Only Good Games: Downwell


Downwell is a classic. If you haven't played Downwell yet, go ahead and get the download going. For my money, it's the best arcade game ever, not just of the ones on mobile. Many mobile arcade games have styled themselves after Downwell, but nothing beats the original.
Like its name might suggest, Downwell is a game with mechanical depth. In the beginning, you’ll consider how to leverage the game’s systems to your own play style, but eventually it becomes one of those games that lets you slip into a Zen-like state, wherein you periodically ask yourself, “How am I even doing this?” The hope of achieving a higher score and making it to the end propel you through the steep difficulty. Even though I haven't yet made it halfway through, getting further each time is still immensely satisfying.
Additionally, I'm smitten with the aesthetic. 8-bit is comfort food for my eyes and ears. But, Downwell is charming for other elements of its presentation as well. Details like the funny little animations and the clever playable title screen pretty much guarantee that you'll have fun even if you can't get very far.
Downwell is a masterpiece on mobile. You should definitely check it out.

Price: $2.99
Developer: Ojiro Fumoto
Availability: iOS; Android (me)

See for yourself: Trailer

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