Well Dweller Surprises Critics - New Metroidvania Launches Today on Game Pass

Well Dweller, with a 91% critic rating, will be released on September 23rd for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC, and will be available on Xbox Game Pass from day one.

Well Dweller is a 2D action-adventure metroidvania from Kyle Thompson and publisher Top Hat Studios. The main character is Glimmer, a small bird living at the bottom of a well, embarking on a dangerous journey against an evil queen. The hero's main tool is a match, used as both a light source and a weapon.

Critics particularly highlight the atmosphere, world design, hand-drawn graphics, animations, music, and humor. The gameplay also received praise: new abilities unlock previously inaccessible areas, and the world is filled with secrets and additional challenges. Boss battles and the unusual use of the match are also specifically noted.

Among the drawbacks, journalists mention occasional difficulty spikes, sometimes frustrating combat, and the need to re-traverse familiar locations.