Animal Well Is As Good As Video Games Get (SPOILER-FREE REVIEW)

Billy Basso's "Animal Well," the first game published by KZbinr videogamedunkey's new company Bigmode, is a Metroidvania that can be best described as a mix between Halo 2 and Halo 3.
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[@ArloStuff]

I am so ridiculously happy to see that so many other people feel the same way I do. This game really is something special. Also quick note, for those reminding me that you can cycle through items using the shoulder buttons, I know. That's what I'm saying is annoying. Cycling through ten items trying to find what I need always takes me way too long. I'd like assignable hotkeys or a selection wheel.

[@paulbarth3851]

i dont know if you are aware but (on an xbox controller) pressing y brings up a inventory menu that also pauses the game, you just have to move the cursor to the item you want and close the menu

[@Gorffage]

You nailed my experience in this review. Great job explaining what I’ve struggled to communicate in why people should play this game

[@bjornelfving6751]

So happy for this is guy who spent 7 years on this. This must be one of his greatest days of his life

[@shui577]

Wait what? This game took 7 years? Where can I read more about this...

[@bjornelfving6751]

I read it in various articles and reviews. Nearly 7 years... Amazing dedication

[@kei.13]

7 years of 80-hour work weeks. And it was 100% worth it.

[@CoconutMigrating]

@@shui577 the developer is one guy, Billy Basso, who built this from scratch. He did the game engine, the graphics, the music, the puzzles all solo.

[@kerred]

I recommend indie game the movie, particularly the part when they hear the Super meat boy review

[@bheemabachus5179]

Arlo got that free loaf of Wonder Bread

[@dawsond4123]

I hope he’s thinking of deforestation when he gets that wonder bread

[@snarkycrow]

Don’t

[@ceze2907]

I'm the 1000th like!!!

[@bheemabachus5179]

@ceze2907 You get TWO loaves as a reward!

[@ceze2907]

@@bheemabachus5179 Yeah!!!

[@tinyweirdo624]

“He may be resisting arrest, but I can’t resist wishlising Animal Well on Steam.” -Dunkey

[@umaydoruk4526]

13 here

[@marcosayase]

Big publisher: we have to spend a million in marketing Dunkey: popo pipi promo video

[@EMLtheViewer]

It’s like Halo 2 meets Halo 3

[@kerred]

Just imagine the thousands of times a company tried to get dunkey to push their product for lucrative amounts of money

[@andyeleven]

they still spent money on marketing lol how do you think animal well got to conventions and nintendo videos and stuff like that?

[@gdottothegamer1001]

​@@andyelevendunkey is showing them his Mario skill. They're impressed and they let him in for free

[@grantlauzon5237]

To be fair Dunkey making a video guarantees a million views.

[@robbieharris8758]

Honestly, this game is kinda like Halo 2 and Halo 3 combined

[@furyrageguy5728]

So like Halo 5?

[@BigStrap]

oh no

[@Djindas]

​@@furyrageguy5728 yea, just use a Yu-Gi-Oh fusion card

[@joshevans3421]

Hey may 9th, that's when animal well comes out

[@mrjack3855]

​@@furyrageguy5728🤢

[@DanGamingFan2406]

Billy Basso worked so hard to make something truly special and he nailed it! This is a mastahpiece! Congrats to him and shout out to Dunkey for publishing and promoting it.

[@watershipup7101]

Very much agreed.

[@waterbullstudios9195]

The first true mastahpiece type game.

[@UltimateKyuubiFox]

@@sanic1085It’s Xbox.

[@bjgray7954]

@@sanic1085 there’s only 3 people with an Xbox it would be a waste of resources

[@Joooonasty]

Sounds like the singular Xbox fan left in this corporeal dimension is cranky they chose the worst console.

[@DrSussPlays]

Tell the devs this review code has at least generated 1 sale. I’m excited

[@EakinSnyder]

Make that two!

[@gamer3ed484]

Three!

[@Royantk]

Four! Was thinking about looking into it later, but will now buy it on release.

