10 Best Games Like Animal Well

Explore an interconnected, twisted labyrinth as a blob in search of secrets and the unknown. At times, drop-dead gorgeous, others, haunting, Animal Well constantly has surprising twists and turns in store for fans of the platforming genre. But what other games can you play once you’ve put down the controller? Well, check out the best games like Animal Well that offer the best alternatives out there.

10. A Void Hope

One of Animal Well’s best features is its art style, and A Void Hope matches that with its stunning retro-inspired pixel art. Beyond visuals, though, A Void Hope sets out to put your puzzle-platforming skills to the test. It weaves dark themes and atmospheric narration to deliver an experience worth checking out. Follow the adventures of the tormented couple, Gilda and Keegan, and bring back the cure to a city on the brink of destruction.

9. Perspectrum

The elements, water, ice, lava, and acid, are at your disposal to do with it as you please. Perspectrum gives you power over the elements, manipulating them to combat enemies, solve puzzles and survive long enough to see the surface of treacherous dungeons. It’s a unique game for the sole reason of performing clever element shifts that manipulate the world around you. But more so, and in common with Animal Well, for the constant sense of dread and escapism intertwined.

8. Outbuddies

If you’re looking to pump up the action, then Outbuddies is the right game for you. It takes you to the deep seas to take on strange creatures and remnants of a lost world. You’ll run and gun, as you explore a city under the sea. Many of the elements and surroundings in Outbuddies will be strikingly otherworldly. It’s made even more apparent by the exciting retro, NES-like color palette and intricately detailed sprites. While the gameplay can start off slow, it picks up pace, culminating in a clever and innovative system worth trying.

7. Dream Alone

Three parts platforming, horror, and story, Dream Alone juggles them relatively well. It kicks off with a mystery that has put all but a young boy into a coma. The boy sets out to uncover the curse that has befallen his people. He traverses 2D platforms, evading deadly traps and delicate ground reminiscent of Limbo. Thanks to excellent lighting, you’re constantly at the edge of your seat, navigating a world seemingly unable to cooperate.

6. Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Ori and the Will of the Wisps excels in nearly every element that matters. Its world is sprawling with exotic life and towering enemies. You’ll encounter challenging puzzles that keep you on your toes. Meanwhile, the art style looks stunning, hand-painted to perfection. While on the quest to discover Ori’s destiny, you’ll tinker around with spells, weapons, and attacks, varied and upgradeable, alongside dash, grapple, and leap abilities to power through a grueling but worthwhile journey.

5. Spelunky 2

Well received by the masses, Spelunky 2 picks up from its predecessor, building on tried-and-tested gameplay. It infuses unique and randomized challenges in a roguelike structure that remains ever-refreshing with each run. Furthermore, you can explore Spelunky 2’s multiplayer mode, and unlock even more fun ways to take on the deep underground perilous caves standing in your way. From deadly traps to hidden treasure, and wild mysteries, Spelunky 2 constantly intrigues, thanks to an Indiana Jones twist on platforming.

4. Hallow Knight

Hollow Knight may shine its spotlight on an insectoid warrior, yet he certainly proves a protagonist not to be messed with. Explore the fallen kingdom of Hallownest, uncovering the mysteries behind a supernatural plague. Being a Metroidvania, you’ll venture out into interconnected worlds. From ancient cities to twisting caverns, Hollow Knight’s world grows in width and depth the more you explore. Meanwhile, watch out for deadly traps, solve challenging puzzles, and battle tainted creatures out for blood. Moreover, you’re free to explore the game however you want, constantly unlocking new items to keep your run-through fresh and engaging. 

3. La-Mulana

Next up is La-Mulana, an “archaeological exploration” game whose graphics take after classic MSX games. Platforming quickly puts up a strong challenge, but stick with it, and it’ll get easier with time. Like Spelunky 2, La-Mulana also draws inspiration from Indiana Jones. It places challenging puzzles and deadly traps in the way between you and coveted treasure. Some puzzles will downright set out to gut you, leaving you scratching your head for what seems like hours. However, like Indiana Jones, you’ll brave through the storm, and reap the fruits of a well-earned mystery and puzzle-solving adventure.

2. Emuurom

Emuuron, on the other hand, finds the perfect balance between challenge and casual gameplay. It uses a simple yet relaxing art style that cushions your journey into the virtual world of the Emuurom creatures. It’s a perfect game if you’re looking for a non-violent Metroidvania, with the core gameplay requiring scanning Emuurom creatures. Documenting the fascinating creatures of the game will have you exploring the depths and heights of its ancient paradise. In a neat twist, the information you collect about the Emuuroms also allows you to create new paths forward. As a result, Emuurom opens up into a deeper mythical adventure that constantly surprises.

1. Celeste

Grappling relevant societal issues with emotionally-driven, single-player platforming adventure, Celeste handles itself pretty graciously. It delivers an all-around compelling adventure that pushes your platforming skills to the limits. Firstly, you’ll play through intricate level design with innovative mechanics and physics that elevate the mechanics a notch higher than most other games out there. But even more so, it infuses the themes of depression and anxiety in the story and gameplay, allowing you to face your fears across its increasing difficulty, and, in the end, overcome the challenges you may be facing, in-game or in real life.

So, what’s your take? Do you agree with our best games like Animal Well? Are there more games we should know about? Let us know over on our socials here.