Downwell Reviews

Downwell is ranked in the 91st percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
GameSpew
Top Critic
6 / 10
May 29, 2016

There's no sense of character upgrade or progression; any improvements made are strictly to your own skill. And if you want to get far in Downwell, then you'll need to practice your skill a lot

Read full review

May 30, 2016

Downwell truly feels like a classic NES game both in aesthetics and in difficulty, which paired with incredibly addictive gameplay makes the under $5 Downwell at least worth giving a try.

Read full review

Drew Leachman
Top Critic
9 / 10.0
May 31, 2016

It's not a game you play hours on end, but definitely something that can be enjoyed for small chunks in between games, and for that cheap price, it fits right in with the entire rougelike nature of the game. It's a small, fun, and easy addiction that many will really enjoy all for a cheap price.

Read full review

9.5 / 10.0
Jun 1, 2016

Downwell is pretty much the best mobile game on the go for the Vita. If the iOS controls were better, I wouldn't have felt the need to make the platform jump. But it plays so well on the Vita, it's practically perfect.

Read full review

7.5 / 10.0
Jun 2, 2016

A frenzied pace, a deep gameplay and a high level of difficulty: these are the ingredients of Downwell, a solid and billiant videogame, which is still unable to get completely rid of its mobile origins, though.

Review in Italian | Read full review

80 / 100
Jun 4, 2016

There is no better feeling than leaping off a platform and, for what seems like several seconds, not getting stopped by the level's geometry and managing to dodge the oncoming wave of bats, ghosts, and wall crawlers.

Read full review

9 / 10
Jun 28, 2016

I had a ton of fun doing this Downwell review. I enjoyed the game on my iPhone, but the physical controls, cross-buy (buy it on PS4 and you'll get the Vita version and vice-versa) and it's full trophy count make this the definitive version of the game. Downwell is only $4.99, and it's well worth its asking price considering it has endless replay value.

Read full review

Jul 13, 2016

I can't say I exactly enjoy Downwell, as it's really not my kind of game, but the design and style of the game nevertheless has me playing it over and over again. It's addictive, it's charming in its retro design, and it absolutely has the "just one more go" thing about it that can turn a short play session into a marathon.

Read full review

Jul 25, 2016

In summary, I spent a good 6 or so hours playing Downwell, and am happy I did so. While it’s frustrating to not have beaten the boss yet, I do recognize roguelikes aren’t known for holding player’s hands. But if I can beat Mega Satan on The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth twice, I will beat this horror at least once. I would definitely recommend Downwell highly to any fan of retro, or even any Steam user looking for a lot of bang for very little buck. Moppin has truly made a classic experience in Downwell, and I look forward to their next descent into madness!

Read full review

Yes
Jul 6, 2018
Beyond Dead - Downwell video thumbnail
3.5 / 5.0
Jul 7, 2018

An inexpensive time waster, but a time waster nonetheless. Still, it’s enjoyable for the short time it’ll keep your attention and it makes me crave a win. Though I also doubt I ever will gain one.

Read full review

8.5 / 10.0
Jan 31, 2019

If you’re looking for something that’s quick to pick up and put down (you know, a great mobile experience) Downwell is a great and challenging option...

Read full review

Edmond Tran
Top Critic
8 / 10
Jan 31, 2019

Challenging, accessible and engaging. Downwell is a focused action-platformer done well.

Read full review

9 / 10.0
Jan 31, 2019

After years of hearing how cool Downwell is, it's great to see just how fantastic it really is. It's a straightforward, no-nonsense masterclass in design where it's super easy to sit down with the intention of playing for five minutes and walk away a dozen runs and more than an hour later. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got some gun boots to fire off so I can get to the bottom of this well.

Read full review

9 / 10
Jan 31, 2019

This is an excellent port of a game that feels like it's found a natural home on Switch thanks to a plethora of control options and the console's natural facility with vertical orientation. Short of popping your 4K TV on its side, Switch offers the very best way to play Downwell. Its roguelike structure and twitch platforming might not be for everyone, but you should really give it a chance. For our money, it's a modern classic that should be in everyone's collection.

Read full review

Jan 31, 2019

It is simultaneously a huge amount of fun to play and one of the trickiest games to master.

Read full review

Digitally Downloaded
Harvard L.
Top Critic
Feb 1, 2019

I definitely don’t regret the download – even though my Switch is bloated full of titles, I can see myself always coming back to Downwell whenever I need to fill a short five to ten minutes.

Read full review

9 / 10.0
Feb 1, 2019

Downwell's Switch port proves that, no matter the platform, it's one of the most addictive and rewarding shooter platformers out there with its price point making it feel like an absolute steal.

Read full review

9 / 10
Feb 4, 2019

Downwell finally made it to Switch and it’s found the best place to play. The Switch has done it again.

Read full review

Feb 6, 2019

For the price of a cup of coffee it’s hard to deny that Downwell is a great addition to the Switch’s ever growing library of popular indie titles. Downwell has been around since 2015 but this version on Nintendo’s console feels like a fresh addition to the roster.

Read full review