[@martinwoodrome6588]

Same

[@gabrielf.4530]

Five! I am 2 hours in and I am entranced.

[@CheddarbaconStudios]

My body is ready to go Big Mode

[@freshmozzarello]

I think only ghosts can go big mode

[@interwebologies]

Arlo and Dunkey communities: 🤝

[@willwunsche6940]

We are one and the same

[@Makoto0729]

@@VioletKatana64 they really are, which is so weird since they make such different stuff

[@mattygregmusic]

🤝

[@slightlyclueless]

This sounds a lot like the way Tunic made me feel and no game has ever leeched in to every corner of my brain like that. I'm sold.

[@vexehedrim7910]

YEPP. I also loved Tunic, and I’ve only played a little of animal well so far but I already know I’m gonna love it

[@codesymphony]

undertale was the last game i got heavily invested in like this. like pulling up every wikipedia page reading every line of text relevant kinda obsession

[@rojakishibe7113]

Absolutely similar vibes, can't recommend enough.

[@tvojejidlo8143]

Try Rain World

[@benbodager4438]

If you press and hold the jump button in Animal Well, your blob guy turns into the fox from Tunic until you move again :) It definitely seems to have inspired the developer

[@Redkitt3n14]

[@bjgray7954]

I wishlisted Animal Well on Steam!!

[@likability6288]

@@bjgray7954🍞

[@meee_5155]

What are all these halo jokes in reference to?

[@user-ws5nf6rz2m]

@@meee_5155donkey animal well video

[@NyQuilDonut]

It's time to finish the fight.

[@ledojaeger7474]

I already had this on my radar for its aesthetics alone, but seeing such a glowing Arlo review makes it an immediate buy

[@noahmontgomery3879]

SAME.

[@randyproctor3923]

I took your advice and paused right at the beginning of your video. I downloaded Animal Well and started playing-blind of any context. Later that day I found out I was positive for COVID. Bedridden and sick, I played the game for 4 days straight. I felt like was a kid home from school. This morning I beat the game. I am signing back on to tell you that I agree with every word of your review. Words escape me; I will deeply cherish this experience. Thanks for sharing!

[@PeteHoofin]

Damn that truly serendipitous Covid lol.

[@JohnGuyJohn]

Animal Well causes COVID confirmed

[@matthew3791]

getting sick just when starting a game like this is so perfect. this is one of those games you get addicted to and keep thinking about until you finish and then keep thinking about after.

[@TWlaz]

Excited to check it out! (Also, I'm putting this review in the "reasons Arlo REALLY needs to play Outer Wilds" bin)

[@saerynk]

Wait, he hasn't played Outer Wilds? Arlo, please stream you playing Outer Wilds. I think I would watch every second of that stream haha

[@lopoopl5011]

This Game will make a Dunkillion Dollaros

[@Joe.Jarvis]

Makes me want a Dunkachino 😏

[@Ryan-mw9pm]

I really need a Dunkzillon Dunkers in my life

[@lizardmandx]

So much spaghetti and meat balls

[@TylerPerry827]

This game was NOT on my radar. Now it’s a must-buy. Thank you Arlo!

[@thespeedyyoshi]

This was my feeling when I first played tunic. That game was pure magic when I played it. I’m now VERYYY intrigued.

[@RockTundra8515]

Yeah I've been waiting for a game like this since tunic and this review has definitely convinced me to get the game. Tunic really captivated me unlike any other game with it's secrets, style, and the general progression of the game, so I'm hoping this game does this and more!

[@BVSSIC]

@@RockTundra8515 If you haven't played Fez yet, that's a high HIGH recommend. Both this and Tunic had huge inspiration from that game, and if you get into the deeper layers of Animal Well, and you find yourself enjoying it, chances are you'll probably like Fez too!

