“Gylt,” a game developed by Tequila Works and originally made its debut on Google Stadia in late 2019. Now, as it spreads its wings beyond the confines of Google Stadia, it has made its debut on PC and consoles, including the PlayStation 5. Set in the fictional old mining town of Bethelwood, nestled within the state of Maine, “Gylt” has you embark on a haunting journey through the eyes of Sally, a young girl determined to uncover the truth behind her cousin Emily’s mysterious disappearance. Sally’s quest takes an unexpected turn when a confrontation with school bullies sends her spiraling into a twisted parallel dimension that mirrors her personal fears and painful memories.
At its core, “Gylt” revolves around stealth and survival. As players guide Sally through her nightmarish ordeal, they must navigate creepy and haunting environments while eluding malevolent enemies. Armed with a flashlight, Sally’s primary weapon, and later equipped with a fire extinguisher, you need to cleverly outwit your foes and solve light puzzles to progress. The gameplay fosters a sense of tension and has an ongoing spooky factor, but in this creepy ambiance I was constantly reminiscent of the acclaimed “Little Nightmares” series, which I’m sorry to say did everything a lot better. “Gylt” does delve into poignant themes, such as depression, survivor’s guilt, and bullying. Through Sally’s harrowing journey, the game invites you to reflect on the psychological impact of these experiences. Although the narrative execution may have its shortcomings, the game’s thought-provoking exploration of these themes remains something that I at the very least appreciated that they tried.
“Gylt” boasts a distinctive visual style and a unique aesthetic, while the graphics may show signs of age, having been developed four years ago, the game’s atmospheric design maintains its allure. Additionally, the voice acting in “Gylt” is skillfully executed, further keeping me interested in continuing even with its clunky narrative. The gameplay loop in “Gylt” offers a satisfying blend of stealth and a little strategy. You mostly need to rely on your wits and resourcefulness to navigate the darkness and confront these nightmarish adversaries. The flashlight serves as a multifunctional tool, not only illuminating Sally’s path but also serving as a weapon against foes. There are times you need to strategically target enemies’ weak points with a focused beam of light, it’s pretty easy and I opted to kill the enemies whenever I could because it just felt faster than doing the stealth. When doing stealth though, the inclusion of environmental items that can be used to distract enemies does add an element of strategy to the gameplay.
While “Gylt’s” narrative execution may leave something to be desired, with certain segments prioritizing gameplay over storytelling, the game’s text logs scattered throughout the levels provide supplementary information to the player. I just wish there was a more “show, don’t tell” approach that allowed players to experience the story first hand rather than relying solely on written exposition. “Gylt,” despite its narrative flaws, I can see players engaging with this simplified gameplay and atmospheric presentation. Although it may not excel in delivering a truly terrifying experience, its moody and stylish ambiance contributes to an immersive and enjoyable adventure. There did feel like something was lacking, such as a skill tree system or some kind of upgrades, and I’m not sure if the inclusion of collectibles and alternate ending will provide any additional incentives for playing this game more than just a single time. With a manageable playtime of around six hours, “Gylt” offers an intriguing journey worth embarking upon if this at all feels like your sort of game to try out, just don’t expect the wheel to be reinvented here.
6.5/10
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Related: Nick Navarro Reviews
Gaming since I was given an original Nintendo as a kid. I love great storytelling and unique ingenuity. When both collide in a single game, I'm a happy gamer. Twitter/IG @NickNavarro87
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