Animal Well, deemed the second best-rated game of 2024, is making waves in the gaming community. Despite being overshadowed by Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, the game stands out for its incredibly small file size. While Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth requires nearly 150GB of space, Animal Well manages to pack all its goodness into a mere 33.3MB on PC. This stark contrast in size is a testament to the efficiency and optimization implemented by the developer.
In an interview with Stephen Totillo, developer Billy Basso shed light on the rationale behind the compact nature of Animal Well. Basso explained that he intentionally programmed the game in a compact and straightforward manner, without any unnecessary bloat. By utilizing a custom engine and employing low-resolution pixel art assets, Basso was able to keep the game’s size to a minimum. This minimalist approach not only reduces the storage space required but also enhances the overall performance of the game.
While the PC version of Animal Well boasts an impressively small file size, the story is slightly different on consoles. On the PS5, the game occupies 101MB of space, primarily due to the inclusion of a 4K background image in the console UI. According to Basso, this background image alone surpasses the size of the entire game on PC. Despite this discrepancy, Animal Well continues to deliver a captivating gaming experience across different platforms.
Critics and players alike have heaped praise on Animal Well, labeling it as “an endlessly inventive Metroidvania with unfathomable depth.” Despite its diminutive size, the game offers a sprawling world filled with intricate level design, engaging puzzles, and compelling storytelling. The fusion of exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving in Animal Well highlights the developer’s commitment to delivering a rich and immersive gameplay experience.
In the realm of gaming, size does not always equate to quality. Animal Well defies expectations by delivering a remarkable gaming experience within a petite package. The developer’s focused approach to design and optimization has resulted in a game that punches above its weight, captivating players with its depth and creativity. As the success of Animal Well continues to soar, it serves as a testament to the fact that big things can indeed come in small packages in the world of gaming.
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