Summary
Animal Wellhas been shadow dropped for Xbox, meaning one of 2024’s highest-rated games is now playable on Xbox Series X/S.Animal Well, developed by Shared Memory, is the first game published by Bigmode, the publishing company started by popular YouTubers Dunkey and Leahbee. It launched earlier this year on PC, Switch, and PS4 to widespread critical acclaim.
Animal Wellreviews were glowing, earning the Metroidvania game an impressive 89 overall rating from critics. Critics heaped praise on the game for its level design, clever gameplay twists, and striking art style.Animal Well’s incredible reception has helped it become not just one of the highest-rated new game releases of 2024, but one of the highest-rated Metroidvania games in history.
There’s a reason why many expectAnimal Wellto be nominated for multiple awards at The Game Awards this year, and now Xbox gamers can see what all the fuss is about.Animal Wellwas shadow-dropped on Xbox Series X/S as part of theXbox Partner Preview event, finally giving gamers on the platform the chance to play one of the year’s best. Xbox gamers can expect theirAnimal Wellexperience to be identical to the other versions of the game.
Animal Well is Now on Xbox
While Microsoft continues to push Xbox Game Pass as the cornerstone of its gaming strategy,Animal Wellwas not announced for the service. Some may have expectedAnimal Wellto release on Xbox Game Pass since it was aday one PS Plus Extra gamewhen it debuted on PlayStation, but it seems that those interested will have to pay for it instead.
Some might assume thatAnimal Wellbeing a day one PS Plus Extra game would keep it from Xbox Game Pass, but that’s not necessarily the case. There are plenty of examples of games existing on both subscription services at once, and in fact, that has even been the case for day one releases in the past. As some may recall,Sea of Starswas a day one gamefor both PS Plus Extra and Xbox Game Pass back in the day, so it’s unclear whyAnimal Wellisn’t on the service.
Regardless,Animal Wellis certainly worth the price of admission, and sets the bar high for future games from theBigmode publishing label. It’s an incredible Metroidvania game and one of the best in the genre, so Xbox gamers shouldn’t hesitate to check it out as soon as possible.
Animal Well
WHERE TO PLAY
Hatch from your flower and spelunk through the beautiful and sometimes haunting world of Animal Well, a pixelated wonder rendered in intricate audio and visual detail. Encounter lively creatures small and large, helpful and ominous as you discover unconventional upgrades and unravel the well’s secrets. This is a truly unique experience that can make you laugh in fear, surprise, or delight.
