Indie Darling Downwell Goes Mobile on Android

[Conrad Zimmerman]

Indie Darling Downwell Goes Mobile on Android

//cdn.themis-media.com/media/global/images/library/deriv/1263/1263368.pngVertical rogue-like drops to to the small screen

Devolver Digital has released an Android version of Downwell [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.devolver.downwell] to the Google Play Store. The game is currently available there for $3.

In Downwell, players control a boy trying to find treasure at the bottom of a very deep well, armed only with a pair of gunboots which both fire a projectile and slow the descent. Between the player and the bottom lie thirteen stages across four regions with unique environmental features and a whole lot of enemies.

It's a very pure game with easy to pick up, three-button mechanics, but has considerable nuance tucked within its combo system, enemy variety, and selection of power-ups made available after each stage. I would have concerns about playing with touch controls (due to accuracy demanded of the player and the game speed) but it does meet mobile criteria for being quick to play with low commitment.

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Downwell released first for PC in October and is available on Steam for $2.99. I do recommend it if you like a quick, simple arcade game with some longevity to it.

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[Janichsan]

The game went mobile long ago, since it was released for iOS [https://itunes.apple.com/app/downwell/id1032708262?mt=8] on the same day as the Windows version.

 

[Lightknight]

If Downwell's development studio was developed by Moppin and published by Devolver Digital, how is it an indie game? The only qualifying definition of an indie studio is that they don't get published by a publisher.

Thanks for the info though, this looks like a great android game.

 

[Conrad Zimmerman]

If Downwell's development studio was developed by Moppin and published by Devolver Digital, how is it an indie game? The only qualifying definition of an indie studio is that they don't get published by a publisher.

I don't think self-publishing is the necessary qualification for what makes an independent studio or an indie game. There is a lot of nuance and variability in the relationships small developers can have with publishing companies, which may only extend to assisting with marketing and distribution and not include any sort of funding for the actual development.

 

[Eric the Orange]

If Downwell's development studio was developed by Moppin and published by Devolver Digital, how is it an indie game? The only qualifying definition of an indie studio is that they don't get published by a publisher.

Thanks for the info though, this looks like a great android game.

So like Mario Games?

The technical definition of independent is developed independent of a publisher. But that definition kind of falls apart when you look at in house Nintendo games and the like.

The truth is their isn't really any good concrete definition for Indie games, just like their isn't and good concrete definition for AAA games. But that being said most people know what you mean when you say Indie game or AAA game.

 

[Lightknight]

If Downwell's development studio was developed by Moppin and published by Devolver Digital, how is it an indie game? The only qualifying definition of an indie studio is that they don't get published by a publisher.

Thanks for the info though, this looks like a great android game.

So like Mario Games?

The technical definition of independent is developed independent of a publisher. But that definition kind of falls apart when you look at in house Nintendo games and the like.

The truth is their isn't really any good concrete definition for Indie games, just like their isn't and good concrete definition for AAA games. But that being said most people know what you mean when you say Indie game or AAA game.

Nintendo actually owns a variety of development studios in addition to it having a publishing branch. The studios and branches are technically separate entities under the same parent company.

That being said, the qualification of being an indie studio is usually two things: 1. They are a small team and 2. They are self published or developed the game without the assistance of a publisher. So even if the development team in Nintendo were the same as the publishing team, they're still too large.

If Downwell's development studio was developed by Moppin and published by Devolver Digital, how is it an indie game? The only qualifying definition of an indie studio is that they don't get published by a publisher.

I don't think self-publishing is the necessary qualification for what makes an independent studio or an indie game. There is a lot of nuance and variability in the relationships small developers can have with publishing companies, which may only extend to assisting with marketing and distribution and not include any sort of funding for the actual development.

Thanks for the response. I guess it would depend on the actual nature they have with the publisher (which appears to be exactly what you're saying). Maybe this devolver studio is just excellent at offering these services in the indie community.

If so, they're one of the best publishers in the business.

 

[Conrad Zimmerman]

Maybe this devolver studio is just excellent at offering these services in the indie community.

If so, they're one of the best publishers in the business.

Based on conversations I've had with several developers who have worked with them, I'm told they're a good partner. They've certainly had an excellent run.