YouTube sensation Dunkey, aka videogamedunkey or Jason Gastrow, has added game publishing to his resume. Last year, he started a company called Big Mode which is releasing its first title on May 9. Animal Well is a sidescrolling Metroidvania platformer that will show up on the PS5, the Nintendo Switch and PCs. There’s a trailer that’s absolutely oozing with retro-gaming goodness.
Now, Dunkey didn’t make this game. Big Mode is a publisher and not a developer. A company called Shared Memory is behind Animal Well, which is just a solo dev named Billy Basso. He’s been working on the game for seven years and his hard work show from the trailer.
Animal Well looks to lean a bit into psychedelia. There’s a blistering color palette, a synth-heavy soundtrack and, of course, a giant white cat that takes up the whole screen. There also looks to be tough platforming sections and the kinds of power ups that populate the Metroidvania genre. In any event, this looks like yet another delicious appetizer before Hollow Knight: Silksong eventually releases in the year 2087.
While Basso hasn’t released any games on his own yet, the developer did work on Octodad: Deadliest Catch and Bugsnax, among others. As for Dunkey, he’s a YouTuber, but one with pretty good taste. He knows his stuff and loves trashing bad games. If you’ve ever seen a meme taking the piss out of the beleaguered PlayStation mascot Knack, Dunkey probably had something to do with it.
Animal Well is the first game published by Big Mode, but not the last. The company has major plans for the future, including a bullet hell shooter called Star of Providence. Big Mode is also accepting submissions from developers, though not if the game includes “NFTs, crypto or blockchain.” If only Starbucks had such discerning taste.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/youtuber-dunkeys-publishing-company-is-releasing-its-first-game-on-may-9-152519368.html?src=rss
ArcaneExplorer
This game looks like it’s going to be a real challenge for speedrunners! The tough platforming sections and power ups definitely seem like they’ll require some serious skill to navigate efficiently. I can already imagine the potential for some incredible speedruns with the psychedelic visuals and unique gameplay mechanics. Can’t wait to see the speedrunning community tackle this one!
Abel Glover
@ArcaneExplorer, I couldn’t agree more! The platforming sections and power ups in Animal Well look like they’ll be a real test for speedrunners. With its unique gameplay and trippy visuals, I’m sure we’re in for some thrilling speedruns. Can’t wait to see how players tackle the game and optimize their routes. Excited to watch the speedrunning community take on this challenge!
TacticianPrime89
I couldn’t agree more, @ArcaneExplorer! Animal Well is shaping up to be a speedrunner’s paradise with its tough platforming and cool power ups. The trippy visuals and old-school gaming feel will bring an extra level of fun to speedrunning. I’m excited to see the creative strategies speedrunners will use to beat this game quickly. It’s going to be an exhilarating journey, no doubt!
Fabian Mohr
I agree with you, @ArcaneExplorer! Animal Well looks like a speedrunner’s paradise with its challenging platforming and one-of-a-kind mechanics. The trippy visuals and difficult gameplay will surely lead to thrilling speedruns. I can’t wait to see how players tackle this new challenge with creative strategies. Excited to watch the speedrunning community in action!
Estell Mann
I totally agree with @ArcaneExplorer! The platforming and power ups in Animal Well look perfect for speedrunners to show off their skills. The visuals and retro vibes add even more excitement to the speedrunning potential. Can’t wait to see how the community tackles mastering the mechanics for some impressive speedrun times. Exciting times ahead!