Hylics

This game really is something fascinating. The artstyle is fantastic, the music is strange but really good, the combat is fun, and the story is bizarre (in a good way). The game is practically dripping with style and you can feel the creativity and passion that went into this. Also, did i mention that the game is, in fact, $3?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? I repeat, the game is THREE. DOLLARS. If you're looking to pick this game up, do it. I guarantee you, there is a 99.9859% chance that you will be happy with this purchase lol.

i would say this is one of my more favorite RPGs just because it feels super fun to play and everything just feels fulfilling, i love the claymation styling and the characters that can join your team are awesome. the way you can teach everyone every move is also a great touch because it helps a lot with the fights.

i also love that dying isn't just a reset and there's actually a reason to die after fighting a ton of enemies, i enjoy being able to play without the fear of losing so much progress from dying, even though i still preferred not to die anyways.

A short, western JRPG, in a fun plasticine-looking world, where inflation went rampant and every controllable character cosplays as Thanos.

+ The exploration and combat in this game were fun, challenging, and tense at times ("please miss, I don't wanna backtrack if I die"). I accidentally got the "intended" second companion after the third one, and was thinking to myself how though the combat is, as I missed the first "battle area" in the game for the first two hours.

- There is a section in the game were you can play music with the band, but the in-game tutorial only lists keyboard controls.

+ / - You're not guided in this game, where to go or what to do next. But, contrary to other forum Steam members that had to rely on guides, I felt the game was pretty straightforward on how to progress. I did look up the guide before the final boss, because I thought I missed some area when the battle difficulty skyrocketed for the final battle.

++ I laughed the first time I used a dynamite.

This is the wackiest game I ever got into, this game with it's abstract and surreal visuals can't really be recommended to everyone, not everyone would come to love this game and in my eyes this makes this game even more magical, it's so weird I love it so so soooo much, can't wait for hylics 3

I generally believe the game is great, I recommend playing this if your into RPG and surreal elements.

incredible soundtrack, great game

changed the way my brain works love you goat

found burrito in a toilet. 10/10

This game has some of the most interisting art styles ive ever seen and fantastic music. I really reccomend playing it becouse its so cheap. i noticed some have the problem with the fullscreen, you need to press the hotkeys key alt and enter togther to get it to fullscreen

I expected nothing before playing, expected far more as I did, now all I have is disappointment.

I didn't even know this game had AI-generated text. I was completely blind.

The only place with the most to say for itself is The Laboratory.

The gameplay is broken.

Not for me this game is carried by the art style if it wasnt so cheap I wouldve refunded

More than a game, Hylics is an experience.

Everything you can interact with is interesting, be it in a "I wonder what happens if I touch this" or "What IS this?" type of way.

I wouldn't say it's quirky game. It's weird, certified weird, not in a "silly word pun xd!" kind of way, more like "The xylophone of the damned is quickening its esophagus". And yet, it makes sense.

As for the combat, it's as cool as a RPG Maker game from 2015 can get. Not hard by any means, but if you're not familiar with turn based skirmishes you'll visit the afterlife a few times at the start of the game.

I could continue to point out unique stuff that this "recreational program" does, but it's so short that you're better off experiencing it yourself. If you don't end up liking it, it's not a big deal. But if you do enjoy this hylic hypothenuse of a game, it will probably end up being one of your all time favorites.

Wonderful game. Loved the style and the atmosphere SO much, it felt like i was playing something from the early 90s. The gameplay itself was good, the battles weren't too easy or too hard, and never once was I bored playing the game. The controls were straightforward which I also appreciated. Literally the only thing I didn't love about the game was the fact that I had no idea what was going on 90% of the time because I couldn't understand any of the dialogue or plot. I don't know if it was borderline gibberish on purpose or not, but either way, for me personally, it barely hindered the experience. I eventually came around to see it as a charming quirk. 9.5/10, I would absolutely recommend this game to anyone who enjoyed games like OFF or Omori.

