IndieCade brings a variety of independent games for people to try out and experience. Some of the games are new, while other games like Creature in the Well are already released. This was my first time trying out the game and I came away from my short time with it very impressed because like most independent games, it’s trying something very different. I am not the biggest pinball fan, but the way it’s incorporated in this game makes it very intriguing.
The elevator pitch for Creature in the Well is that it’s pinball with swords. It’s also a top-down hack-and-slash dungeon crawler. The game includes 8 hand-crafted dungeons each filled with unique gameplay themes, unlockables, and secrets to uncover. Over the course of the game, you’ll be able to find over 20 unique, upgradeable weapons and clothing that changes how you play the game. One weapon can slowdown time while another can provides aim assistance. These are just some examples of the types of weapons that you’ll find.
Playing the game is interesting because you have to focus on a number of details. The first thing is how to solve the puzzle in front of you which is where the pinball influence comes in. One puzzle had a timing element to it where once you started it, a timer started so you have to complete it before it goes out. Another puzzle requires you to keep moving as turrents would appear and target you. Turrents are also involved in some of the boss battles and require you to take what they attack you with and attack the boss with. There are a lot of things that you have to factor in while playing Creature in the Well and the mix of pinball and hack-in-slash with a dungeon crawler makes it a fun experience. Creature in the Well is available for PC, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.