GYLT Reviews
Gylt is a short horror game with a lot of good ideas. It doesn’t break any new ground, but it has a solid structure that provides a clear path to follow while rewarding exploration at the same time. The world has enough potential that I wouldn’t mind revisiting it in a sequel, but either way, it’s nice to see a game like this find new life now that Stadia is gone.
GYLT is a gateway horror game. Taken as an introduction to the genre for a younger player, GYLT certainly succeeds. That isn’t to say that older, more experienced players will find no to enjoy Tequila Works once Stadia are exclusive. Still, they would be hard-pressed to identify systems and mechanics that feel like true modern-day implementations rather than their older iterations. NPCs and puzzles seem to adhere to the designs of yesteryear, creating a mechanically-basic outing for Sally. And yet there’s a charm that can penetrate these enveloping issues. Combining the twisted Pixar-style aesthetics with the heart-wrenching presentation of bullying elevates GYLT just enough beyond its failures to be enticing. If only Tequila Works had more to say about their engrossing world, GYLT would have undoubtedly ascended further.
A great example of how games not only entertain, but can convey powerful messages. It is not the most cutting-edge experience in the world, but it is a necessary exercise in reflection.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
An adventure with basic stealth elements and a teen-horror atmosphere that also winks at more recent genre series. The atmosphere is good but the all too basic gameplay seems to be aimed at a fairly young and unweaned audience. Technically it does not leave great memories but the porting job could have been better.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Tequila Works has definitely offered better experiences in the past, but Gylt is still a decent enough time.
GYLT is a pleasant experience with a serviceable anti-bullying message that could use a bit more subtlety in its delivery. While the game doesn't break any new grounds in terms of horror design brought by its peers that were released this year, it still is a worthwhile experience for most players looking for a thrill in a mysterious world filled with monsters.
While Gylt has some tragic elements in its story, it's even more tragic that it was tied to the sinking ship that was Google Staida. Luckily, with its re-release, adults and children alike will be able to get lost in the Lovecraftian lore, unnerving enemy design, and clean aesthetics. Overall, Gylt packs intrigue into every aspect of its gameplay and story without telling you the answers outright, leading to great moments of discovery.
While it looks like a modern storybook tale, Gylt deals with some pretty intense subject matter that many can relate to. It would be easy to complain that Gylt doesn’t go deep enough in any direction or layer enough complexity on its basic systems. That would be true if the game was longer than its five-hour running time. Its mechanics might not be remarkable, but Gylt’s themes are impactful and its presentation is memorable and engaging.
With an impeccable art direction and an oppressive and terrifying atmosphere, GYLT welcomes us to a city full of monsters where nothing is what it seems and we will live in first person the impact of our actions... or lack of them.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Gylt is a very interesting game. The setting, the gameplay, the exploration, and the puzzles are very impressive. But it falls very short when it comes to the story. It felt as though the game was trying to tell two different stories in one setting. But the game just was not able to execute it as I would have wanted considering the subject matter it does touch on. But when collectibles and environmental details do that job significantly better, I cannot help feeling let down. Outside of this though, Gylt is an easy recommendation at its price and short length of nearly seven hours to encourage multiple playthroughs for its multiple endings.
While its gameplay can feel a little basic at times, we’re really glad that GYLT is now free of Stadia. This is a small but powerful horror title that tackles an important issue while also providing hours of engaging gameplay. And though there’s nothing truly original here, Tequila Works has obviously put this together with care. If nothing else, it deserves praise for simply being a horror game accessible to younger audiences while still being unsettling for all.
GYLT is packed with great atmosphere, music, and spooks galore, but the juvenile theming leaves the narrative wanting.
GYLT from Tequila Works is a heavy game to bear. Its story is overwhelmingly sad, relatable, and impactful. The gameplay is built to complement the story and the devs did a great job of pulling those two pieces together. This game isn’t for the faint of heart and it will certainly get you in the feels, but the journey is worth the emotional risk.
Gylt takes a smart approach by integrating the theme of bullying, an important and current issue, into a horror adventure game. Through fun gameplay, it manages to get its message across in an engaging way without unnecessarily prolonging it. Although there may be some setbacks that may cause annoyance, it is undeniable how consistent and pleasant the overall game is, making these problems small when compared to the total experience that the title provides.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
A weak combat system and a few gamplay niggles don't detract from what is an eerie, adventurous tale. Yes the story could have been stronger but the visuals and mostly entertaining gamplay make Gylt an enjoyable game that never outstays its welcome. However, I do feel a few tweaks here and there could have made the game vastly superior.
GYLT is a good and fun experience, with clear foundations in titles like Silent Hill or Alan Wake, and, without inventing anything new, it manages to have the solid structure of a good game. A topic as delicate as bullying is constantly present and, combined with the text and the dark atmosphere, makes this title quite appealing for those who like the genre.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
GYLT is a case of a great concept that was let-down by weak implementation of the combat system, overall repetitiveness, and way too big of a focus on a younger audience.
Review in Russian | Read full review
I enjoyed playing Gylt, I think it's a title that deserved to be rescued from the Google Stadia debacle and I think it's a game that is encouraged to tell a deeper story that nuances with graphic horror but that can be quietly the life of a troubled teenager and I think the storytelling does a great job of leaving the player thinking, Remembering other times, perhaps in which all of us have undoubtedly been witnesses, victims and sadly victimizers of bullying.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
GYLT falls short of expectations despite promising so much. The theme is strong, but the game relies on clichés and predictable plot twists instead of making a genuine effort to be impactful and memorable in its portrayal. It feels like a minimal attempt to address a powerful theme, and as a result, the good intention gets lost, and the theme becomes diluted by the gameplay.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
While Tequila Works' inspiration to explore bullying forms a valuable blueprint, the end result isn't as well-bylt as originally expected.