Key information
Kyle Thompson expands his portfolio of accessible Metroidvania titles with Well Dweller, following previous works like Crypt Custodian, Islets, and Sheepo. The reviewer considers this new release the developer's most charming adventure yet, combining a dark fairy tale premise with adorable animal characters and genuine heart.
Players control a small crow named Glimmer equipped with a tiny match, starting with basic jumping and invulnerable sliding abilities. As exploration deepens and bosses are defeated, Glimmer unlocks gliding, wall climbing, a ranged matchstick attack that can form platforms, and small bombs, with each skill serving both combat and platforming purposes.
The reviewer praises the campaign's approachability for players less skilled in dodge-heavy games, citing clear visual telegraphs for enemy attacks and a match brightness health indicator. However, healing is cited as a frustrating exception because it requires timing a meter precisely rather than utilizing a simple button press, especially during late-game boss fights.
Spanning a large map filled with collectibles, hidden story pages, and trinkets, the main campaign offers an efficient progression that feels respectful of the player's time. The reviewer spent about nine hours exploring the game, which is available across multiple platforms including the Switch, PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, and Switch 2.
