Downwell Review

[@Matthewmatosis]

Next video coming soon. Have a read of this if you want more info: www.patreon.com/posts/hello-again-6829626

[@Dr.Strangelewd]

So no Bloodborne or DS3 anytime soon? Cool, cya in 3 years.

[@WarrenValion]

Matt!!! What's your thoughts on Breath of the Wild? Do you feel it adressed at least some of your complaints with the Zelda franchise? Are you hyped? Will you review it? Please respond!

[@cberryxd]

I think no matter what game you decide to review you will always deliver a very interesting outlook. I really enjoyed your review of the original DMC, and I love re-watching all of your videos even if it's just for background noise while I'm working.

[@IEnjoyBeingNaked]

DO MORE LIVE STREAMS, OR JUST ANY CONTENT IN GENERAL YOU IRISH FUCK.

[@chastermief839]

www.patreon.com/matthewmatosis "Thanks to the generous support of everyone over the years I'm now focusing on creating videos full-time instead of just as a side project. As long as we can maintain enough pledges to keep me alive I'm happy to continue making videos as my job for the foreseeable future."

[@popular_dollars]

Fun fact: this is one of the few games that uses a single super-texture with everything the game can display on it.

[@xolotltolox7626]

Minecraft pocket edition used to do this

[@gusonian8637]

That’s so cool! What other games act like this?

[@xThuby]

@@gusonian8637 The first Rage game did this.

[@Futsureno]

I sincerily don't even care which game he reviews at this point. I'd watch a Bad Rats review if Matthewmatosis made one.

[@RKNELIAS]

That would be the most fun thing ever.

[@LuxExemplify]

After looking at the comments of the Zachtronics review series, I've come to the sad realisation that many others do not share our opinion.

[@eebrozgi]

Great points all, though I disagree with the "fair randomization" being redundant: It makes a significant distinction to a non-randomized "fair" game by removing the ability to memorize the entire game, forcing you to think on your feet all the time.

[@jetfuelcantmeltdankmemes8238]

The most ambitous of cross-overs

[@AAAAAA-hv5qp]

Being a distinction doesnt makes it better in itself. And being able to memorize the game doesnt makes experience bad.

[@TheElectricUnderground]

Hi :-)

[@pc-0343]

@@TheElectricUnderground HOLYYYYY SHIT ITS THE ELECTRIC UNDERGROUND, BIG FAN!

[@DeoMachina]

It's really impressive that you can say so much about a little game like this, I'm honestly considering making a video in this genre thanks to your work.

[@aero9710]

Well?

[@DeoMachina]

@@aero9710 Yeah not happening, I hate video production lol I did make two little videogames though

[@SuperEggsNBacon]

@@DeoMachinavery fair haha

[@cometcourse381]

After a thousand years it is you, it is really you. Hroooaaagggh! Hroaaagh!

[@Diamond1234548]

Brilliant

[@bergonath8851]

Sir, I want you to have this cookie.

[@waltherstolzing9719]

and with a video on such a great game.

[@Krowmageddon]

Lol thats hilarious.

[@Bluemilk92]

Fuckin' brilliant!

[@RMHVids]

One of my favorite games. I've been playing this game on iOS since the game came out, and i have yet to beat it. It's an absolute must.

[@AnderDiez]

You are honestly the best video game reviewer I have ever seen. You give such thought into your videos and you really give the impression that you know much about game design, which is more than most reviewers can say. Keep doing what you're doing!

[@Dornpunzel]

I disagree. More emotions are vital for a game reviewer. I mean games are meant to be fun.

[@zerarch77]

@@Dornpunzel You don't need to display emotions to analyze the quality of art.

[@Skibir]

You're alive, rejoice! Hope you've got some more videos brewing :D

[@WarrenValion]

Your thumbnail perfectly represents my reaction to seeing Matthew make another video.

[@iKhanKing]

The purpose of the randomness isn't to make a new experience every time. It's to avoid map memorization.

[@MrF3legendary]

Those aren't mutually exclusive, you could accomplish both at the same time.

[@jknifgijdfui]

​@@MrF3legendaryi have never seen both at the same time randomly generated level design is always extremely boring i would rather replay one good level 100 times than play 100 forgettable and bad ones

[@MrBorderlands123]

"Who watches a Matthewmatosis video at 3AM?" Me: "Oh boy it's 3AM!"

[@DumbTomato]

5am. Get on my level, scrub.

