It’s been weeks since I finished Animal Well and I still can’t get it out of my mind. I’m using the word ‘finished’ pretty liberally here. I beat the final ‘boss’ (another word I’m using liberally), saw the credits roll, and even went back to fully explore the world, uncovering every last pixel on the map in that oh-so-satisfying Metroidvania way. And yet, I know there’s still so much more to find.

Animal Well’s secrets run incredibly deep, and every discovery leads to new opportunities. That’s partly why I can’t shake it now. Its unsolved mysteries cling to me, demanding to be resolved. A word of caution: once you enter the Animal Well, you might never leave.

I’ve been infatuated with Animal Well since I first saw it years ago at PAX. Developer Billy Basso’s seven-year solo project is one of the most stunning pixel art games I’ve ever seen. The way he uses reflections and light to give depth and dimension to each environment is masterful, creating a mood that’s as serene and peaceful as it is foreboding and hostile. The juxtaposition in tone is reinforced by its music and sound design: A synth-y, dreamy, arhythmic score layered on top of the ambient symphony of nature. Water dripping, wings flapping, the pitter-patter of squirrels’ and rabbits’ little feet, a disembodied dog demon that chases you endlessly - Animal Well’s vibe is singular. If you get it, you won’t be able to get enough of it.