GYLT

The story of GYLT is widely praised for its exploration of heavy themes like bullying, loneliness, and emotional trauma, often framed through a haunting, atmospheric narrative. Critics such as GamingTrend highlight its Lovecraftian elements and the intriguing drip-feed of lore via books, while Games.cz commend its reliance on visuals and hints rather than explicit dialogue, creating an immersive, eerie experience. The game’s focus on Sally’s emotional journey resonates with reviewers like Digital Chumps, who note its “thick with terror and realism” tone, and GameSpew, who compare it to Silent Hill and Alan Wake for its atmospheric storytelling. Themes of school violence and childhood nightmares are also lauded by GameMAG and Meristation, with IGN Spain praising the well-paced narrative and strong Spanish voice acting. Many critics, including Hobby Consolas and MeuPlayStation, appreciate the non-preachy approach, allowing players to reflect on the message without overt moralizing. However, several critics criticize GYLT for its lack of subtlety and underdeveloped execution. Adventure Gamers and Noisy Pixel both note that the themes of bullying and depression are handled with heavy-handedness, lacking nuance. Wccftech calls the narrative “tone-deaf and pretentious,” while GamingBolt argues the story lacks depth and fails to flesh out its characters or plot fully. The predictability of the narrative is another recurring issue, with PlayStation Universe and Push Square pointing out that the themes are not explored deeply enough. Additionally, COGconnected (PC) mentions that while the delivery is sensitive, the story’s simplicity can feel underwhelming. Some critics, like Vandal, note that the game’s scary scenes may not be suitable for younger audiences, and IGN Portugal describes it as “short, simple, and impactful,” which could be seen as a drawback for players seeking more complexity. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward appreciation for GYLT’s emotional resonance and thematic ambition, despite its flaws. While many praise its atmospheric storytelling and effective portrayal of bullying’s impact—Hobby Consolas and IGN Spain highlight its reflective depth—others find it overly direct or underdeveloped. The game’s strength lies in its ability to evoke empathy through Sally’s journey, as noted by TheXboxHub, which calls the writing “good” and characters “engaging.” However, the lack of subtlety and narrative complexity remains a point of contention, with Wccftech and GamingBolt criticizing its preachiness and shallow execution. Ultimately, GYLT is seen as a brave attempt to tackle serious issues through horror, but its effectiveness depends on how players perceive its balance between message and artistry.

The gameplay of GYLT is praised for its well-implemented stealth mechanics and engaging environmental puzzles, which form the core of its design. Adventure Gamers highlights the "well-implemented" stealth system that offers a challenge in later areas, while COGconnected and Games.cz note that the visually stunning environments compensate for the game’s simplicity. The flashlight serves as a central tool, with Vandal describing it as a homage to classic survival horror games like Alan Wake, and Multiplayer.it emphasizing its role in both combat and puzzle-solving. Critics like GameSpew and Digital Chumps commend the variety of mechanics, including multiple endings, collectibles, and boss fights, which add depth to the experience. Additionally, the game’s accessibility is noted by Vandal, who suggests it’s suitable for newcomers to the genre due to its straightforward design. However, several critics point out significant shortcomings in GYLT’s gameplay, particularly its lack of innovation and challenge. GameMAG and Wccftech criticize the "forgiving stealth system" and "easy puzzles," arguing that the game lacks tension and variety. The combat is repeatedly described as weak and tedious, with PlayStation Universe and Push Square noting that it’s often avoidable via stealth but still feels underdeveloped. IGN Portugal and COGconnected also mention that the mechanics are too simplistic for adult players, while Hobby Consolas and MeuPlayStation point to repetitive design and a lack of true progression. The short runtime (5–8 hours) is another recurring critique, with Games.cz and GameSpew noting that the game’s brevity may leave some feeling unsatisfied despite its atmospheric strengths. Overall, critics agree that GYLT is a competent but unoriginal entry in the survival horror genre, balancing strong stealth mechanics and atmospheric storytelling with formulaic design and limited challenge. While Adventure Gamers and Vandal praise its accessibility and environmental storytelling, others like GameMAG and IGN Portugal highlight its lack of innovation. The consensus leans toward it being a solid choice for fans of minimalist survival horror, but one that fails to push boundaries or deliver sustained tension. Despite mixed opinions on difficulty, the game’s emphasis on exploration and puzzle-solving, coupled with its visual appeal, ensures it remains an engaging, if not groundbreaking, experience.