[@thespeedyyoshi]

@@RockTundra8515I can confirm that animal well is a good game ^^ I will say tho…it didn’t QUITE hit that “Tunic level of magic” in my eyes, mainly cause a lot of the “things” are locked behind items. So it’s definitely a more item based game than a knowledge based game. Still very good tho. I’m excited to dig into the secrets before KZbin spoilers it all for me >> I swear you have to binge a game at this point to avoid spoilers. It kinda sucks

[@thespeedyyoshi]

@@BVSSIChot take…I….really didn’t like Fez. Like…REALLY didn’t. Don’t get me wrong, I get it’s merits and I’m sure if I played it with less expectations maybe I would like it more. To me that game is….really aimless. And because it’s aimless it’s a bit boring and even frustrating. I also don’t like how the gimmick is the puzzle like “oh how do I make that jump?? Oh, you just [insert gimmick here] every time. And then the [redacted] puzzles is…..not for me 😅. I already felt aimless with direction, without direction is even worse. I’m glad you liked it tho. I’m sure in another life I maybe loved it. I guess I just don’t like the feeling of being lost.

[@SystemBD]

This review convinced me Arlo would love to play Outer Wilds.

[@MrPokoloco]

I had a few moments in that game where I was like “Well, how was I supposed to know that!” Especially with the DLC. I think a large part of the base game never has you “put something down” on purpose. Although, it did make me feel dumb I never bothered to look down 😅

[@EMLtheViewer]

@@MrPokolocoThe DLC doesn’t really require you to put anything down in _that part_ before it indicates that you can in _that other part_ which I hope you know because no way I’m spoiling anything

[@RougeMephilesClone]

Bump for agreement. Sounds like it's a big less mechanics-y than Animal Well, but Outer Wilds elicits a lot of the same responses as Arlo's here.

[@willwunsche6940]

I have heard a lot of people claiming the Outer Wilds is their favorite game of all time. Maybe I actually need to pick it up and play it sometime.

[@MrPokoloco]

@@EMLtheViewer I understand your meaning, haha. I’m just saying it wasn’t an obvious thing for me and a different Letsplay guy. I found out and got really upset because I tried so many things…walked in circles for hours over a dumb thing you can easily miss

[@Evan.280]

It’s like Halo 2 meets Halo 3

[@KlingonCaptain]

I don't remember Halo being a combat free side scroller.

[@joshevans3421]

​@@KlingonCaptainwatch dunkey

[@why3994]

​@@KlingonCaptainWhy not 😢

[@BrentDubroc]

I know you're memeing but it's honestly like Ori meets Outer Wilds so far, from my experience.

[@leatherhidegaming]

So Halo 2.5? A game that takes place in the short time between the part where Master Chief hitches a ride on an enemy ship to finish the fight and the part where he falls off and lands on Earth?

[@davishensley5136]

I cannot wait for the animal well remaster

[@bjgray7954]

It’s the one game they’ll never remaster. I think it’s because Nintendo is just scared

[@likability6288]

@@bjgray7954if animal well is so good why isn’t there an animal well 2

[@willwunsche6940]

​@@likability6288 Because Microsoft is run by ants. I rest my case

[@freshprincezote6059]

Snyder cut soon

[@curtandrewsjr.8163]

Animal Well 2: The Squeakquel (now with chipmunks!)

[@Dudeman23rd]

I'm really excited for Arlo viewers who aren't Dunkey viewers to be absolutely baffled by this comment section Anyways wishlist Animal Well today for your free loaf of wonder bread

[@Davanthall]

Yeah like me. What the hell is a Dunkey?

[@Ray_2112]

Seems they all like repeating the same lame jokes over and over again..."the game is like Halo2+3", wow, so funny!

[@HarmonicWave]

I've heard of Dunkey but I don't get the Halo joke, so be amused.

[@videogamesarecool9280]

@@Davanthallhe's like halo 2 meets knack 2, while playing the first strand type game at jery garcia's house

[@WuRuiDe]

​@Ray_2112 he's built a huge following based off of his specific brand of humor along with genuinely good commentary. It's ok to not get it. But man you're coming off as an ass in the middle of a comment section celebrating a good game and having fun by riffing on some associated memes.

[@paperwatt]

A wonderful review. But what really sold me was the guy in the cowboy hat from VR chat recommending it to me.

