GYLT, developed by Tequila Works in collaboration with Parallel Circles, started life as a Stadia exclusive, but has now come to other platforms as well, giving us the chance to review it on a PlayStation 5. As Tequila Works was previously responsible for the underappreciated gem that is Deadlight, we couldn’t wait to try it out.
GYLT is a narrative adventure game that blends suspense, puzzles, stealth, and action. Set in the fictional old mining town of Bethelwood, the game plunges players into the haunting tale of Sally, a young girl on a quest to find her missing cousin, Emily. With a surreal and eerie atmosphere, GYLT paints a fantasy world but doesn’t shy away from addressing real-world issues like bullying in its narrative either.
The story premise of GYLT captivates players from the start, as Sally embarks on a journey through a twisted version of her hometown. As in Deadlight, the game features a suspenseful atmosphere, drawing inspiration from renowned horror titles such as Alan Wake. Sally’s quest to find her missing cousin, Emily, serves as the driving force behind the narrative. Along the way, players encounter a dark and eerie world, where their fears and worst memories come to life. GYLT’s narrative also explores the complex dynamics between Sally and Emily, offering emotionally-laden and very personal moments within its haunting setting. The game’s approach to addressing the issue of bullying adds depth to the storyline, allowing players to empathize with the struggles faced by its young protagonist.
Gameplay mechanics in GYLT encompass a variety of elements, including stealth, puzzles, and combat. The stealth mechanics in particular are well done, granting players the ability to navigate the shadows, hide from enemies, and employ distractions to evade detection. GYLT’s stealth mechanics provide an engaging and tension-filled experience, allowing players to carefully strategize their movements. Combat, while isn’t nearly as engaging, can be avoided thanks to the emphasis on stealth. The primary tool at players’ disposal is a flashlight, which serves as a means to eliminate enemies strategically. By shining the flashlight on their weak spots, players can dispatch foes, and the puzzles provide satisfying moments that break up the gameplay. The game introduces new gameplay elements gradually, ensuring a consistently engaging experience.
Visually, GYLT’s art style is quite impressive, successfully capturing the eerie and surreal nature of Sally’s journey through a fantasy tale. The environments, character models, and lighting effects all contribute to the game’s atmosphere, and GYLT’s dark and twisted version of the town of Bethelwood is a great backdrop its story. The game strikes a balance between gloomy and vibrant environments, with different areas showcasing the diversity of the game’s visual design. The sound design and Cris Velasco’s soundtrack further enhance the suspenseful atmosphere, effectively complementing the gameplay and narrative.
In conclusion, GYLT offers an audiovisually captivating and atmospheric adventure that confronts important themes. While it may not revolutionize gameplay mechanics, the game provides an enjoyable experience with solid stealth mechanics, engaging puzzles, and a well-executed art style. Its accessibility to a wider audience, owing to the absence of explicit violence or gore, is worth mentioning considering that this is a horror-themed game. Tequila Works has crafted a game that stands as a testament to the importance of addressing significant issues within the medium of video games, and it’s nice that those who didn’t play around with Stadia now get to enjoy it.
Score: 7.7/10
Press Play Media 