The graphics and visual design of GYLT have been widely praised for their distinctive artistic style and atmospheric depth. Critics consistently highlight the game’s nostalgic, stylized aesthetic, with many noting its ability to evoke a sense of unease through creative environments. Adventure Gamers lauded the "lovely" and detailed worlds that encourage exploration, while COGconnected compared the art direction to animated fairy tales with a darker subtext. The use of hand-drawn cutscenes, as noted by GamingTrend and KeenGamer, adds a unique layer to the storytelling, blending cartoony visuals with unsettling themes. Digital Chumps and IGN Spain specifically praised the Unreal Engine 5 implementation, citing impressive details like ray tracing and immersive lighting that enhance the horror elements. The Tim Burton-esque "plasticine-like" characters and environments, as described by KeenGamer and PlayStation Universe, further reinforce the game’s charm and eerie atmosphere, creating a cohesive and memorable visual identity. However, several critics pointed out technical and design limitations that detract from the experience. Noisy Pixel criticized the harsh shadows and inadequate flashlight mechanics, which hinder visibility during gameplay, while GamingBolt noted that the re-release lacks visual improvements. Push Square and The Games Machine mentioned a lack of distinctive visual design and repetitive level structures, respectively, suggesting that the game’s art direction, though effective, does not push boundaries. Multiplayer.it and Meristation also highlighted the graphics as "not groundbreaking," with some areas requiring more polish. Additionally, the transition between 3D models and hand-drawn sequences, while praised by COGconnected, was seen as inconsistent in its execution. These critiques underscore that while GYLT excels in creating mood and style, it occasionally falls short in technical refinement and originality. Overall, the critics’ consensus leans toward appreciation for GYLT’s artistic vision and atmospheric storytelling, despite acknowledging its flaws. The game’s ability to blend nostalgic, cartoonish visuals with horror elements has been a standout feature, as noted by IGN Spain and SomosXbox, who praised its immersive environments and effective use of light and shadow. While some critics, like GamingBolt and Push Square, found the graphics unimpressive or repetitive, the majority agreed that the art direction successfully enhances the game’s narrative and emotional impact. The mixed reception reflects a balance between admiration for creativity and recognition of technical shortcomings, ultimately positioning GYLT as a visually compelling but imperfect experience that prioritizes style over cutting-edge visuals.

The sound design and music of GYLT are widely praised for their atmospheric depth and emotional resonance. Critics consistently highlight the orchestral score by Cris Velasco as a standout element, with Adventure Gamers noting its ability to "weave deftly into the tension" and enhance the game’s mood. GamingTrend describes the soundtrack as "amazing," ranging from "heavy and dramatic" to "haunting and somber," while Digital Chumps applauds the "unsettling sounds that build tension." The integration of environmental sounds, voice acting, and musical cues is frequently lauded for creating an immersive experience. For instance, IGN Spain emphasizes how the soundtrack "complements the on-screen action with tension," and Hobby Consolas calls Velasco’s work "magnificent." Additionally, MeuPlayStation praises the haptic feedback of the DualSense controller, which simulates the protagonist’s heartbeat, further amplifying immersion. The music is seen as a critical component in establishing the game’s gothic, horror-driven atmosphere. While most reviews celebrate the sound design, some critiques point to technical or structural shortcomings. KeenGamer notes "synchronization issues with enemy music," suggesting that certain audio elements feel out of sync with gameplay moments. Meristation also mentions that the integration of dynamic music and cinematic sequences "could be improved," indicating a lack of seamless transitions in some areas. Additionally, GamingBolt observes that while voice acting is "well done," the jumpscares "are not effective"—a point that indirectly reflects on how sound design might fail to heighten tension in key moments. COGconnected’s mention of the soundtrack "resembling family-friendly horror films" on Nintendo Switch could imply a perceived lack of intensity compared to more mature horror titles, though this is framed as a stylistic choice rather than a flaw. These critiques, while minor, highlight areas where the sound design could have been more polished or impactful. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with the soundtrack and sound design regarded as essential to GYLT’s success. The orchestral score by Cris Velasco is consistently praised for its emotional depth and atmospheric contribution, with multiple outlets like IGN Spain, Digital Chumps, and Vandal emphasizing its role in amplifying horror elements. While technical issues and occasional missteps in synchronization or pacing are noted, these do not detract from the general acclaim. The combination of immersive soundscapes, effective voice acting, and dynamic musical cues creates a cohesive experience that aligns with the game’s gothic horror themes. As KeenGamer acknowledges, the score "maintains a fantastical gothic tone," and this sentiment is echoed across reviews, underscoring the critical consensus that GYLT’s sound design is both innovative and integral to its storytelling.