[@darthhole6818]

11 PM mophuka. And, I waited 6 hours. He uploaded at about 5 PM for me.

[@RoosterCogburnPhD]

He's alive, he's alive "I CAN SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING"

[@caiopatric]

i like you.

[@thebombsauce]

What's this from?

[@godstriker8]

@@thebombsauce Simpsons, Dr. Zaius

[@creamwarrior]

Matt, thank you for all your hard work. making content can't be easy, and even if you've been media silent for a while, the people who know you as a proprietor as quality and thoughtful and heart filled reviews know the next video will always comes when it's ready.

[@byungyoonchoi3744]

it's awesome to watch such a constructive critical reviews on game design aspect. brilliant!

[@ChaseFace]

Good stuff. Always happy to see an upload from you.

[@ChaseWSanders]

And you as well, namesake. Upload soon, ya?

[@majestic3992]

MatthewMatosis is, in my humble opinion, the greatest youtuber who does intelligent analytical videos on games by far.

[@sameersultan7708]

Majestic watch Josephanderson

[@normalguycap]

Aria Khalaji horseshit. This guy spent 3 minutes talking about the graphics of fucking Downwell.

[@majestic3992]

This comment was made three years ago. Since now therw have been many YTers to challenge MatthewMatosis, lile Anderson and Raycevick. But back in the day, Matosis was by far the leading figure.

[@normalguycap]

@@majestic3992 I wasn't replying to you because it was indeed a 3 year old comment. But the other guy was only 2 months. Yes, Matt was basically first, but that doesn't give him a free pass.

[@normalguycap]

@Aria Khalaji If saying "horseshit", makes you assume I am angry, then brother, there are greater issues with you than just disagreement. I'm not an expert of Joseph yet, he is only now in my playlist, I get him and hbombr confused as well, but as a major critiquer myself (not on youtube), I've enjoyed and remembered both of them way more than Matthew for a some time. Length != quality dude come on now. This is an old video but Matt did spend far more time talking about the goddamn graphics of downwell than anybody should have. Jesus.

[@johngaete2413]

are you a steam curator?, i would like to follow you there

[@Lamsaturn]

That's a great idea, I second this!

[@ChaseFace]

Yeah, I'd love to see him as a Curator. His opinions are pretty valuable to me.

[@TylerW44]

I'll have to ask you to remove the worm in my brain that you planted. Between here and patreon I keep reading comments in your voice.

[@Rezuaq]

I feel like the randomization is there for the same reason all music players have a shuffle option. Sometimes you want to listen to the songs you already know, just not in completely the same way.

[@anon746912]

I think the randomisation is the way it is to prevent memorisation. In most simple linear games like this, it's entirely possible to just practice a very precise set of inputs. This leaves you not really "playing" the game, but just going through that same set of memorised actions. The result of Downwell's design is that the levels are fundamentally what they were intended to be, but the player has to always be paying attention to the map itself instead of relying on memory. I'm surprised Matthewmatosis was critical of the randomisation without considering that aspect. That said, I agree that this game would benefit from an additional, more random mode.

[@rockomundo]

This is one review that i have to watch on my phone for a better video experience

[@MKaufman850]

even in the few instances where I've never heard of the game, it's always nice to hear something analyzed in a thoughtful way.

[@TylerW44]

Can't wait to see what you do next. Loved everything you've done so far. Your playlists are often on repeat for me for my own enjoyment and to also help give you the view count you deserve. Looking forward to that playlist getting even longer

[@nietzscheshorse7713]

You finally awake from your aeonic slumber and yet again bless us with your infinite wisdom!

[@FlawedbyDesign777]

I appreciate the laconic nature of your phrasing, it feels very on point. Also you know the video is coming to an end when the puns and metaphors in the theme of the analyzed game intensify.

[@niboe1312]

I knew subscribing to this guy even though he hadn't uploaded in a while was a good idea!

[@triplebog]

Great video as always Mr. Matosis. Im actually really happy that you chose this game to review, I played it a while back and had a very similar experience to yours, but all Ive heard from other people is nothing but love and praise so I was hesitant to speak my mind that I found the game a bit under"well"ming. Mainly because I saw gameplay of it on youtube and realized that due to lag, my iPhone 4 had been running the game at half speed, so I wasn't sure if my perception of the game was due to that.

