Wells

Overall, and while it isn’t quite down there with the worst games of all time, it’s definitely no match for the best either. Unfortunately the bland and repetitive gameplay is enough to send this game to the back of the pile and is sure to be forgotten once you’ve nabbed that easy Gamerscore.

65%Game Brain Score

gameplay, story

graphics, music

70% User Score Based on 60 reviews

Critic Score 40%Based on 1 reviews

Platforms

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About

Wells is a single player platformer game. It was developed by TowerUpStudios and was released on December 19, 2016. It received negative reviews from critics and mostly positive reviews from players.

"Wells" is a side-scrolling action game with 3D graphics, drawing inspiration from 90's Run and Gun games, set in a steampunk universe. Play as Wells, utilizing a wide range of unique steampunk weapons while battling enemies and massive bosses. Your gun can overheat, so manage your cooldowns carefully in this fast-paced, explosive adventure.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

Skip User Reviews

70%

Audience ScoreBased on 60 reviews

gameplay4 positive mentions

graphics6 negative mentions

The game offers a charming run and gun experience with many different weapons and challenges.
It has a nice art direction and memorable boss fights, making it enjoyable despite its simplicity.
Players have found it to be a hidden gem, especially at its low price point, with good controls and a fun storyline.

The controls are often unresponsive and frustrating, leading to a less enjoyable gameplay experience.
The graphics and sound design are considered dull and lacking polish, detracting from the overall appeal.
Many players felt that the game loses its charm quickly, becoming aggravating after a short period of play.

gameplay
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
56%
19%
Gameplay has seen improvements, particularly with smoother mechanics and fixed long reload times, enhancing the overall experience. While some players find the graphics dull and the gameplay average, others appreciate the unique mechanics and nostalgic elements reminiscent of classic side-scrolling shooters, including engaging boss fights. Overall, the game offers a mix of fun and simplicity, appealing to fans of the genre.
- “The problems with long reloads mentioned in other reviews have been fixed and gameplay is very smooth.”
- “Even though it may be visually simple, it makes up for its unique mechanics and gameplay.”
- “A very fun old school game with interesting shooting mechanics and boss fights.”
- “It started off decent as a side scrolling shooter, but the gameplay was average, and the dull graphics got to me eventually.”
- “While I remember guns overheating in games like Metal Slug, I never remember them causing an extreme pause to the gameplay experience like it does in Wells.”
- “Made me come back to the old days when I used to play a lot of games with bosses at the end of each level and a charismatic character to join the gameplay.”
graphics
14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
14%
43%
43%
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some players finding them decent and visually appealing, while others criticize them as dull and unpolished. Issues such as glitches on the Linux version and a need for improved intro graphics are noted, suggesting that a more professional presentation could enhance the overall experience. Overall, the graphics are seen as a weak point that detracts from the gameplay.
- “A nice little sidescroller with pleasing music and visuals.”
- “The graphics are really cool as well as the fantastic soundtrack.”
- “The graphics and color palette aren't great.”
- “It started off decent as a side scrolling shooter but the gameplay was average, and the dull graphics got to me eventually.”
- “While I am glad the game has extended platform support, the Linux version is garbage with graphics glitches throughout.”
music
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
20%
40%
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players finding it relaxing and enjoyable, while others describe it as annoying and of poor quality. Overall, the soundtrack is noted to complement the visuals well, contributing to a pleasing atmosphere, despite some criticism regarding sound effects.
- “A nice little sidescroller with pleasing music and visuals.”
- “The graphics are really cool as well as the fantastic soundtrack.”
- “The sounds are terrible and the music is annoying.”
- “Wells is a steampunk side scroller with decent enough graphics, but the music is just okay and the sound effects are kind of pathetic.”
- “I relaxed for 5 minutes listening to this music, long enough to realize that I would be okay.”
story
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The story emphasizes resilience and the unpredictability of life, highlighting that perseverance can lead to unexpected outcomes. Reviewers appreciate the engaging storyline and effective controls that enhance the overall experience.
- “Moral of the story: you never know what life has in store for you, and if I had given up when all odds were against me, I wouldn't be where I am today.”
- “Great controls and storyline.”
humor
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game is generally considered funny, with players enjoying its humor despite some criticism of the character's jumping sound, which is described as a bit odd yet still amusing.
- “Funny game”
- “What you could improve on is the voice; the 'hum hum' sound he makes when he jumps is a bit weird, but it's funny!”
replayability
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
Users consistently highlight the game’s high level of replayability, indicating that it offers engaging content that encourages multiple playthroughs.
- “It also has a high level of replayability.”
monetization
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The monetization model is well-received, with users noting that it is fair and not exploitative, avoiding the pitfalls of a cash grab.
stability
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game's stability is notably problematic on the Linux version, with users reporting significant graphics glitches. While the extended platform support is appreciated, the performance on Linux has been criticized as subpar.
- “While I am glad the game has extended platform support, the Linux version is garbage with graphics glitches throughout.”