ANIMAL WELL

Developer: Shared Memory

Publisher: Bigmode

May 9, 2024

Visual

pixel
side scroll

Structure

ability gated
exploration
interconnected map
item gated
non linear
fast travel

Combat

no combat

Features

map markers
multiple endings

Sub-Genre

Metroidbrainia
puzzle heavy

Summary

Explore a dense, interconnected labyrinth, and unravel its many secrets. Collect items to manipulate your environment in surprising and meaningful ways. Encounter beautiful and unsettling creatures, as you attempt to survive what lurks in the dark. There is more than what you see.

Last updated August 17, 2026

Where to play

- Windows
- Steam Deck
- Steam
Nintendo
- Switch 2
- Switch
PlayStation
- PS5
Xbox
- Series X|S

Resources

Links

Maps

Nonolith

Developer / Publisher: JUSTCAMH

Q4 2026

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- ability gated
- exploration
- interconnected map
- item gated
- non linear
- side scroll
- no combat
- Metroidbrainia
- puzzle heavy
- Differences
- Demo Available
Glowkeeper

Developer / Publisher: bucketfish, oolimry

2025

100%

Positive

48 reviews

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- exploration
- interconnected map
- item gated
- non linear
- side scroll
- fast travel
- no combat
- Metroidbrainia
- puzzle heavy
- Differences
- accessibility
- difficulty options
PITH

Developer / Publisher: ItllBeFunTheySaid

Q4 2026

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- ability gated
- interconnected map
- item gated
- non linear
- pixel
- no combat
- Metroidbrainia
- puzzle heavy
- Differences
- Demo Available
- 3D
Öoo

Developer: NamaTakahashi

Publisher: Amata K.K., NamaTakahashi

2025

99%

Overwhelmingly Positive

6,458 reviews

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- ability gated
- exploration
- interconnected map
- non linear
- pixel
- side scroll
- fast travel
- no combat
- Metroidbrainia
- puzzle heavy
- Differences
- Demo Available
- speedrun mode
- Metroidvania Lite
Timebound

Developer: Fabien Calabria, Michal Kluz, Patrycja Sagan

Publisher: Michal Kluz

To be announced

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- exploration
- interconnected map
- item gated
- non linear
- no combat
- Metroidbrainia
- puzzle heavy
- Differences
- Demo Available
- fantasy
- time bending
- top down
Once Glorious Artahk

Developer / Publisher: Bismuth Tales

2025

95%

Positive

40 reviews

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- ability gated
- interconnected map
- non linear
- pixel
- no combat
- Metroidbrainia
- puzzle heavy
- Differences
- top down
Leap Year

Developer: Daniel Linssen

Publisher: Daniel Linssen, Sokpop Collective

2024

97%

Overwhelmingly Positive

3,148 reviews

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- exploration
- interconnected map
- item gated
- non linear
- side scroll
- no combat
- Metroidbrainia
- puzzle heavy
- Differences
- Has DLC
- hand drawn
- Micro / Mini
Polly's Puzzle Box

Developer / Publisher: Box Penguin Games

Q1 2027

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- interconnected map
- item gated
- non linear
- side scroll
- Metroidbrainia
- puzzle heavy
- Differences
- Demo Available
- hand drawn
Fez

Developer: Polytron Corporation

Publisher: Microsoft Studios, Polytron Corporation, Trapdoor

2012

93%

Very Positive

16,196 reviews

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- exploration
- interconnected map
- non linear
- pixel
- no combat
- Metroidbrainia
- puzzle heavy
- Differences
- voxel
- isolation
- 3D
Knytt Underground

Developer: Nifflas Games

Publisher: Ripstone

2012

84%

Very Positive

487 reviews

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- ability gated
- exploration
- interconnected map
- item gated
- non linear
- pixel
- side scroll
- fast travel
- no combat
- multiple endings
- puzzle heavy
- Differences
- multiple characters
- Metroidvania Lite
Monomoon

Developer / Publisher: Gentle Giant

Q3 2026

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- exploration
- interconnected map
- non linear
- side scroll
- no combat
- Metroidbrainia
- puzzle heavy
- Differences
- fantasy
- Micro / Mini
La-Mulana

Developer: GR3 Project, Nigoro

Publisher: Asterizm Corporation, EnjoyUp Games, NIS America, Rising Star Games

2012

80%

Mostly Positive

2,623 reviews

MV Temperature
- Similarities
- ability gated
- exploration
- interconnected map
- item gated
- non linear
- pixel
- side scroll
- fast travel
- Metroidbrainia
- puzzle heavy
- Differences
- boss gated
- Has Hub
- post game
- equipment

ANIMAL WELL

Summary

Where to play

Resources

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