[@FunOrange42]

i love what you have to say in your reviews. you always bring up things i never would've thought about

[@v_vlogss9096]

Hey Matthew it's great to see you again! I loved the DMC1 review, I just finished playing through the series with a friend at the time of release and it was a great road trip companion. Can't wait to hear more from you in the future! Once i'm in a better financial situation i'll be on your patreon list asap.

[@MAYOFORCE]

In regards to your patreon post, I for one am glad you opt to take things slowly to ensure more quality videos get posted. Nowadays people who copy your style are a dime a dozen but because it's your own original style, you come off as more genuine than a lot of other 'serious gaming reviewer youtubers'. I'm looking forward to your future videos,, large or small. Also I really fucking loved your DMC1 video, not only did you make me see the game's design philosophy in a different perspective I would've never thought of, your footage capturing the bosses' behavioral patterns inspired me to look at how I should design my bosses.

[@Reclusive247]

Great vid as always! I've practically marathoned your entire channel twice.

[@tessamarci]

My biggest issue with the iOS version is that since the buttons are on the bottom of the screen it can make it hard to see what's coming next because your hands block it. This could have been easily fixed with optional gyroscope controls or possibly shrinking the play screen and placing the buttons underneath it. Still really fun to play on the go but makes me want to buy a different version

[@Jake-gx4ow]

I'm always glad to see a video on this channel. Keep up the great work!

[@TheGameStatistic]

It always warms me heart to see that 1 next to your name in my sub list. It's always a neat game too.

[@benturner3861]

Fantastic analysis as always Matt. You are a true gem in the KZbin gaming community. Can't wait for the next video.

[@dixego]

Matt is back! UUUUUUMBASA!

[@deadstockparadise5898]

the unlockable characters aren't epic cameos of western indie clique protagonists? disgusting.

[@iHeartIndieGames]

WOW... this is an incredibly thought out review... I have no idea how any other review could top this. I don't do reviews, and I was thinking about doing one... but after see ing this... no way Jose. Subscribed.

[@MrOldMiguel]

Oh god a new matthewmatosis video. Is it a problem that I don't feeeeeeeeeel compleeeeete without youuuu? I caaaan't live without your voooooooice??

[@JustGency]

Everyone is like "omg you're back" and I'm just like "Welcome to Matthewmatosis' KZbin channel, this is normal"

[@nebularobo8148]

wwwoooah that's awesome! Easily my fave review channel here, awesome to see you active again!

[@SoShiBias]

Just when I miss your content, and you are back with a video !

[@APesquera]

Of all the games out there I didn't expect you to review Downwell. That said, it's a nice little rounded experience that I really enjoyed. I'm more of a Towerclimb type of guy tho!

[@mazchege3310]

Matthew, while going through some very psychologically hard times and trying to make meaning of a world that I am still trying desperately to see as anything but futile and pointless, your videos have had a profound effect on my life. I have re-watched many of your videos more times than I can keep track of, and the dedication and passion that you put into these is inspirational. Keep doing what you are doing, the news of your more frequent releases is a breath of fresh air!

[@gusonian8637]

Hope you’re doing well!

[@vincentninja68]

I managed to beat Downwell at last. It took me fucking 10 hours of failing over and over, but I finally managed to beat it. Time to try hard mode.

[@niespeludo]

Unexpected reform to form, Matt, I guess you were busy with other responsibilities. Nice to have you back.

[@breadordecide]

It's a good day when there's a new mathewmatosis video.

[@Bulzeeb15]

And here I thought Downwell was that one small game that became the precursor for Portal. Downwell seems fun, thanks for the short but sweet video. I can understand your desire to avoid P5 spoilers as I've already seen a few things I wish I hadn't, but that's the "lovable charm" of the video game related website I mainly browse.

[@nosapian677]

Good to see you again. By chance have you heard of/played Hyper Light Drifter? I would be interested in hearing your thoughts on it.

[@customersupportdeer6150]

I don't think Hyper Light is complex enough to need a review by matthew. He usually does games which are exceptional at one thing, or mechanically very optimized/perfect. He focuses more on games with unique gameplay. Hyper Light looks great, has good music and atmosphere, but its gameplay (combat) is very standart and has a lot of flaws. And as for the tone and atmosphere, it is quite similar to Dark Souls, which he has covered extensively.

[@bmmbooshoot]

i don't care what you do, i enjoy hearing you talk about games.

[@Freepdied]

Ayyy new upload! Love your videos.

