Animal Well is a popular indie game that has been making waves in the gaming community recently. Despite being marketed as a Metroidvania by some, many players and critics argue that it doesn’t truly fit the genre’s conventions.

For those unfamiliar with the term, Metroidvania refers to a subgenre of action-adventure games that are characterized by interconnected levels, exploration, and unlocking new abilities to progress through the game world. This formula was popularized by the Metroid and Castlevania video game series.

Animal Well, on the other hand, diverges from the traditional Metroidvania structure in several key ways. Firstly, the game lacks a large, interconnected world for players to explore and traverse. Instead, levels are smaller and more linear in nature, with discrete objectives that must be completed in a linear fashion.

Additionally, while Metroidvania games typically feature a progression system where players unlock new abilities that allow them to access previously inaccessible areas, Animal Well’s progression is more straightforward. Players are given all the tools they need to complete levels from the start, with no new abilities or upgrades to unlock.

Despite these differences, Animal Well has still garnered a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim for its charming art style, tight gameplay mechanics, and engaging level design. Players are drawn to the game’s whimsical world and unique characters, as well as its challenging puzzles and platforming sections.

Overall, while Animal Well may not strictly adhere to the traditional conventions of the Metroidvania genre, it still offers a compelling and enjoyable gaming experience for players looking for a fun and engaging platformer. So, whether you’re a die-hard Metroidvania fan or simply enjoy well-crafted indie games, Animal Well is definitely worth checking out.