P.T clones and games “inspired” by P.T typically both struggle from severe underutilization of the looping mechanics and proper building of atmosphere. Strangely enough, Never Apart seems to struggle to utilize the looping hallways at all and mostly uses doors coming off of those hallways as starting points for the real game.
It seems that the inspired by PT tag was used as a time saver to allow the developers to finish in the required time limit. Which is, as far as I am concerned, the best use of P.T inspiration. But in reality, the game functions as a much more traditional atmospheric horror, with an emphasis on storyline and sound effects.
Being a game jam game and there’s only so many things that could be improved, and since you are already aware of the most egregious problems, I have to say this game was a pleasant surprise. Oh, and that was a rather creative twist on the spirit of the game jam.
My cynical take on the experience below.