Fountains – Soulsvania Worth Exploring

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• DEVELOPER: John Pywell
• PUBLISHER: John Pywell
• PLATFORMS: PC
• GENRE: Soulslike / Metroidvania
• RELEASE DATE: November 20, 2024
• INITIAL PRICE: 15.79€
• REVIEWED VERSION: PC

Fountains is a game developed by a single person, inspired by titles such as Dark Souls, Hyper Light Drifter, and Hollow Knight, while simultaneously forging its own unique style. Although it may not reach the same level of artistic or gameplay depth as its inspirations, it provides an enjoyable experience centered around exploration and rewards players who are truly curious.

The game introduces you to a harsh world in the role of an unnamed wanderer who begins chained in a dungeon, cast there by the Ageless, an oppressive force that imprisons those it deems a threat. Without equipment and with little hope, you embark on a grueling expedition through a diverse and interconnected world, fighting various enemies, uncovering secrets, and attempting to piece together a cryptic story.

Exploration and World Design

The game’s strength lies in its rewarding exploration, smooth movement, and unusual cast of characters that infuse the game with a dose of humor and charm. However, the combat and progression systems might seem overly simplistic for players seeking the deeper challenge offered by similar titles.

The best part of Fountains is its interconnected world. Shortcuts, hidden sections, and cleverly designed secrets make exploration incredibly fun. Every corner encourages the discovery of something new, and the level design reflects careful planning. While the story is not the most substantial, the funny side characters and the way the environment tells the story add a certain interest. Additional activities, such as fishing and the turtle track, provide a nice opportunity to relax.

The Metroidvania elements particularly stand out, as you need special tools, such as a grappling hook to cross passages or a quick-travel ring, to progress. There is a simple map with manual markers, but it doesn’t automatically mark your location, which can be a bit irritating. The game offers two fast travel options: connected gates between different areas and teleporting using strange mushroom circles. However, these options are not as appealing as the cleverly designed shortcuts that significantly ease movement once you unlock them.

Combat and Mechanics

The combat is fast and functional, but it’s not as elaborate as in classic Souls games. You can dodge attacks and manage resources, but these elements are quite simplified. A system for interrupting enemy attacks does not exist, so you must rely solely on evading and counter-attacking. For experienced players of the genre, this might feel a bit basic. Additionally, you need to learn enemy behavior patterns (which are sometimes inconsistent) to ease the combat, as you are unable to interrupt your move during the attack animation.

Most of the fights in the game are enjoyable, but some enemies and bosses have unpredictable attack patterns that can be frustrating. Their rapid moves and ambiguous attacks sometimes hinder the smoothness of the combat. When you die, you lose half of your coins permanently, which adds extra pressure but emphasizes the importance of buying bags to safely store your money.

The boss battles in Fountains surpass many other indie Souls-like titles. However, some bosses deal high damage, making frequent healing crucial for survival, but this is not always straightforward. Since the game does not offer a leveling system, it is possible to encounter extremely difficult fights without the ability to adequately prepare, which further amplifies the challenge.

The Game Is Not the Best in All Its Aspects

Fountains offers a simple character development system. Instead of classic level progression, stats are increased through armor, health extensions, and specific upgrades. While this approach works, it can feel a bit limiting. Players struggling with difficult bosses might spend a lot of time collecting necessary items, which can occasionally become tedious. An interesting addition is the innovative use of the water system – players can drink water for healing or use water projectiles for attacks.

The weapon system could be more varied, as most melee weapons have similar characteristics, which can be disappointing. Introducing a greater number of stronger or long-range weapons would enrich the gameplay. The forging system also leaves a poor impression because upgrades do not bring significant improvements to the equipment. Managing tools in the inventory requires additional polish, as switching items on the keyboard is clumsy and confusing. On the other hand, the trade system is clean and easy to use.

Despite its flaws, Fountains is a solidly crafted game. While not perfect, it stands out with appealing graphics and simple, fun gameplay. The story is minimalistic, and the game doesn’t offer much guidance, but the world is rich with content to explore over 10–12 hours of playtime. Given its favorable price, the game provides excellent value and a solid dose of fun.

Final Thoughts

Building on the previous point, Fountains excels in world-building. This is a game that surprises with its explorability thanks to the interconnected levels. Although the game sometimes stumbles on combat inconsistencies due to awkward animations and difficult bosses, its strengths far outweigh these shortcomings.

You have nothing to lose by trying out this game, especially if you love this genre. If you enjoyed Hyper Light Drifter, you will find that Fountains is another indie title that deserves your support. For players looking for a fun and challenging adventure full of secrets, Fountains is an excellent choice.

Review copy provided by the publisher