Downwell Reviews

Downwell is ranked in the 91st percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
10 / 10.0
Oct 20, 2015

These are the kind of things you learn as you delve deeper and deeper into Downwell's four worlds (three levels each) and they are presented intelligently. For example, the first spat of blood red enemies that you shouldn't be jumping on all have spikes, video game shorthand for danger. Later ones won't warn you so nicely. And of course there's trial and error, too, like touching a hot stove, for those who don't get it.

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9.5 / 10.0
Oct 21, 2015

It takes a damn good game to stop me from pooping, and Downwell had me in its thrall as I desperately needed that crap. Desperately.

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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.

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9.3 / 10.0
Jan 8, 2016

Easily one of Devolver Digital's best releases from last year, Downwell is an old-school delight that won't let you down in the least. It's difficult at times, but still utterly rewarding when it comes to exciting gameplay, plenty of unlockables and a right-at-home presentation for NES fans. Now we just need a console release to seal the deal.

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IGN Italy
La redazione
Top Critic
9.2 / 10.0
Dec 20, 2015

Please do yourself a favor and buy now Downwell, on PC or on iOs, wherever it suits you. This masterpiece has a thing that most of modern AAA games lack: pure fun. A wonderful shoot'em up and a love letter to the genre.

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9.1 / 10.0
Oct 23, 2015

Most purposely difficult games that have arrived in the wake of Super Meat Boy, Spelunky and Dark Souls are embodiments of a failure to understand that there's more to those games than just how hard they are, often making the only thing enjoyable about them the fleeting sense of achievement you get when you finally overcome a poorly-designed obstacle through luck or trial and error. Downwell, with its velocity and elegant simplicity, does not make that mistake. It's a difficult game, certainly, but it's also a generous one, likely providing its player with great heaps of joy for a ludicrously small time investment.

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90 / 100
Feb 22, 2019

Simple, sweet, and oh so stylish, Downwell is a perfect fit on the Switch. With its easy-to-learn controls, steep but fair difficulty, and some great looking pixel art, this is a must have for anybody wanting a little challenge on their handheld hybrid.

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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.

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May 27, 2016

Downwell is a brilliant and downright addictive addition to the PlayStation Vita's library. It's one of the best fits for the handheld, and is a pure joy to play in short bursts.

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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.

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4.5 / 5.0
Oct 21, 2015

Downwell is a fantastic arcade game from the '80s transplanted into a modern-day computer. The pixely art style and minimal color palette reinforce its influences but the animation and number of different moving parts on screen at once are nothing 80s hardware would have been able to keep up with. The interlocking gameplay elements are far smarter than they look at first glance, teaching you how to play and get better while also not being shy about killing you dead.

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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.

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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.

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4.5 / 5.0
Oct 29, 2015

A fantastic action-platformer with roguelike elements; Downwell is a pleasure to play. It's easy to pick up with a very high skill-ceiling. At such a low purchase-price it is hard not to recommend to anyone who enjoys a bit of challenging, fast and rewarding gameplay.

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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.

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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.

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9 / 10.0
Mar 4, 2019

Fall down in the endless pit of Downwell and don't be scared. Downwell has a simple and precise control scheme that everyone can cope with and at the same time it has dreadful challenges for professionals and people who enjoy this genre; A truly top-notch game.

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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!

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8.5 / 10.0
Mar 1, 2019

Downwell is fun, addictive and visually distinct vertically scrolling shooter/platformer. It's tough enough to challenge you without being too frustrating, and will scratch that retro platforming itch in a whole new way. Check it out.

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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.

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