Downwell

I’m always looking for a short burst, drop-in drop-out toilet game on my mobile. And when I first saw Downwell I was sure I found a great companion for deuces to come.

I think Devolver digital has been publishing games for me. They seem to be on a role with Titan souls, Olli Olli, Ronin and of course Hotline Miami. Most of the game they publish seem to have similar attributes; unique presentation and creative balls-in-your face gameplay. Also guns...lots of guns.

The art in Downhill shines through its simplicity, the developer (Moppin) used 8-bit style graphics with great effect that suit the idea of where the game takes place, Downwell. From the name Downwell, the game starts by simply jumping down a well. The game is constructed in a level based progression, and you have a number of hit-points if depleted you have to start from the top. Simply put, it’s a roguelike.

The gameplay mechanics are all in the boots. Touch the the direction button and the character will jump towards where you pressed, press the shoot button and his boots will shoot downwards. Along the drop, you will find upgrades in caves or shops that will either give you more HP, more bullets or  different kind of Gunboots. There are a number of excellent Gunboots to play with, ranging from Shotgunboots, Lasergunboots, Blastgunboots...etc.

There is mostly two ways to kill enemies; obviously the first is by shooting them with your Gunboots, the other is simply by jumping on their heads. And with each kill the enemies drop red gems for bartering in the shops. Kill enemies in succession and your kills will generate even more gems.

At first the game may seem, or at least to me, to be impossible to get through, but the mechanics are well-made to make you learn something new with each death.

Each level in the game is made with it’s own unique theme and enemies. And each level is divided into four parts. It also keeps each run fresh as it’s randomly generated. In the end of each part of each level, you will have the option to choose from a number of upgrades; refill HP, shop items cost 10% less, shooting enemy carcass will cause them to explode...etc. What’s great about these abilities is that they stack up as you progress, but of course, being a roguelike, die and you lose it all.

In the end, if you want a mobile game good enough to make your legs go numb on the toilet, I highly recommend Downwell. The game also available on Steam if you prefer it on the big screen with a controller.