Well Dweller is a highly anticipated indie title that blends grim fairy tale stories with the unity and love of family ties. The result is a captivating game that utilises some well-trodden mechanics. Moreover, it is brilliantly atmospheric, fun, and enjoyable to experience.
Kyle Thompson developed this dark Metroidvania, and Top Hat Studios, Inc. published it. It is a single-player title that tests your accuracy, memory, and eye for detail. It also features a range of huge bosses and plenty of cute characters. Subsequently, though there is danger and death around every corner, there is a sliver of light to fill you with hope.
Well Dweller tells a cruel tale.
The idea that a fairy tale princess can be cruel is almost unheard of. However, Well Dweller runs with this awful idea! The princess is a brutal and heartless beast. As she ages, her desire to collect every bird’s feather has disastrous consequences. As Queen, she desires a bird-feather gown. This decimates the bird population, and only Glimmer, a tiny bird, can stop this demented ruler and save the day.
The story is wonderfully integrated into the core action. As Glimmer explores their vast and grim world, they must rescue their family as well as some of the tiny inhabitants. Each creature reminds you of the fragile nature of the Queen’s reign, and the huge bosses add a layer of danger to an ever-changing and dangerous world.
Familiarity and some fresh ideas.
Well Dweller is an atypical Metroidvania. There is plenty of exploration, interconnected rooms, and ability-gated progression. This may annoy haters of the genre, but I enjoyed the vast world, the exceptional abilities, and the nicely balanced approach. The map is massive, and it should have been overwhelming. Yet, it wasn’t. The ability to fast travel between save points and the helpful guidance system keep you focused on your goals.
Additionally, there are trinkets to collect to help you on your way. These rare items improve your attack power or give you more health. Moreover, they improve some of your skills. Subsequently, you’ll never feel too far out of your comfort zone.
The major difference from other games in the genre is the use of a tiny matchstick. Glimmer uses this as a weapon, a light, and a traversal tool. It is a multi-use item that kills your foes, activates switches, solves puzzles, and enables you to reach otherwise unreachable heights.
Exceptional level design.
Well Dweller offers some of the best level design I’ve witnessed. As you explore, you’ll find unique locations that match the depth of your journey. Furthermore, there are some tight and unnerving underwater elements that mix things up nicely.
The combination of different environments and obstacles keeps you thinking throughout. Moreover, the use of puzzles, traps, and precision platforming was fantastic. None of these ideas is truly testing, but the combination of each one was enough to demand a methodical and calm approach.
Well Dweller looks amazing.
The use of lighting, different environments, and hidden pathways makes Well Dweller look amazing. Additionally, each of the characters has a cute but oppressive nature. If you then consider the huge and grotesque bosses, there is a nice mixture of beauty, huge landscapes, and hideous creatures. On top of this, it runs incredibly well while offering consistent frame rates and glitch-free performance.
The high-end visuals are complemented by an exceptional soundscape. The blend of cruel tones, sombre music, and impressive sound effects helps Well Dweller stand out from the crowd. Moreover, the use of silence creates a suspenseful experience filled with danger. However, it is the uplifting moments that stick with you. The layers of family unity and the silliness of Glimmer’s friends fill you with hope and joy.
Brilliant controls.
When precision platforming is a key element, the controls better be good. Thankfully, Well Dweller offers some of the tightest controls I’ve experienced. Additionally, the layout is intuitive, and the UI is well designed. The result is a clean and easy-to-understand game that evolves at a nice pace. Therefore, you never feel out of your depth, and it can be enjoyed by newcomers and genre veterans.
As with many of its peers, this hides many secrets. There are sneaky pathways, collectables, and other layers to tease and test you. Thankfully, many of these can be ignored if that isn’t your thing. But if you are a completionist or have a keen desire to explore every nook and cranny, this will scratch that explorer itch. Consequently, there is plenty to keep you coming back for more.
Well Dweller is an exceptional game!
I haven’t always been a lover of this genre, but Well Dweller has changed my mind. Although there is a lot of back and forth, and there are extremely tough precision moments, it is an exceptional game. The story, characters, level design, and well-balanced mechanics make it a joy to play. Furthermore, the different environments and incredible audio add energy to every key moment. Accordingly, it is amazing, and I recommend buying it here! Can you defy the Queen and save your family? Explore the world, solve the problems, and show your small but mighty side.