The voice acting in GYLT receives largely positive acclaim from multiple reviewers, with many highlighting its effectiveness in enhancing the game’s narrative and emotional resonance. COGconnected praises the voice acting as “good” and notes that it supports the writing and dialogue, while Digital Chumps emphasizes its sincerity in selling the protagonist Sally’s emotional journey. GamingBolt and PlayStation Universe commend the performances for portraying the protagonist effectively and maintaining player engagement, respectively. Notably, IGN Spain and Vandal specifically highlight the Spanish dub as “excellent” and “well done,” with the latter noting that the voices fit the characters and elevate immersion. Additionally, But Why Tho? and TheXboxHub praise the voice acting for contributing to the game’s haunting atmosphere and high-standard lead performance, respectively. These reviews collectively underscore the voice work’s role in deepening the storytelling and emotional impact of GYLT. While most critiques are favorable, Hobby Consolas offers a more neutral take, describing the voice acting as “average.” This is the only explicitly negative assessment among the reviews, suggesting that while the majority find it commendable, there may be some room for improvement in terms of consistency or standout performances. However, this single critical note does not detract from the overall positive reception, as other reviewers emphasize the voice work’s ability to convey themes, character depth, and atmospheric immersion. The overall consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with a strong emphasis on the voice acting’s contribution to GYLT’s narrative and emotional core. The Spanish dub receives particular praise for its quality and authenticity, as highlighted by IGN Spain and Vandal, while multiple reviewers across platforms (PC, PS5, Xbox) acknowledge the performances’ ability to enhance immersion and storytelling. While Hobby Consolas’ “average” assessment stands out as a minor critique, it is overshadowed by the widespread acclaim for the voice acting’s sincerity, emotional depth, and technical execution. This suggests that GYLT’s voice work is a significant strength, effectively supporting its themes and player engagement.

The technical performance of GYLT across its platforms has been largely praised, with reviewers highlighting consistent smoothness and stability. On PC, COGconnected noted a "smooth and sharp" port with no framerate drops or hiccups, emphasizing the game’s polished execution on that platform. For PS5, multiple critics—GameSpew, GamingBolt, Hobby Consolas, and MeuPlayStation—praised its "rock solid performance," "no bugs or glitches," and "satisfactory performance," while also noting brief loading times. The Nintendo Switch received a positive assessment from Impulsegamer, who acknowledged that the game "runs well" despite longer load times compared to other consoles. Overall, all platforms showcased strong technical foundations, with PS5 receiving the most consistent acclaim for its stability and responsiveness. However, some platform-specific issues were noted. On PS5, Meristation pointed out that while the game runs smoothly in local mode, there are "audiovisual and gameplay aspects that could use more polish," and Multiplayer.it mentioned animation and camera issues despite overall technical strengths. The Games Machine highlighted "small glitches and problemi di compenetrazione poligonale" (polygon penetration issues), which could affect immersion. On the Switch, Impulsegamer acknowledged longer load times as a drawback, though they still praised the game’s performance. These critiques suggest that while GYLT is technically sound across platforms, minor polish and optimization gaps persist, particularly on PS5 and the Switch. The overall consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with most agreeing that GYLT delivers solid technical performance across PC, PS5, and Switch. The PS5 received the highest praise for its stability and lack of major issues, as highlighted by GameSpew, GamingBolt, and MeuPlayStation, while COGconnected’s PC review reinforced the game’s cross-platform reliability. Though some critics like Meristation and Multiplayer.it noted minor flaws, these were framed as areas for improvement rather than deal-breakers. The Switch’s performance, while slightly hindered by load times, was still deemed satisfactory. Collectively, the reviews suggest that GYLT is a technically competent title with few significant issues, making it a reliable experience across its supported platforms.

The reviewers generally acknowledge that GYLT offers several elements that contribute to its replay value, particularly through its narrative depth and collectible-driven mechanics. COGconnected highlights the game’s impactful themes and memorable presentation as engaging factors, while GameMAG and GamingTrend emphasize hidden diaries, special items, and secret collectibles that encourage exploration. IGN Spain specifically praises the New Game+ mode “Return to Campus” and the incentive to collect items for a better ending, which aligns with Hobby Consolas’ observation that gathering extras can extend playtime to 10–11 hours. Additionally, GamingBolt and GameSpew note that multiple endings and collectibles provide some motivation for replayability, particularly for completionists. Push Square also underscores the engaging nature of collectibles that expand the game’s world, suggesting a layered experience beyond the main story. However, several critics point to significant limitations in GYLT’s replay value due to its brevity and lack of substantial content. Meristation describes the game as “relatively short and easy,” questioning its overall appeal for repeated playthroughs, while COGconnected (PC) notes the five-hour length may restrict replayability despite thematic strengths. Wccftech warns that uncovering the world’s origins requires multiple playthroughs but questions whether the effort is justified. Similarly, But Why Tho? argues that an unsatisfying conclusion could deter players from exploring further, and GamingBolt mentions that alternate endings and collectibles are the primary incentives—often insufficient for broader audiences. These critiques highlight a tension between the game’s design choices and its ability to sustain long-term engagement. The overall consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward GYLT offering moderate replay value for specific types of players. While elements like multiple endings, collectibles, and exploration are praised by IGN Spain, Hobby Consolas, and GamingTrend, many agree that the game’s short duration—often cited as 5–8 hours—limits its appeal to those seeking extended gameplay. COGconnected (PC) and Meristation both emphasize the brevity as a drawback, whereas others like GameMAG and Push Square see value in the narrative depth and collectible systems. Ultimately, GYLT seems to cater more to completionists or fans of its themes than to players seeking extensive replayability, with critics divided on whether its mechanics justify repeated playthroughs.