[@Jose-se9pu]

Well, I guess a Phatom Pain review isnt happening, same as Super Bunny Hope doing a MGS4 review...

[@musicvideos4390]

The exact same 2 I'm waiting for

[@UltimoDaFox]

I was just watching the Devil May Cry commentary for like the 5th time yesterday thinking, "Wonder when he's gonna upload his next video" I am now very happy. :)

[@Nison545]

I'd love it if the next video was MGSV. I have a lot of problems with the game but I suck at articulating my thoughts. We tend to have almost identical taste in games/game design so I can't wait until you tackled that title!

[@Galaxy40k]

I have never heard of this game before nor do I care to ever play it but dammit if I wasn't captivated by this video. If you made a video reviewing different brands of paint it would probably be fascinating honestly.

[@bpro5848]

glad to watch your videos again! great review

[@DownwardThrust]

Great video Matthew - you are an inspiration to my channel as I'm trying to follow suite to your video quality. Every time you release a video I find ways to improve my content and narration. So, thank you for helping me improve my work by just being you :)

[@thefebo8987]

lower clickbait would help ;)

[@chuletitoschuletas183]

Tonald!!!!

[@ryankibby2474]

Nice job Matt. Keep up the good work. I always love your videos.

[@topher8670]

Love your content man! Always happy to see a new video from you! :D

[@TheXell]

Been lurking his page for the last 2 days, its like I felt a disturbance in the force.

[@WeCareAlot4693]

Hey! You're finally back! Great review, missed your videos

[@AdmiralBobbery123]

was considering suicide but a new Matthewmatosis video just came out so it can wait

[@darthhole6818]

I was also in a really bad mood when he uploaded. But, now I feel much better. Not just because of him, but also my history class. I love history, and the three hour class time seriously felt like 20 minutes. Watching this is basically the icing on the cake of how great I feel right now compared to earlier. Thank you for the video Matt. Always look forward to your videos, and I like the feeling of being surprised by your uploads. I hope you put however much time is needed to get a really in depth analysis like you always have.

[@jmiquelmb]

Your history classes last 3 hours? Are you in college or high school?

[@darthhole6818]

+jmiquelmb College.

[@Dooty294]

NOOOOOOO TOO MUCH POSITIVITY ON THE INTERNET THAL SHALL NOT BE HAPPY ON OUR GRACIOUS PLATFORM SO IF MY KEYBOARD SHALL TASTE BLOOD I CHOOSE THE

[@lunardancer6047]

Video length 13:37. I see you big dog.

[@reversalmushroom]

Is about to watch the new Some Call Me Johnny review, but then sees Matthew Matosis uploaded a new video. "I'm sorry, Johnny."

[@teejgreen6591]

good to have you back!

[@christopherrapczynski204]

Hey, just found your channel through the caddicarus recomendation, and love it! I was already getting the urge to make a game and this channel pushed me over the edge, now I just need a new laptop. Anyway, just felt like saying that if you ever need artwork, like a profile picture or something, I'll do it!

[@christopherrapczynski204]

Here's my page to find if I am worthy enough! luigipunch.deviantart.com/

[@SlippyMcDervish]

An analysis of Spelunky would make my year.

[@JuvenileStacks]

Great to see your uploads again, yo. keep it up!

[@RobertRain7]

Great video, love the content. Thank you for all you do

[@tibne2412]

He hath returned, Rejoice!

[@stupidbluebird]

Good to know you're still alive

[@jonathanrouse]

Holy fuck, okay I did not see this in my feed, I was thinking "I wonder if Mathew Matosis has made anything in the past month or two that I may have missed" and BAM something was uploaded 15 mins ago! WTF

[@peacewalker3931]

Love your content, Matt!!! Please keep it coming. ;)

[@quaker1874]

Hey man, thanks for the awesome videos you make. I keep watching the Dark Souls 2 critique and Bioshock Infinite review over and over because I find them very entertaining. I can't wait to see your thoughts on Dark Souls 3 and Bloodborne!

[@weglarz]

The graphical style looks great IMO. Pixel art doesn't automatically mean bad... even if it's simplistic.

[@57Rye]

I've been very addicted to this game. Great to see a review from you.

[@GenteelCretin]

I was briefly obsessed with this game on iPhone (to the point where my hand got so sore I could hardly play guitar some nights). Personally, this was probably the only iOS game I enjoyed at any length, but it's true that it was, like a Gem High, an ultimately limited affair.