[@bjgray7954]

Did he tell you about the free wonder bread?

[@willwunsche6940]

That's hilarious I am surprised how many people have played this game already and they all seem to say the same thing

[@pastiebros]

May 9th, I heard that’s the day animal well comes out, it’s kind of like Halo 2 meets Halo 3

[@GigaShroom-cn7qo]

You know about Animal Well?!

[@bjgray7954]

You guys talking about Animal Well? I just wishlisted it on Steam’

[@sigma_azn]

I heard it comes out on May 9th

[@andyv2209]

Its not funny after the 40th time

[@pastiebros]

@@andyv2209 yes, yes it is. Stop revisiting arrest. Cause you know you can’t resist wish listing animal well on may 9th.

[@uni2445]

The way Arlo describes this game is exactly how I felt about Tunic when that first released, both are incredible gems that are just so addicting to explore and uncover.

[@jerielc709]

this game really makes you feel like special

[@kendra4932]

Super worth mentioning that one guy (Billy Basso) made the ENTIRE GAME. Sound, graphics, the ENGINE, everything. Insane. Totally nuts.

[@MINECRAFTLOVER4000]

it's also only 40mb somehow

[@WackMaDino]

⁠@@MINECRAFTLOVER4000perks of making your own engine. Absolutely insane thing to do but clearly it paid off

[@sam_bamalam]

"Don't even watch this footage." Well, looks like I need to go get this game now

[@spegani]

animal well for goty babyyyyyyyyyyyyyy -dunkey (probably)

[@infinityheart_tm9270]

Can’t be. SUPA MARIO BROTHA TWO BABIIII.

[@shauryasuri3653]

I mean sadly for it balatro and hades 2 came out this year

[@Mohgenstein]

@@shauryasuri3653a Roguelike deck builder aint winning goty lil bro

[@eddie992]

@@shauryasuri3653mf said balatro

[@shauryasuri3653]

@@eddie992 can't say it wasn't fun af. It sold better than persona 3 reload. Let that sink in

[@bigboncho]

This review sold me. Thanks, kind Arlo

[@JsYTA]

Are you talking about Animal Well?

[@AlphaladZXA]

What even is an animal well?

[@GlobinHD]

No

[@JsYTA]

@@AlphaladZXA it's like Halo 1 meets Halo 2

[@gersonsalinas7960]

Oh hey you guys know about animal well?

[@dr.wolfstar1765]

I hear it comes out on May 9th and has a 10% discount that day.

[@edfreak9001]

"Why is everyone spouting what's obviously memes from that dunkey vid-" *published by dunkey's new company Bigmode* "Ohhhhhhhh. Okay that's fair then. I hope it succeeds!"

[@Graphomite]

Animal Well is a flawless game, or at least flawless by merit of what it seems to want to accomplish: a non-combat action platformer / puzzler. It executes this not only well, but exceptionally well, consistently. It's not a game for everyone, but it is a game for every metroid fan, and it's hard to imagine any gamer not at least appreciating the design on display. What impresses me most with this game is the pacing, because this is often the leading detriment to games of this genre. But Animal Well is possibly the most well paced metroidvania I've played, with exploration that keeps opening up, puzzles that never bore, and mechanics that remain engaging thanks to its item progression. The items aren't just keys, they're dynamic and fun. Even obtaining some of them is a unique process. The audiovisual atmsophere is wonderful as well. It strikes a balance of pretty and grim, often somewhat cute, yet a threat of strangeness and danger is pervasive throughout. You're a newborn something in a dark place full of beasts and spirits, and while not every creature wants to kill you, nothing seems to welcome your presence. Except maybe the duck. He seems chill like that.

[@kingbaba1309]

Im only at the beginning of the video and you already made me go from "this looks interesting" to "ok im listening", your reviews have too much power!

[@BigStrap]

I was sold 2 minuted in, and now that I've watched the whole thing, I'm completely enchanted. So exciting!

[@DallasJordanJams]

As a Dunkey fan, I like also being an Arlington fan

[@glacialbae]

Arlo, my monster, all I could think while watching this review is that you need to play Outer Wilds. Also this looks great and I'm buying it day one.

