Freebie Feelers... Downwell

Freebie Feelers is a series where we download the free monthly console-specific or newly released free-to-play games to test their worth.This series will contain some useful information as well as plenty of personal opinion. While these articles may not be reviews, we hope that you will be able to use them to help decide whether that free download is worth it.

What is it?

Downwell is a game about a young person falling down a well to shoot enemies and collect treasure with a pair of gun boots. Yes, I said gun boots. In this procedurally generated gauntlet you will find plenty of challenge as well as interesting enemies and upgrades to use. The creatures you encounter are there to stop your descent into the depths of the well and be a source of gems and entrainment. I mean, stomping on a ghost and then blasting a turtle is a ton of fun. But in Downwell you won’t just encounter enemies as there is plenty to uncover and master in this well. This is a game about trying, trying and trying again until you master the systems, the item drops and each element to perform the most impressive run you can.

What did you think?

Downwell is a game that at first you have no idea what is going on but soon enough you will be mastering it. This is what I love about these kind of games: the randomness of them. You get the core controls and rules explained to you but beyond that you are on your own, a small part of a larger, more complex world or in this case, a well. Regardless it is in this rogue-like design that Downwell shows its brilliance. You move with the analog stick and you fire your gun boots with the X button. The controls are responsive and do the job letting the upgrades you find be the main cause of unique gameplay and different experiences.

The different types of shots that you can find throughout the well are varied and each impressive. From a machine gun like shot to a laser that rips through just about everything, there is a style of gameplay for everyone. Not only that but at the end of each section you can pick one of three randomly selected perks to further improve your chances of survival and success. These include getting a drone to follow you and provide extra shots to even a small jetpack put into your boots to slow your fall when needed.

What makes the game feel so tight and balanced however is that you have a limited number of shots before you must touch some ground in order to reload. The game is fast, frantic but polished and refined to a point that you can’t put it down. Plus a nice feature to Downwell is that you unlock different colour palettes as you collect gems meaning you are always working towards something new.

Is it worth downloading?

Downwell should be in your library right now if you don’t already own it. This is a gem of a title that is worth every moment of the time you give it. There is plenty to keep you going and with a platinum trophy to earn as well you know that you will be here for sometime. Downwell is available right now as part of the PlayStation Plus lineup for this month so make sure you download it.