[@BlazertronGames]

I really hate the gripe some people have with pixel art games. I personally think downwell looks beautiful. If you actually tried making pixel art, you'd understand how hard it is to make good art with so little pixels. The game doesn't need high quality graphics. It would lose some of it's charm. Sometimes I feel like I'm the only person who can enjoy old school game graphics or pixel art. Downwell has great graphics compared to undertale. Undertale's ar more simplistic, and just not as good.

[@adammanderson8731]

man why don't I get notified for these I just found it on my recommendations

[@mushymcmushington7176]

I was not expecting a review on this game. I had a month where I was only playing 2D pixel-art games; Downwell, Not A Hero, and Cave Story were the main ones. Downwell was easily my second favorite. Nothing can quite trump tight, responsive controls... well, except for a giant purple bunny that wants to become Global Megalord.

[@niespeludo]

What's your opinion on not a hero? It looks interesting

[@mushymcmushington7176]

It's the kind of game that will let you play without the need to be perfect... but it's super SUPER satisfying to play through a level perfectly. It's very reminiscent of Hotline Miami, but it's a lot more light hearted with it's humor and overall feel. If you're anything like me, you'll find yourself resetting after every single tiny mistake so that you can get that perfect score. That may sound tedious, but the gameplay is so damn fast, fun, and tight that it never gets old. Not to mention, the lack of a loading screen between each reset means the game never loses it's fast-pace. You'll adore this game if you like games in the vein of Super Meat Boy and/or Hotline Miami, as it's a perfect blending of the feeling you get from playing either. Remember to Vote Bunnylord!

[@niespeludo]

I don't particularly enjoy HM but I do love Super Meat Boy. You sold me on it. Thanks! I believe it might still be on sale in the Humble Store

[@adultmanmcage2711]

What I'd do to fix the combo system is reward the player with permanent upgrades only if they take their combo to the end of the level. I've never played the game though, so that could be a bad idea.

[@skaarlner]

great review i agree on pretty much all points you made and felt the same way after playing the game for quite a while

[@D4n0w4r]

I now want to hear your thoughts on Nuclear Throne

[@NegitoroIsBestShip]

good times are afoot people! Time to watch this until his next video comes out!

[@USMCKong0311]

Fantastic review! You're a really good reviewer.

[@kurtp2003]

Yayayay, I don't even care what game it is I'm just happy for a new video

[@JAN0L]

I almost forgot I was subscribed to this channel.

[@SilentTree12]

This game seems like a nice mobile time-killer, something to play while you're on a bus ride.

[@theONLYfudjud]

Really good critiques! Great video

[@Conflict-ff5pi]

Wow I sub and then you upload the next day, considering how rarely you seem to upload that's damn lucky.

[@Yaeven]

I'm glad you still exist.

[@Goobious_Maximus]

Guess I'll just rewatch all your videos while I wait for the next one.. again.

[@artman40]

I don't know. The scoring system is fine. This means that in order to get a high score, you have to give up advantages. Sort of risk vs reward.

[@EnwardHiggins]

I'll wait months to hear your voice mate, but every two weeks is even better, I just hope it doesn't burn you out like a candle.

[@koator]

Oh my god you are back!

[@Hankshaw47]

Matt. I spend a considerable amount of time watching peoples content on youtube. You are however the only person I truly wait for. Meaning.. I cant wait until you put out a video because I know, due to the consideration you have for your videos, not only will it be worth the time; but I will most likely enjoy it on repetitive watches. I cant say many content creators in, that fashion make me want to rewatch the videos, if any. A request I do have is that you punch your gut and get that MGS:V video going.

[@shade0636]

This is very impressive, I'm glad I found it.

[@gilgamesh310]

Interesting what you say about the combo system, and pragmatism vs satisfaction. I feel a number of character action games do have similar problems as well, though. That health/weapon mechanics seems quite interesting. I'll probably try out this game at some point.

[@EvilStreaks]

The active portion of the screen seems to be a square (not portrait view) if you're not tempted to discount the UI elements.

[@DeeKey666]

holy shit a new vid! its 3am but i have to watch now

[@BlackHatProduction61]

I finally beat this game! Hard mode seems really fun so far!

[@cyrusdexterman]

You should check out Nuclear Throne, a lot of the things you liked about this game reminded me of it, and then when you were making complaints I was realizing that Nuclear Throne could have suffered from many of them but avoided it.