[@adora_was_taken]

PLEASE he would love it so much

[@Blank46130]

fully agree

[@minimtomato]

THIS. More people need to experience Outer Wilds, it’s definitely one of those “special games” like Arlo mentioned.

[@אבשלוםכהן-ש8צ]

Also Tunic

[@guzzy620]

I just want to echo this sentiment!

[@vinceguy1464]

after all these years, we finally get to finish the fight

[@Tafferling]

Since you appreciated this so much I'd like to take the stand as a history teacher and let you know about the Knytt games series, which to me represent the starting point of indie combat less metroidvanias. The first of those games, "Within a deep forest" didn't feature the titular Knytt charachter but had a ball like protagonist that could mimic various types of substances to gain access to various parts of the map. The author, Nifflas, was one of the big indie developers of the 00's, maybe a bit less known today but deserving of recognition nonetheless.

[@kimarimoi]

Nifflas was my immediate thought when he started talking about having never seen non-combat metroidvanias before. I'd be willing to bet this game was mainly inspired by Knytt and/or WaDF.

[@raphaeld9270]

@@kimarimoi Hi, What is WaDF?

[@kimarimoi]

@@raphaeld9270 "Within a Deep Forest," one of those Nifflas games.

[@willwunsche6940]

Seeing people in the comments describe this game as sounding similar to Tunic, Rain World, and the Outer Wilds. All games that are beloved by many. Good signs.

[@panampace]

One of the coolest things about this game is the structure. Each of the major zones gives you one of the major items halfway through, but requires an item from another zone to fully complete.

[@Whiteobamas]

so just a metroidvania game?

[@panampace]

@@Whiteobamas Lol yeah basically but if you play it you’ll see what I mean. Metroidvanias typically open up one region at a time but this one lets you do the first half of each region from the start. So you can have a wildly different route from other players.

[@MrBaconskinny]

I appreciate you mentioning the bit about those who are visually impaired having difficulty. I'm legally blind but definitely still wanna play so I'll make sure I have someone with me to help me find the little details and hidden things

[@ellby4533]

You can also turn off the CRT filter in the settings which might help a bit.

[@MrBaconskinny]

@@ellby4533 Sweet, thanks for the info!

[@FrancisIsNot]

Arlo if you liked this game so much, you will love rain world and rain worlds dlc

[@MrMustard2112]

Rain world ❤️

[@Boamere]

I don't know why because it's not really very similar but: You should play hyper light drifter too, I love the atmopshere of that game

[@Nico-artemis]

I was thinking this too

[@HarmonicWave]

I get Animal Well and Rain World mixed up. This video helped me differentiate this game from the other.

[@a-zadri]

High, high praise indeed. A few months ago I played Tunic and fell in love with the quiet serenity of exploring and solving the world. I dare say this is going to be the next game that scratches that itch.

[@taffypool654]

The way you talk about it, Arlo, and the way it looks, makes me think this has a lot of similarities with Knytt Underground. Would that be accurate? Big map, non-combat Metroidvania style with “puzzle rooms”? And also each is a (mostly) solo-developed indie?

[@cardinal8200]

to be honesty ive seen dunkey's promotional stuff but wasn't really planning on getting the game but seeing such high praise from arlo im going to give it a try, hope I have a similar experience to you!

[@frauleinzuckerguss1906]

I know nothing about this game, never heard of it, but the gorgeous visuals alone make me want to experience it. The pixel art and lighting is top tier

[@PopeyeTheVRMan]

My concern with going into this was it'd be a short cute game. I'm 13 hours in and still have more to do, though I'm still chasing many secrets rather than B-lining the "end". I've seen people rolling credits in 5 hours, but there are others with 60-100+ hours in steam reviews who are still discovering secrets. This game feels deep

[@GaaraSama1983]

I would say many players will see rolling credits in the 5-8h range (saw them after 7h). More interesting question is how many will stop there or go for the deeper layers. Seeing several max. 10h reviews I think many will miss out on the 'main dish' that the game offers. Right now I'm 16h in and the last few hours were the best ones so far.

