Although puzzles become increasingly challenging past the first credit roll (I do admit I wasn't so engaged in finding everything out on my own after that part) playing Animal Well was a chill experience for me for the most part.

Sound design and visuals were soothing (I loved the colour palette), and together with the attention to detail put to the environment, the solid gameplay (although some more advanced usage of certain tools did require some skill) and the relative lack of friction made it very easy to become lost in the game. Exploring and uncovering a new chunk of the map or gaining access to a foreshadowed area felt wonderful every time.

One of the best games I've played this year, for sure.