Summary
- Release Year: 2015
- Genres: Adventure, Arcade, Indie, Platform, Shooter
- Platforms: Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita
- Developers: Moppin
- Publishers: Devolver Digital
Downwell: A Roguelike Platformer with Guns for Boots
Downwell is a roguelike platformer developed by Ojiro Fumoto and published by Devolver Digital. It was released for Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and iOS in 2015.
The player controls a young man with guns for boots who descends down a well in search of untold treasures. The well is filled with nasty creatures and mysterious secrets, and the player must use their guns to blast their way through the hordes of enemies.
Downwell is a challenging game, but it is also fair. The controls are simple and responsive, and the player is always in control of their character. The game’s difficulty comes from the randomly generated levels, which means that the player never knows what to expect.
One of the things that makes Downwell so unique is its art style. The game is rendered in a beautiful pixel art style that is both charming and retro. The character designs are simple but expressive, and the environments are full of detail.
The soundtrack to Downwell is also excellent. The music is composed by Eirik Suhrke, and it perfectly captures the game’s atmosphere. The music is both haunting and beautiful, and it helps to create a sense of tension and excitement.
Downwell has been praised by critics for its innovative gameplay, beautiful art style, and excellent soundtrack. The game has won numerous awards, including the Independent Games Festival Award for Excellence in Visual Art.
Gameplay
Downwell is a roguelike platformer. This means that the game is procedurally generated, which means that the levels are different every time you play. The player controls a young man with guns for boots who descends down a well in search of untold treasures. The player must use their guns to blast their way through the hordes of enemies that stand in their way.
The player can shoot in eight directions, and they can also use their boots to jump and dash. The player must use all of their skills to navigate the procedurally generated levels and defeat the game’s challenging bosses.
Downwell is a difficult game, but it is also fair. The controls are simple and responsive, and the player is always in control of their character. The game’s difficulty comes from the randomly generated levels, which means that the player never knows what to expect.
Art style
Downwell is rendered in a beautiful pixel art style that is both charming and retro. The character designs are simple but expressive, and the environments are full of detail. The game’s art style is reminiscent of classic arcade games, but it also has a unique and modern feel.
Soundtrack
The soundtrack to Downwell is also excellent. The music is composed by Eirik Suhrke, and it perfectly captures the game’s atmosphere. The music is both haunting and beautiful, and it helps to create a sense of tension and excitement.
Reception
Downwell has been praised by critics for its innovative gameplay, beautiful art style, and excellent soundtrack. The game has won numerous awards, including the Independent Games Festival Award for Excellence in Visual Art.
Conclusion
Downwell is a fantastic roguelike platformer that is both challenging and rewarding. The game’s simple but addictive gameplay, beautiful art style, and excellent soundtrack make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Review Score
9/10