Didn't know how badly I needed something that hit the same notes as Space Funeral, a free RPG Maker game from about 14 years ago that has similar melancholically surreal and not-entirely-human vibes untill I played this. The gameplay is simple but the visuals, soundtrack, and general vibe are what make this game worth playing. It'll get into your head in a way that'll surprise you. Earthbound on ketamine.

a serene antidepressant dream of a game. if you ever wished that your half-waking visions were 4 hours long, then this should tickle your wet little brainy

one of the weirdest games I've ever played and I absolutely love it.

I love the claymation style, you can tell that a lot of love went into this project!

if you like RPGs and surreal worlds you will love this.

(super excited to play the second game once I've completed this)

I never thought I would like this game. My opinion was that it was too abstract. But after half an hour of playing, the visuals lured me in. I am very glad that a game like Hylics exists. I definitely recommend playing it, it is worth the own price.

A beautiful game that is easy to understand with beautiful visuals.

awsome game if you love indie games made on rpg maker I hope some day I could make anything half as cool

What a game. dripping with style, made me feel weird and depressed at the end, but in a good way. Half RPG, half postmodern art museum

This is one of the most creative pieces of art I have ever experienced

One of the best RPG Maker games. It oozes charecter and the effort on display is truly astounding. The music gives a very calm but disconcerting vibe perfectly complementing the game. 10/10

Just beat the game, and I gotta say, this game is worth so much more than the price. The artist(s) that made this game put their heart(s) and soul(s) into this game and I was very glad to experience it.

Embrace her Radiance,
Become her chemical
I can't recommend the benevolent nonsense quite enough, it must be perceived and experienced and exposed to be understood!

I've wanted to play this game for years. I'm in love with the visuals, and I'm glad it was my first Steam game. The combat wasn't all too hard and the mechanics were fun. I did think there would be more interaction with your other party members, though.

I still didn't understand anything but it was fun to play.
is it a common theme between 2002 rpgmaker games?
Yume Nikki was like that also.

dear lord play this game
i liked the look of it and started to play, i thought i wasn't really gonna like it
because how it played and how i couldn't fullscreen it
but dear god it was amazing

This game is worth playing but you have to be in the right headspace and maybe even in physical space to properly get into it. Its definitely something that won't vibe with everyone either so I suggest a demo, a review, or something that will just give you a sample of what you're in for. The first hour or two of playing is just going to be you wandering around, trying to get a handle of the controls, the visuals, and what's even going on. The game doesn't seem to like fullscreen so for a big monitor it's either go fullscreen with black bars to accomodate or use a small window. I looked up many "fixes" for this but none of them really work. You may have to deal with a tiny screen. I have no idea if this works on steamdeck.

This game also uses rpgmaker controls which means arrow keys, esc, z, x, c, spacebar, and enter instead of WASD setup most pc games have. No idea if its controller compatible. You'll have to unlearn a lot of jrpg/rpg mechanics that may have been drilled into you. Dying is how you level up. Things that look like random squiggles are vegetables you need to harvest. Other things are noninteractable. Some things will attack. Some won't. Some visuals might make you nauseated (which is another reason why I suggest looking at a review before you buy. I'm non-neurotypical and more sensitive to these issues)
Outside of that standard jrpg stuff: attack, defend, spells, equipment, items. Battles are tough early on and get easier once you figure things out. My starting strat was to put enemies to sleep and take them out one by one. Another was to equip items that inflicted status ailments like poison. Sleep and poison are your friends. Equip the anti-blind armor early as well. It will make things less of a pain. Battles will take long in the early game and become shorter over time unless its a boss battle. The bosses aren't difficult if you have a good strat. And remember: dying is a bonus. Die at least 3-4 times in the beginning. Take notes. Screenshot or use your phone to remember locations or puzzle layouts.
This is less a review and more of a guide but I'm always on the lookout for unique enjoyable games but having sensory issues, it can be a minefield. What might be enjoyable for the rest of the population can be a nightmare for others. That said, this is an enjoyable and unique adventure. I suggest being comfortable while you play and just wander with my advice in mind.

