Hylics

Hylics is a uniquely surreal and abstract RPG experience that stands out primarily due to its handcrafted claymation art style and trippy atmosphere. Players often describe it as a "fever dream" or a "psychedelic recreational program" where the traditional narrative and gameplay conventions are intentionally subverted. The game offers turn-based combat with simple mechanics, exploration, and puzzle elements wrapped in a bizarre, dreamlike world.

While the story is minimalistic and cryptic—centered around a vague quest to defeat the antagonist Gibby—the game excels in creating an immersive ambiance through its visuals, music, and strange, algorithmically generated dialogues. The short duration and easy progression make it accessible, encouraging players to focus on the artistic and sensory experience rather than deep RPG mechanics. Despite some minor issues like occasional glitches and a lack of detailed character development, Hylics is widely praised for its originality and artistic ambition, making it a memorable indie title for those seeking something different.

Highlights

The handmade claymation art style is universally acclaimed, creating a vibrant, tactile, and otherworldly aesthetic unmatched in other games.

The abstract and psychedelic atmosphere, enhanced by a fitting and unconventional soundtrack, immerses players in a unique sensory experience.

Gameplay mechanics, though simple, are enjoyable with quirky turn-based combat and interesting resource management like the afterlife health upgrade system.

The game's surreal narrative and dialogue, generated through linguistic algorithms, add to its charm by encouraging player interpretation and exploration.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include a weak and minimal storyline that many find confusing or too opaque, leaving players unsure of the plot or character motivations.

Gameplay is considered too simple or shallow by some, lacking depth in combat and character progression.

Several players note quality-of-life issues such as limited equipment variety, unbalanced battles, and occasional glitches, including a frustrating save bug.

The soundtrack, while fitting, is sometimes seen as too abstract to enjoy outside the game context.

Lastly, the low resolution and intentionally rough visual quality can be off-putting to some players despite being an artistic choice.