When Sony revealed thePS Plus Extra and Premiumgames for April 2024, the company snuck in a surprise for May as well. It announced thatAnimal Wellwould be a day-one release for PS5 players, available via the Extra and Premium tiers. This early announcement is likely due to its May 9 release date, which would be quite sooner than the typical Extra and Premium reveal/release times. It’s exciting nonetheless, althoughAnimal Wellmay not be too known in some circles.
PS Plus Extra and Premium Game for May 2024: Animal Well
Animal Well is an Open Metroidvania Game
WhereAnimal Welldiffers here from most Metroidvania games is that it promises a truly nonlinear experience, as players may explore, collect items, and unlock sections of the map “in whatever order they choose.” On top of that,Animal Wellpromises that players will be discovering hidden secrets and puzzles for years, packing a lot into something that may ultimately be unassuming for most. It remains to be seen how all of this manifests, but it could be that it is a deceptively dense game.Animal Well’s release in Mayis good too given the number of releases are slowing down, ensuring players have time to enjoy everything hidden in its nooks and crannies.
Players are also encouraged to approach combat in the same way.Animal Wellfocuses on suspenseful moment-to-moment gameplayinstead of gungho action combat, which means players must slow down and slowly learn how to use environments and items too.
Animal Well’s Story is as Deceptive as its Metroidvania Approach
As players battle through this labyrinth, the story will also unfold. The premise is simple: the player hatches from a flower and must find their place in the environment. The world ofAnimal Wellexists for the creatures who inhabit it, and those who claimed territory first are not quick to give it up or even share it, it would seem. Some might be friendly and many others might be hostile, but it’s up to players to explore and find their place. Of course, that’s very broad, and it stands to reason that its story will mostly be told through world interactions and understanding the background lore—not unlike storytelling in many FromSoftware games, for example. This would add the same density to its simple story set-up that the open nature andinterconnections of its Metroidvania gameplaybring to the table.
Animal Well’s World is a Puzzle Box
This is especially true when story and gameplay come together: the exploration ofAnimal Well. It is described as a puzzle box world, meaning players will discover new areas and encounter new bits of lore in ways that may not entirely be expected. Players gradually fill out their map and understanding of the world, as they interact with enemies, items, and environments in different ways.Animal Wellis described as being incredibly systemic, meaning items and interactions will make sense, but perhaps not always be obvious. This only adds more to the density of the game, especially in conjunction with lore and its Metroidvania approach. “Learn how innocuous details can become meaningful” is a very potent tagline for all thingsAnimal Well.
Animal Well is One of Many PS Plus Games in May 2024
Animal Well, and the Metroidvania genre at large, is not going to be for everyone. However, that’s wheresubscription services like PS Plusbenefit players most. Fans of the genre can check outAnimal Wellat no additional cost, and those who don’t have a lot to keep them going for now, with even more PS Plus games coming in May too.
