The controls do sometimes feel a bit too close together as well (maybe I just have fat fingers). Yet, despite these minor obstacles, Downwell's fast-paced action and captivating descent create an adventure that pulls players into a gripping pixelated world. Its replay value is evident, beckoning players to refine their skills and explore its procedural levels repeatedly. At its price point of $2.99, the game's content justifies the cost, especially considering the potential for mastering speedruns. Despite its challenging aspects, Downwell remains a compelling choice for gamers seeking a heart-pounding plunge into thrilling challenges and pixelated wonders. [zf1mgolfqww](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zf1mgolfqww)
I found it really difficult to differentiate between the different objects in the game. This is a highly skill based game which will take some effort to master. But when you get those good runs it's really exciting. However, I lacked a clear goal in terms of progression. There's not really that much to chase other than a high-score.
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