Not all autumn fright adventure has to terrify gamers. Including iconic favorites like mystery-solving cartoons to charming series such as Over the Garden Wall, many autumn-inspired favorites are enjoyable without needing causing fear. There’s also, a expanding collection of ghostly-adorable games including spooky themes, yet without the truly terrifying level of terror. Gloomy Eyes was released in September, and acts as an superb relaxing option to the deeply scary games of this year.
A Unique Single-Player Cooperative Adventure
Described as a single-player cooperative problem-solving title, Gloomy Eyes pairs up a undead youth called Gloomy and a human girl called Nena as they begin an mission to bring the sun back to their gloomy realm. They look evokes stylized dolls combined with the puppets from a Laika film. Their pale-skinned and heavy-lidded style is influenced by the visual style of Gothic fantasy movies, and the plot is a classic all-ages journey. These two builds an strong friendship over the span of the game’s 14 chapters as Nena strives to prove to her religious guardian that, hey, maybe zombies can be friendly.
Original Puzzle Mechanics
This unique description stems from the game’s interactive problem-solving. Once Gloomy and Nena cross paths, players alternate between the budding companions to solve puzzles and advance through the areas. Being a zombie, Gloomy cannot pass through the brightness of a light source, while Nena may be grabbed by idle zombies without a light is shone on them.
It's necessary for them to cooperate closely — actually, you’ll use them simultaneously — to advance through areas. Nena could adjust or momentarily deactivate lamps to open routes for Gloomy, while the thoughtful boy will employ his undead power to move items in the surroundings, revealing ways for Nena.
Engaging Environment Creation
The puzzles bring to mind a little of The Gardens Between, in the fashion the stages are floating, miniature designs that the camera pans around in coordination with your protagonists. Gloomy Eyes’ worlds are highly entertaining, leading the friends around a carnival and through a haunted house, amid other locations. The game includes a “diorama view” button that permits you to view from afar and rotate the stages, simultaneously to appreciate the visuals and search for paths that may not have been apparent.
Small Issues and General Experience
Here lies one of the only problems with Gloomy Eyes. Similar to other releases with a locked camera, it’s not always clear where the heroes are able to move. Players might have to simply collide with a multiple different items to discover which ones are interactable, as the game doesn't always indicate.
However, those minor challenges don't hinder of a ghostly-charming enjoyable experience. Gloomy Eyes has a compact length, with roughly three to five hours worth of challenges. Advanced areas combine subtle sneaking and exciting moments with the problem-solving, as Gloomy Eyes marches toward a fulfilling — and moderately surprising — conclusion.
Accessibility and Final Thoughts
Those avoiding the scares of intense horror titles won’t want to miss Gloomy Eyes. It’s available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PC, and Xbox, and is available at a reduced price for 25% off on digital platforms.
This charming title has been released on several consoles and offers a enjoyable option for fans seeking autumn enjoyment minus the fear factor.
