Hylics
- August 4, 2015
- Mason Lindroth
- 4h median play time
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"Hylics" is a single-player Fantasy Role Playing game with light JRPG elements, featuring advanced graphics, RPG battles, and random text generation. With ~2 hours of content, players can expect a wholesome story filled with humor and atmosphere, accompanied by splendid music. Controls are simple, using Space/Return and Arrows, with Esc to access the menu. The game is compatible with Windows XP/Vista/7/8 and can be found on masonlindroth.tumblr.com.
Reviews
- graphics557 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 56 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Hylics" are widely praised for their unique claymation aesthetic, which creates a surreal and dreamlike atmosphere that captivates players. Many reviewers highlight the game's striking visuals as its standout feature, often describing them as mesmerizing, bizarre, and reminiscent of a psychedelic experience. The combination of innovative art style and a fitting soundtrack enhances the overall immersive experience, making it a memorable visual journey despite the game's simplistic gameplay and narrative.
“Developed by Cody Daugherty, the game stands out for its unusual artistic presentation, which combines a clay-collage-inspired aesthetic with an enigmatic and evocative atmosphere.”
“The visuals, in combination with a soundtrack that manages to be deceptively emotive and hypnotic even with an unorthodox and simple song structure, create a blissfully dreamlike audiovisual experience.”
“The art style is absolutely incredible and one of the most fresh, individual things I've seen in gaming, the characters are likeable, even when most of their dialogue is auto-generated.”
“The graphics end up being kind of blurry, but that gives it character.”
“Get rid of the visuals (which look like digitalized clay artwork) and you have a hollow game with nothing to offer.”
“The avant-garde craziness encompasses just about every aspect of the game, from its visuals to its soundscape to its randomly generated (yet thematically on-point) NPC banter, and it does so mostly in ways that I find aggressively unappetizing.”
- music485 mentions
- 41 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The music in "Hylics" is widely praised for its unique and surreal qualities, effectively complementing the game's bizarre claymation visuals. Reviewers describe the soundtrack as a blend of psychedelic rock, ambient sounds, and experimental tunes that create a calming yet disconcerting atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience. While some find the music unconventional or repetitive, many agree it is a standout feature that contributes significantly to the game's charm and immersive quality.
“The soundtrack features ethereal and often unsettling melodies that perfectly complement the game’s surreal tone.”
“The visuals, in combination with a soundtrack that manages to be deceptively emotive and hypnotic even with an unorthodox and simple song structure, create a blissfully dreamlike audiovisual experience.”
“The music is fantastic and atmospheric acid rock and complements the game well.”
“The music is sickening but the gameplay is okay, but the visual art direction is like no other.”
“The music doesn't disappoint either; the soundtrack has made many appearances on my playlist!”
“The music is very progressive; in other words, it's amazing.”
- gameplay315 mentions
- 32 % positive mentions
- 64 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The gameplay of *Hylics* is characterized by its blend of traditional RPG mechanics with unique, surreal twists that challenge conventional norms. While the combat and exploration are straightforward and reminiscent of classic JRPGs, the game introduces innovative elements, such as a death mechanic that encourages players to embrace failure as a means of progression. Overall, the gameplay is accessible and enjoyable, serving as a backdrop to the game's striking visuals and abstract narrative, though it may not satisfy those seeking deep mechanics or a complex story.
“Hylics is a unique experience that defies conventional RPG norms with its surreal visual style and experimental approach to both narrative and gameplay.”
“The game mechanics are accessible enough to attract a broad range of players, but their true beauty lies in how they intertwine with the artistic style and narrative of the game.”
“The combat and gameplay loop is very solid too.”
“The gameplay is essentially nonexistent.”
“Look past the cool and psychedelic graphics on display and you get an extremely shallow 'game' with an extremely weak narrative and boring gameplay due to the mediocre combat.”
“If you're bored with the gameplay then the visuals will keep you going.”
- story272 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 71 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The story of *Hylics* is characterized by its surreal and abstract nature, often described as confusing and nonsensical, with much of the dialogue being randomly generated. Players embark on a quest to defeat the tyrannical "Gibby, King of the Moon," but the narrative is intentionally vague, encouraging personal interpretation and exploration rather than a coherent plot. While some appreciate the artistic and atmospheric elements, many find the lack of a substantial story a drawback, making it more of an experience than a traditional RPG.
“The true brilliance of Hylics lies in its enigmatic and abstract storytelling.”
“The story of Hylics is deliberately opaque and enigmatic, encouraging active exploration and personal interpretation of events.”
“The plot revolves around a series of events and characters that seem connected through a web of symbols and cryptic messages.”
“The story is nearly non-existent and the text is mostly randomized.”
- humor107 mentions
- 99 % positive mentions
- -2 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The humor in Hylics is characterized by its surreal and absurdist nature, featuring quirky dialogue, bizarre character interactions, and unexpected comedic moments that often subvert traditional RPG tropes. Players appreciate the game's unique art style and the randomness of its humor, which can range from genuinely funny to nonsensical, creating a whimsical and engaging experience. Overall, the game is celebrated for its clever writing and the ability to evoke laughter through its eccentricities and playful absurdity.
“Hylics is host to many different hidden easter eggs and items, unique enemies and characters, and genuinely hilarious dialogue.”
“The surreal nature of this game makes for some really funny scenarios.”
