Play With Gilbert is a third-person sandbox game created for young children (Ages 3+) which encourages curiosity and role-play while helping them become familiarized with 3D games and gameplay.
Players take control of a fully customizable kitten, choosing from a variety of fur types, hats, glasses, and moods to create their own unique feline character. Reviewers praised this character creation feature as a highlight, especially for young players eager to personalize their in-game avatar.
The game's levels are designed as open-world sandboxes for players to freely explore. Reviewers described the environments as creative, charming, and filled with interactive details. Players can navigate these spaces by running, jumping, and climbing, with controls that, while occasionally "wonky" according to some, remain accessible for the game's target audience of young children.
A central gameplay loop involves finding and rescuing other lost kittens scattered throughout the levels. Players must search for and collect these feline friends, who will then follow the player's kitten around. Additionally, players can hunt for elusive fish, which reviewers noted provide a fun and challenging platforming challenge, especially for younger gamers.
The game supports local co-op play, allowing players to explore the levels and accomplish goals together. Reviewers stated that this cooperative aspect enhances the overall experience, making it an ideal game for parents to enjoy alongside their children.
The levels feature dynamic day-night cycles and seasonal changes, adding to the sense of exploration and discovery as players traverse the environments. Reviewers highlighted these environmental features as engaging additions that contribute to the game's charming, immersive qualities.