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Play OverviewPlay Overview

Downwell (2015) is a vertically scrolling platform game where you frantically shoot snail-like enemies to gain points and upgrades. You will die frequently, but that's part of the fun. Each go, you have a chance to learn from what went wrong last time as you hone not only your reactions but your knowledge of how the game works.

You play Welltaro who decides to explore the depths of the well in a local park. He finds monsters lurking and straps on his gun boots to start his trip downwards. You kill enemies with three basic controls: left and right movement, jump, and fire down while jumping. This unusually simple control scheme matches the stripped-back visuals that are made of just three colours. The art style draws on the games Spelunky, Cave Story and Rick Dangerous before them.

The well is different each time you play but you always find an increasingly difficult set of enemies, most of which can either be shot with or stomped on. Later on, you meet foes who are resistant to being stomped and can only be killed with bullets. During the descent, you can find time pausing "time voids", which often lead to caves that provide a large amount of gems, or alternate weapons. After each set of three levels, you get a choice of three upgrades for the next challenge. You can also buy ammo upgrades or shop purchases.

On the Switch and PlayStation Vita version of the game, you can play in portrait mode which enables the screen to match the orientation of the deep well and enhances the experience considerably.

Our examiner, Andy Robertson, first checked Downwell 3 years ago. It was re-examined by Jo Robertson and updated 8 months ago.
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Play StylePlay Style

This is an Action and Platform game with Shooting elements. This is a single-player game.

DurationDuration

Play Time: This game will take between 7 hours and 9 hours to complete. Although it will take upwards of 30 hours to really master the game.

Age RatingsAge Ratings

Content Rating

Rated PEGI 7+ for violence that lacks any apparent harm or injury to fantasy creatures. As players move vertically down a well, they shoot fantasy creatures with bullets from their boots. The final boss is a big fantasy character that explodes upon death. Graphics are very pixelated, toning down the impact of the overall violence.

Rated for younger players in Australia. Rated General (G) for Very Mild Violence.

CostsCosts

Downwell usually costs £2.49 to £3.99.
 

Downwell

XBox Store Xbox One £2.49
PlayStation Store PS4 £3.99
Steam Store PC £2.49
Switch Store Switch £2.69
There are no additional in-game purchases, loot boxes, adverts or subscription costs.

DetailsGame Details

Release Date: 15/10/2015

Out Now: Android, PC, PS Vita, PS4 and Switch

Players: 1

Genres: Action, Platform and Shooting

Accessibility: 9 features

Components: 2D Side-On and Pixels

Developer: Ojiro Fumoto (@OjiroFumoto)


Taming Gaming Book Written by parents for parents, the database complements the in-depth discussion about video game addiction, violence, spending and online safety in the Taming Gaming book. We are an editorially independent, free resource without adverts that is supported by partnerships.

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