“It's a cool RPG with interesting mechanics and a unique sense of humor.”
“Not funny, didn't laugh.”
“The jokes fell flat and felt forced.”
“I expected more humor, but it was mostly cringeworthy.”
- atmosphere58 mentions
- 47 % positive mentions
- 48 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its surreal, dreamlike quality, enhanced by a unique claymation art style and an evocative soundtrack that immerses players in its bizarre world. Reviewers highlight the game's ability to create an enchanting yet unsettling ambiance, making exploration enjoyable despite a lack of traditional narrative depth. Overall, the atmosphere is considered the standout feature, drawing players into a captivating and whimsical experience.
“Developed by Cody Daugherty, the game stands out for its unusual artistic presentation, which combines a clay-collage-inspired aesthetic with an enigmatic and evocative atmosphere.”
“The handcrafted characters, environments, and animations create an otherworldly atmosphere that is simultaneously eerie and beautiful.”
“The game's dreamlike aesthetic, combined with a hauntingly atmospheric soundtrack, draws you into its bizarre and captivating universe.”
“The music is unfailingly disconcerting, embellishing the quirky world with a thick, slightly sinister atmosphere.”
“Even the fact that there's not much of a plot here is really adding to the weird and surreal atmosphere.”
“It seems to be randomly-generated gibberish, and although it lends to the game's atmosphere, it doesn't serve any other purpose.”
- grinding36 mentions
- 8 % positive mentions
- 6 % neutral mentions
- 86 % negative mentions
Overall, the reviews indicate that while some grinding is necessary, particularly towards the end to prepare for the final boss, it is not overly tedious or time-consuming. Many players appreciate that the game emphasizes exploration and strategic battles over traditional grinding mechanics, with some noting that dying can even enhance your character's abilities. The experience is generally described as enjoyable and balanced, with a focus on unique gameplay elements rather than repetitive enemy encounters.
“Battles aren't tedious if you search around for everything at your disposal, and even death rewards you. There will be times you find yourself over your head, trust me. If you love RPGs, buy and play this at your earliest convenience; you won't regret it.”
“The gameplay isn't intense and requires no grinding, so I strongly recommend taking your time exploring everything this world has to offer!”
“Treasure hunting, puzzle solving, bug squishing, music playing, vegetable farming (no farming simulation), and frozen burrito warming are just some of the other activities this game has to offer.”
“Although, it does require some grinding towards the end or you won’t stand a chance against the final boss, who’s way stronger than regular enemies.”
“The gameplay was so straightforward and repetitive that those were the only thoughts in my head as I had to tediously traverse the landscape back-and-forth RPG-style and grind through countless pointless enemies.”
“Likewise, on your first playthrough, it'll seem really grindy and like you're going nowhere.”
- character development22 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
Character development in Hylics is minimal, with no deep lore or traditional character growth, as characters do not engage in meaningful dialogue. However, the game compensates for this with unique and quirky character designs that are open to interpretation, making them endearing and memorable. The focus is more on the game's striking visuals, music, and atmosphere rather than on narrative depth or character arcs.
“Hylics is delightfully strange and an absolute blast to explore; the visuals, music, and character design are all stunningly creative and will last with you for a long, long time.”
“The character designs are all vague and open to interpretation, strangely making these characters very endearing and memorable, all from headcanons and interpretation, rather than the game spelling everything out for you.”
“I love the character designs, enemy designs, and the way everything moves.”
“The characters never actually converse with each other and there is no character development in the game.”
“There's no deep lore, no real character development, but it's all still such a great experience that I'm glad I was able to get it for less than 2 dollars.”
“Depending on one's particular tastes in different aspects of RPGs, it won't necessarily be for everyone (elaborate storyline and character development, for instance, aren't its priorities, as it focuses more on the exploration, atmosphere, and battles).”
- emotional14 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players report a wide range of intense emotions while engaging with the game, from sadness and confusion to moments of contentment and catharsis, particularly during pivotal scenes like the fight with a character named Gibby. The emotional impact is described as profound, with some players expressing feelings of distress and dissociation, highlighting the game's focus on delivering a unique emotional and sensory experience rather than traditional gameplay mechanics. Overall, the game evokes strong emotional responses, making it a memorable experience for many.
“This game made me feel so many emotions from sadness to confusion to contentment.”
“The fight with Gibby made me cry hard and a lot.”
“Not to say it isn't technically proficient, I'd say it is, but the focus here is on giving you a unique emotional/sensory experience rather than to present a 'gamer's' game.”
- optimization5 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The optimization aspect of the game has received mixed feedback; while some users find it lacking in meaningful performance improvements, others appreciate the potential for creating optimized or challenge playthroughs. Overall, the performance is seen as more of a flashy presentation than a substantial enhancement to gameplay.
“Combine all this together, and you can make optimized or challenge playthroughs!”
“It means nothing, it does nothing, it's just flashy performance art.”
- replayability4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The game offers a short experience that is still considered replayable due to its unique visuals and engaging music, as well as innovative twists on the RPG formula. However, the limited number of side quests may hinder its overall replay value.
“Short but replayable, with unique visuals and cool music.”
“The game also toys with the RPG formula in ways that allow for some replayability.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Overall, users find the game's stability commendable, noting minimal glitches during a 5-hour playtime, which contributes to its value for money.