[@Ursi_]

this game REALLY makes you feel like a well

[@dominicaccardo8050]

my favorite thing about the game is how optimized it is. like the steam spec requirements are unbelievably low and that’s AMAZING

[@andrewhayden9896]

ive put roughly 8 hours into the game now and arlo was absolutely correct, best indie metroidvania i've played since hollow knight, what an experience, one of those games that you just gotta play to really appreciate.

[@diegeticfridge9167]

I seriously need to know what’s good about this game. I looks like rain world and Celeste had a baby….

[@andrewhayden9896]

@@diegeticfridge9167 ya answered your own question

[@Bargadiel]

The developer for this game was formerly an instructional designer (it's what I do too) so it makes a lot of sense that he would really lean into how the game teaches and prompts the player based on intuitive function.

[@dalgusmaximus4557]

I'm really curious, what exactly does an instructional designer do exactly? Wasn't Billy an engineer? Is an instructional designer a subsect of engineering? I don't know what I'm talking about please help.😅

[@Bargadiel]

@@dalgusmaximus4557 well, he worked specifically on designing medical training games. So he was part of some kind of eLearning team. Instructional designers make training materials, activities, etc.

[@nightlypiano4116]

I could listen to this man tell me about anything for hours

[@wabnish]

Towards the end, when you encountered the ostrich, I had a laugh just by how you entered the room twice. Then you went the other way. I could almost hear the 'wtf!' followed by 'uuuh'

[@theboivenom4170]

Where is my free wonder bread?

[@bjgray7954]

Did you wishlist on Steam?

[@supernuper12]

I've been waiting for this game ever since it was announced, and I gotta say, it was absolutely worth the wait, this game is FANTASTIC and I have been absolutely loving it so far!

[@criticalfish]

“Its a metroidvania without combat” … so its like the best puzzle levels in Mario Maker 1/2 😮 Im sold. Actually just checked ps plus extra and its avaliable for download so im beating the game through that. Thanks for the review! I didnt know this existed or that it was tied to Big Mode aka Dunkey!

[@ReavoEnd]

Environmental Station Alpha. That's the game which set the stage for Animal Well, in my world. I knew the two would be of the same feather the first time I saw the Animal Well teaser trailer. It isn't quite as visually arresting, but Baba Is You creator Arvi Teikari really created something special with ESA. If you finish Animal Well wanting more, check it out!

[@willwunsche6940]

I guess I shouldn't be too surprised it is this good. Dunkey has long had an eye for special games and a way of describing what makes them so special. Glad the developer was able to get his publishing. Happy for Dunkey, Leah, and all them.

[@Zulban48]

Throughout the review I kept thinking of Toki Tori 2+ . A "combat-free" metroidvania focused on puzzles where your relatively simple abilities have surprising utility, especially as you learn new songs and figure out how different things respond to them. It does indeed do that thing where when you return to the very first room in the game you have new knowledge that will allow you to progress in a completely new direction that didn't occur to you at the very start of the game.

[@furyrageguy5728]

I wishlisted this game and got free bread

[@ReflectionsofChristianMadman]

Well, you sold me. I’m picking it up. Thanks, Arlo!

[@cristoszachos1888]

Isn't this the game that`s Halo 2 and Halo 3 combined?

[@Smabverse]

I'd never thought Animal Well would be such a special game for some ppl when the game got announced :O

[@surfboy87]

I was going to play this anyway (big dunk fan) but you just made me 100x more excited. I tend to feel the same way as you about games most of the time, by far more than any other reviewer, so this has me ridiculously hype to play after work today

[@Temulgeh]

as someone who really loved tunic, how you talk about the secrets in this game gets me excited

[@Deschain-um7jz]

If Bowser's Big Bean Burrito was an entire game.

[@choiseoffortuneful]

There were moments for me where I thought to myself "how in the world was I supposed to figure THAT out??" In the first part of the game it was relatively scarce, but in the second part it became a common problem.

