FOUNTAINS (Xbox) Review

FOUNTAINS is one of those rare indie releases that feels both fiercely personal and meticulously crafted. Built over five years by solo developer John Pywell, it’s a soulslike-metroidvania hybrid that wears its inspirations proudly, Dark Souls’ interlocking world design, Hollow Knight’s aggressive resource loop, and the atmospheric mystery of classic fantasy labyrinths all echo through its structure. But FOUNTAINS isn’t just a collage of influences; it’s a confident, demanding, and strangely hypnotic experience that stands firmly on its own.

FOUNTAINS’ world is its greatest triumph: a single, seamless dungeon that folds, loops, and coils back on itself with deliberate elegance. Corridors you passed an hour ago reconnect unexpectedly, revealing shortcuts, hidden chambers, or new traversal opportunities unlocked by recently acquired abilities. The game trusts you to remember its geography ,there are no objective markers, no glowing waypoints, no handholding. You explore because curiosity compels you, and the reward is that unmistakable “aha” moment when a previously unreachable ledge or locked gate suddenly clicks into place.

This design philosophy mirrors the original PC release, which earned acclaim for its labyrinthine structure and sense of discovery. The Xbox version benefits from refinements based on player feedback, including adjustable difficulty and expanded language options, making the experience more accessible without compromising its core identity.

Combat is tight, punishing, and intentionally sparse. Enemies hit hard, hesitation is punished, and every encounter feels like a small duel rather than a disposable skirmish. The Hollow Knight–inspired mechanic of regaining magic by striking foes forces you to stay aggressive as retreating is rarely a viable strategy.

Progression follows metroidvania logic: the world is open, but your tools are not. New abilities unlock traversal routes, secret areas, and optional bosses. The game’s dark fantasy lore is delivered environmentally rather than through exposition, encouraging players to piece together the narrative through exploration.

You play as a hooded stranger imprisoned by a tyrannical regime, navigating a war-torn empire in search of the Fountain of Youth. The story is intentionally opaque, communicated through cryptic dialogue, environmental clues, and the geometry of the world itself. It’s a quiet, brooding experience and one that rewards players who enjoy piecing together fragmented lore rather than being told what’s happening.

The Xbox release feels polished and responsive, with smooth performance and intuitive controls. The adjustable difficulty is a welcome addition, allowing newcomers of the genre to enjoy the world without diluting the challenge for veterans. The online messaging system of notes left by other players adds a playful communal layer, whether those notes are helpful warnings or mischievous traps.

Pros

• Brilliant interlocking world design that rewards curiosity and memory

• Demanding but fair combat with satisfying rhythm and tension

• Atmospheric, mysterious lore delivered through exploration

• Metroidvania progression that feels natural and rewarding

• Adjustable difficulty makes the game more accessible

• Online messaging system adds personality and community flavour

Cons

• No objective markers may frustrate players who prefer guided progression

• High difficulty spikes can feel punishing early on

• Sparse storytelling may feel too cryptic for some

• Backtracking-heavy structure requires patience and spatial awareness

FOUNTAINS is one of those rare solo-developed projects that feels bigger than the sum of its parts. Its labyrinthine world design, its demanding combat, and its quiet, brooding atmosphere all work together to create a metroidvania-soulslike hybrid that rewards patience, curiosity, and stubborn determination. It’s not a game that compromises; it expects you to meet it on its own terms, to learn its geography, to embrace its cryptic storytelling, and to push through its early difficulty spikes.

But when it clicks, it really clicks. The satisfaction of unlocking a shortcut you didn’t know you were heading toward, the thrill of mastering a tough encounter, the slow unfurling of its strange, oppressive world, these moments give FOUNTAINS a distinct identity that sets it apart from its inspirations.

XPN Rating: 4 out of 5 (GOLD)

FOUNTAINS is available now!