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User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 18 Ratings

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  • Summary: A surreal RPG with a unique graphical style and droll scenario.
Score distribution:
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 10
  3. Negative: 2 out of 10
  1. Dec 25, 2022
    10
    A surreal and dreamy masterpiece. Most unique visuals i've ever seen and nice soundtrack.
  2. Jun 30, 2020
    10
    This game is awesome. It's a shame it's very underground and doesn't even have a Metacritic score. It's one the most stylish and originalThis game is awesome. It's a shame it's very underground and doesn't even have a Metacritic score. It's one the most stylish and original games I've played, and the art direction is unmatched. The visuals and soundtrack are enough to justify playing this, even with the basic gameplay. I'm giving it a 10 to incentivize this type of game, give it a chance! Expand
  3. Jul 9, 2020
    10
    Hylics 2 completely subverts the typical RPG genre tropes with a very unique visual style which i can safely say is one that oozes of styleHylics 2 completely subverts the typical RPG genre tropes with a very unique visual style which i can safely say is one that oozes of style every second that you play. Every frame of this game can be held up as a piece of art. The RPG combat in this game is absolutely wonderful too. This game is a must try for RPG fans or for those who deeply appreciate art. Expand
  4. Jul 5, 2020
    9
    First things first, this game isn't for everyone. It's surreal, dream-like, with an unusual graphical style and even more unusual music.
    That
    First things first, this game isn't for everyone. It's surreal, dream-like, with an unusual graphical style and even more unusual music.
    That being said, I'm a big fan of all of these, and if you're a fan of prog rock or anything surreal, you'll love this game.
    Mason Lindroth built off of everything that made Hylics 1 special, while making it more accessible to a wider audience (ie: there's story instead of randomly-generated text). The visuals are crazy, the soundtrack is super chill and occasionally disorienting, and the battles require more thought than just "do a basic attack a bunch".

    The overworld platforming is satisfying to get the hang of, and there are lots of hard-to-find secrets lying about. One of my favourite parts of the exploration is that it keeps areas small while giving minimal direction. It sort of feels like a Zelda dungeon, but more relaxed and with fewer locked doors.
    Hylics' unique death system helps keep that relaxed atmosphere. Wayne and his crew still lose health points and die, but instead of losing money or progress, they get sent to the afterlife where they can warp to any major area they've come across. The afterlife also has a meat grinder, where you can turn any meat enemies have dropped into flesh (health points), so dying can even be seen as a reward in and of itself.

    The soundtrack is probably my favourite part of the whole game. Chuck Salamone was the lead composer this time around, and he did a fantastic job of keeping Mason's musical spirit while giving it a rock/funk structure. The final boss theme is especially fun, taking the wobbly guitars and foreboding synths and turning them into a genuinely threatening piece.

    There's a few negatives, of course. The controls can be a bit wonky. "Accept" and "cancel" are separate inputs from "jump" or "run," so control layouts take up more space than the average JRPG's would.
    There's a couple 2D platforming segments, but the lack of direction in level design becomes a problem in these. Failing to figure out where you're going can lead to getting knocked around or dying, rather than just landing on the ground and finding a different path. Later playthroughs won't have the same problem, but the first time through can be frustrating.

    Ultimately though, Hylics 2 is a fantastic experience, both as a sequel and as a standalone game. I wouldn't be surprised if this ends up my GOTY 2020. If you're looking for a chill night of snapping your fingers at baddies, casting Soul Crisper, overthrowing a tyrant and generally being confused, this is the game for you.
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  5. Sep 2, 2021
    8
    Hylics 2 is a great surreal, and psychedelic experience. I love how it mainly plays like a JRPG that sometimes dabbles in otherHylics 2 is a great surreal, and psychedelic experience. I love how it mainly plays like a JRPG that sometimes dabbles in other genres/gameplay styles through mini-games. instead of saving your MP (Will), the game incentivizes on you going all-out in battle which I like as well. The visuals are absolutely amazing. The claymation fits well with the psychedelic aesthetic of the game.
    I only have 2 complaints about the game. 1. the clunky platforming. It took some time getting used to. 2. The battles get too long for my liking when reaching the end of the game.

    Overall, it's a great game with a unique visual style that brings some interesting ideas into the JRPG genre.
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  6. Jul 14, 2020
    8
    very good surreal indie game. its inspired by earthbound and improves upon the first one. definitely a must play. amazing visuals but gameplayvery good surreal indie game. its inspired by earthbound and improves upon the first one. definitely a must play. amazing visuals but gameplay is sometimes little wonky. soundtrack is lit tho. Expand
  7. May 19, 2022
    0
    a more disappointing sequel than The Last of Us 2. I'm not even sure where to start, but Mason Lindroth practically took everything that madea more disappointing sequel than The Last of Us 2. I'm not even sure where to start, but Mason Lindroth practically took everything that made Hylics 1 incredibly good and threw it all out of the window. Expand

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