Sick art. Simple yet fun rpg mechanics. Get fucking baked and play it until 3:00 am.

probably the most visually unique game I have ever played. The super intriguing mix of audio and visual makes for a really fun but unsettling experience, and for its price i REALLY recommend this game

This game is a one of a kind with very nice music and unique animation. I've never played such a confusing and fun story game with claymation before, very groovy

This games visuals being its main draw, are accented by the shell of a story to be found throughout. Combat itself can be a fun push and pull between you and your enemies, but is not exceedingly challenging.

8/10 Thought out systems, Little Story, Short and Sweet.

the music is amazing and just is perfect for this type of game, i really enjoy the clay work and animation aswell as including the character designs. they all are so different from each other and seeing new enemies just make me excited to see them more up close and the game is just fun in general

so many areas are just cool to look at, for one, the small city is just so nice looking to me its super clustered but thats what makes it really cool and inspires me to work more on my own projects again

though, sometimes i dont really know the objective in the game (but thats just a me problem cuz im not that much of a gamer) but overall hylics is a really good and fun game, atleast i think so.

ps. the cat in waynes house is cute

"Detonation, detonation, detonation and detonation."

top tier transhumanschizo experience very cool very smooth hmmm

Painfully short but I enjoyed it immensely. Absolutely loved the music, the artstyle, the character design, everything. Easily in my top 3 games at the moment.

A game that i didn't know i needed.
Everything feels empty and soulless. Everything is in harmony, yet in total chaos. As death isn't something to worry anymore, you never fear losing, yet you never feel safe.
What is this world? Who is Wayne? A sort of god? Maybe. Who seem to care in this game. What even are they talking about? Who is "Her"?
I guess i'll get the answers in Hylics 2.

A must if you like weird indie games

Maldita seas tv-nauta, me hiciste gastar mi dinero en un juego bien pinche hermoso y psicodelico, ojalá te compres hylics 2 y lo pruebes.

Gibby se vengara🗣

play this when you'd be in the mood to talk to a stranger on a late night walk

a stranger who has done more drugs on weekdays than you do on weekends

A strange journey, but one that stays in your mind for long after

played this while drunk af and it was one of the best experiences i ever had with a game

A short and surreal RPG Maker game with a charming dreamlike atmosphere and nonsensical dialogue. Battles often require strategizing since about every monster has their own gimmick. Makes all the moves have their purpose. Could use some QoL improvements for the move learning aspect of the game, but it's fine as it is. Worth the price!

【English & Spanish】


➥ English review:

Hylics is a unique experience that defies conventional RPG norms with its surreal visual style and experimental approach to both narrative and gameplay. 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.

From the outset, Hylics captivates players with its strange and fascinating world. The game’s aesthetic is a parade of clay figures and environments that seem to have emerged from a collective dream of the absurd. Every corner of the game is filled with unique textures and vibrant colors, creating an immersive sense of being in a completely alien universe. This originality in design not only stands out but also serves as a reflection of the cryptic narrative that unfolds throughout the game.

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. This lack of clear narrative can be challenging for some players, but it also provides a rich experience of mysteries and discoveries that reward those who delve deeper into the game.

Gameplay in Hylics also breaks away from the norm. The combat system, while simple in its conception, is designed to complement the game’s unique style. Battles unfold in an environment reminiscent of classic RPGs but with a surreal twist, offering a gameplay experience that is both intriguing and challenging. 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 music and sound effects in Hylics deserve special mention. The soundtrack features ethereal and often unsettling melodies that perfectly complement the game’s surreal tone. The sound effects, while subtle, add an extra layer of immersion that helps build the game’s unique atmosphere.