[@HamLover17]

This is really high praise for such a random little indie game. Feels too good to be true. Maybe I'll check it out

[@barsabe]

Felt like an ad. Please tell if it's good

[@ItsAlwaysAugustHere]

defo not a random little game, been pretty popular before release and had quite a bit of wishlists for it beforehand

[@HamLover17]

@@ItsAlwaysAugustHere never heard of it before

[@GigaShroom-cn7qo]

It's not random. Donsley makes this game.

[@carbvan]

​@@GigaShroom-cn7qo Dunkey didn't make it, he's just publishing it.

[@PhilipLL]

If nothing else, given my own background in game development. I love the graphical style and th attention to detail. The moving grass and the pixel shader just works wonders. Makes every pixel lopk gorgeous

[@dovizzy2047]

i love when arlo videos come out they always make my day

[@HBCbug]

I haven’t played it yet, but it looks like how I’m going to feel like when when I first played Celeste. I’m super excited

[@danielgrezda3339]

On one hand, I'm really glad dunkey promoted this game and that he helped it's success. On the other hand, no matter how good the game is it's going to be known as the dunkey game even though it seems to be much more than just the dunkey game.

[@sandersystreams123]

If it helps, I think this game has definitely breached dunkey containment. I'd heard of this game through a trailer and then watched this video, and it's only through the comments here that I knew it had something to do with some guy called dunkey. There are a lot of non-dunkey viewers out there who just saw normal trailers of this game.

[@PikaPhantomVG]

I think it's gone a bit of both ways. Dunkey's involvement garnered the interest of his fanbase, meaning people checked out the game who wouldn't have otherwise, while the overall reception brought in many people outside of his fanbase like me. He's kind of the anchor of it all, though, as it was his role as the publisher that allowed them to secure a wider audience and a good number of critics. I think overall, the game is going to reach a wider audience and stand on its own, especially because quite a few friends I have that don't typically go out and pick up indies bought Animal Well. It seems like Billy and Dunkey very deliberately came to the agreement to not include any sort of cameo on his end within the world of the game itself as well, and the game is absolutely better for being its own thing. Once Bigmode has more titles under their belt, I don't even think it'll be regarded as "the Dunkey game" anymore.

[@Morffin2210]

When I'm thinking about marketing tactics, a single review code really only needs to lead to two sales to make a profit. Arlo probably just went above and beyond on that

[@Smokethesea]

Hey Arlo, I really love your video and often resonate with the feelings they emit. So thank you

[@brunoberti8790]

It might just be recency bias but the way you described the game sounds very similar to SupraLand. It's a 3d metroidvania, with some combat but it's really puzzle focused. It's one of the best I've ever played and has some really cleaver puzzles and exploration

[@renav.3239]

>starts vid >stops it a minute in >buys the game myself I'll be back to watch this vid after, Arlo, promise. But the way you said that made me have to give it a blind go [Edit May 23rd]: glad i went in blind! Awesome game

[@exzisd]

Arlo, regarding that intro about how special this game is I am 100% with you. This game didn’t really hook me at first besides knowing Dunkey was backing it for his new company. Over the last months hearing people talk about it the hype creeped up on me as I’ve heard more people talk about it.l I just got back from a standard soul crushing day at work (I mean really soul crushing) and downloaded the game immediately. I am as hyped right now as I was for Super Mario Odyssey. This is one of those games that just has heart and it’s easy to tell. I love the visual style too. Can you believe one guy made EVERYTHING in the game INCLUDING the game engine itself? Pretty amazing. Those games that just 1 person makes often feel the most personal and different. Small teams can capture that energy as well but just one dev for all of production and programming hits different.

[@kalypsothefreak9717]

I really like the BGM you used in this one arlo

[@soaprobot3609]

its all yume nikki and 2kki bgm

[@kalypsothefreak9717]

@@soaprobot3609 ik

[@andocalrisian1]

@@soaprobot3609 Nope, the first song in the video is from Rusty Lake.

