Downwell

The epitome, at least for me, of how a change in format can drastically alter how a work is perceived. As a console game, played on a PS4, “Downwell” falters, its gameplay loop too simplistic and repetitive even by the standards generated by its retro aesthetic. As a mobile game, however, the quick time it takes to reach a fail state combined with the rudimentary controls mean it works as something to kill time without taking up too much of your time. That’s probably not working as a ringing endorsement, but mobile games typically struggle to hit that sweet spot.

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