Personal Conclusion: Hylics is a gem for those seeking something out of the ordinary in the world of video games. Its unique visual style, combined with a cryptic narrative and experimental gameplay, makes for a memorable and distinctive experience. With a rating of 8.6/10, Hylics deserves to be appreciated for its creativity and bold approach, offering an experience that is both challenging and refreshingly original. It is a title that, while not for everyone, certainly leaves a lasting impression on those who venture into its strange and captivating world.

➥ Reseña en español:

Hylics es una experiencia única que desafía las convenciones del género RPG con su estilo visual surrealista y su enfoque experimental en la narrativa y la jugabilidad. Desarrollado por Cody Daugherty, el juego destaca por su presentación artística inusual, que combina un estilo visual inspirado en el collage de arcilla con una atmósfera enigmática y evocadora.

Desde el primer momento, Hylics atrapa al jugador con su mundo extraño y fascinante. La estética del juego es un desfile de figuras y escenarios hechos de arcilla, que parecen sacados de un sueño colectivo de lo absurdo. Cada rincón del juego está repleto de texturas únicas y colores vibrantes, creando una sensación de inmersión en un universo completamente ajeno a lo conocido. Esta originalidad en el diseño artístico no solo destaca, sino que también sirve como un reflejo de la narrativa críptica que se despliega a lo largo del juego.

La historia de Hylics es enigmática y deliberadamente opaca, lo que fomenta una exploración activa y una interpretación personal de los eventos. La trama gira en torno a una serie de eventos y personajes que parecen estar conectados a través de una red de símbolos y mensajes crípticos. Esta falta de claridad narrativa puede ser un desafío para algunos jugadores, pero también ofrece una experiencia rica en misterios y descubrimientos que recompensa a aquellos que buscan profundizar en el juego.

La jugabilidad de Hylics también se aleja de lo convencional. El sistema de combate, aunque simple en su concepción, está diseñado para complementar el estilo único del juego. Los combates se desarrollan en un entorno que recuerda a un juego de rol clásico pero con un giro surrealista, lo que ofrece una experiencia de juego que es tanto intrigante como desafiante. La mecánica de juego es lo suficientemente accesible como para atraer a una amplia gama de jugadores, pero su verdadera belleza radica en cómo se entrelaza con el estilo artístico y la narrativa del juego.

La música y los efectos sonoros de Hylics merecen una mención especial. La banda sonora está compuesta por melodías etéreas y a menudo inquietantes que complementan perfectamente el tono surrealista del juego. Los efectos de sonido, aunque sutiles, añaden una capa adicional de inmersión que ayuda a construir el ambiente único del juego.

Conclusión Personal: Hylics es una joya para aquellos que buscan algo fuera de lo común en el mundo de los videojuegos. Su estilo visual único, combinado con una narrativa críptica y una jugabilidad experimental, lo convierten en una experiencia memorable y distintiva. Con una calificación de 8.6/10, Hylics merece ser apreciado por su creatividad y su enfoque audaz, ofreciendo una experiencia que es tanto desafiante como refrescantemente original. Es un título que, aunque no es para todos, sin duda deja una impresión duradera en quienes se aventuran a explorar su extraño y fascinante mundo.

I wish more games had music and an aesthetic like this one. Definetely recommend! Especially for a relaxed down time in the evening

It's absolutely amazing with all the creativity and breathtaking music. It's not complicated at all to understand it and get around to the end of the game but the only flaw is a lack of upgrades in the store regarding mightiness and mostly relying on a TON of heals. But still this is one of my favourite games ever.

Easily the best 2.99 i have ever spent.
Hylics is short, and Hylics is good :)

One of the best rpg's i've ever played. Fun, weird, and whimsical. I highly recommend. I can't wait for the 2nd one because iv'e heard that one is even better.

Good art style
Good prize
Good game play, but the end of act 2 with the satuese is a pain in the ass, BUT it pays of so
GOOD GOOD GOOD

Very good game, it fullfills a certain vibe for people who love "artsy" games

Monumental, brain chemistry altering work of art.