[@valdezjones]

@@andocalrisian1now I need to break those games back out

[@anabenskywalker122]

If you like this game, try Outer Wilds. Another incredibly special and impactful game that functions kind of similarly to Animal Well. Go in blind and just experience it

[@flophawk]

dunkey: yea our strategy is we're just gonna publish GOOD games everyone: lmao thats dumb youre dumb animal well: *is good game* dunkey: yea what now huh

[@psyrik]

Dunkey has been my fav youtuber since 2012. Found arlo when he had like 30k subscribers and followed ever since. This is the best crossover episode of life.

[@loool72]

Fans of Halo 2 and 3 are gonna like this

[@Leahbee]

beautiful, beautiful 🥲

[@turnipcake3263]

I am totally going to check this out. There is no reviewer I trust more than Arlo! ❤

[@bandit7048]

I love how arlo writes his reviews; they do a really good job of selling you the game if it's positive. the last game I got based off of his review was bug fables and I ADORE that game. can't wait to pick this game up when I have the time.

[@kordanot]

I'm just imagining videogamedunkey standing behind Arlo with a gun to his head for the whole review 😭

[@0x0404]

You could view fighting enemies as time sinks which has been replaced with puzzles.

[@TheBritColl]

Seeing this made me realize how dunked also was just showing mostly the first level. Wow that means we have no idea all that this game has in store for the player

[@ashketchup7354]

Thank you, Arlo. Your video has convinced me to buy this game. It wasn't on my radar at all, and suddenly I was seeing an influx of comments about Halo 2+3, and bread, and references to Dunkey. I figured there was a meme I wasn't privy to. I love Dunkey's content, he's hilarious. I saw he had a video about this. But like with all of his videos, I always assume anything coming out of his mouth is satirical or a meme. But you Arlo, you I know I can take seriously.

[@chiquita683]

If you dont have Animal Well on your Steam wishlist don't call yourself a gamer.

[@mercenarygundam1487]

Guess the same could be said for anyone who doesn't wishlist the next hot indie game. So by that logic, your not a gamer yourself.

[@cherubin7th]

I have it on the switch

[@DonWeaselYeehawEdition]

CANNOT WAIT to play this game. Have to wait until I get paid on Tuesday (sadly) but I’m BEYOND hype to dive into this

[@Tomasin19]

Sponsored by The Dunkmaster

[@gooeyhewey9422]

Thumbnail in the new Bigmode presentation!!!! Congrats :D

[@aeriqhall258]

One of my favorite youtuber reviewing a game published by one of my favorite youtuber? This is my favorite youtibe cross over! Ahem, published, not made. What kind of idiot think Dunkey MADE this game huh?

[@orions2908]

It's not made by dunkey, he's just publishing it

[@supersaiyankrillin1237]

dunkey didn't make the game

[@brandonsclips7741]

Dunkey couldn't make something this good, the actual dev doesn't deserve that slander

[@aeriqhall258]

@@orions2908 I made an oopsie I admit. I got excited seeing Arlo reviewing a game Dunkey ma_ Again, legit two of my favorite KZbinrs so was not in the 'think about this' state of mind. I will edit this.

[@tommyflavio]

Dude, i have a hard time articulating how much i am loving this experience myself!

[@cwega2463]

saying there isn’t any words to describe how great the game is, honestly is idiotic. we all know it’s a mix between “halo 2 and halo 3”

[@makesomething4093]

I’m so glad this was a joke, I just saw the first lines flash for a second and I was like ‘okay, CHILL’ haha

[@cwega2463]

@@makesomething4093 ahaha i was just being silly :)

[@tf_lecter]

has to be one of the most bneautiful games i've played in recent years. up there with ABZU for its stunning visuals and atmosphere

[@igorpolotai]

I had no interest in this game, but when I clicked on this video and you immediately described it as one of those special once in a lifetime games, I clicked off the video and played through the game on release. And wow. It truly is amazing. But the Ghost can burn in hell.

[@seranadevirus]

I'm listening to this review and it kinda makes me think of my other favorite indie darling, Hyper Light Drifter. No real text to speak of, just a game world and you exploring. I definitely need to pick this game up