Not all autumn fright experience has to frighten you. Including beloved classics like animated detectives to endearing shows like Over the Garden Wall, numerous autumn-inspired favorites are enjoyable without increasing anxiety. Moreover, a growing library of eerie-charming titles including spooky themes, yet without the keep-you-awake level of horror. Gloomy Eyes was released in September, and serves as an outstanding cozy alternative to the truly terrifying titles of the current season.
An Original Single-Player Cooperative Journey
Described as a “self-coop” problem-solving title, Gloomy Eyes pairs up a zombie boy called Gloomy and a living girl known as Nena as they start an adventure to bring the sun back to their dark, dark environment. Their appearance is similar to Funko Pops mixed with the puppets from a animated feature. Their fair-toned and heavy-lidded appearance is influenced by the appearance of Tim Burton’s films, and the plot is a classic all-ages adventure. The pair builds an unbreakable connection over the course of the game’s multiple stages as Nena tries to show to her clerical relative that, hey, possibly zombies can be friendly.
Creative Gameplay Systems
This unique description comes about from the game’s environmental puzzles. When Gloomy and Nena meet, gamers switch amidst the recent allies to overcome obstacles and progress through the levels. Since he's not alive, Gloomy cannot pass through the light of a lamppost, while Nena will get snatched up by loitering creatures without a lamp is focused on them.
They must collaborate effectively — actually, you’ll use them simultaneously — to complete stages. Nena may move or temporarily shut off lights to create passages for Gloomy, while the thoughtful youth will employ his undead power to shift around objects in the surroundings, opening up ways for Nena.
Captivating Environment Creation
These challenges remind me a bit of The Gardens Between, in the manner the levels are hovering, miniature constructions that the perspective pans around in coordination with your protagonists. Gloomy Eyes’ settings are quite fun, taking the companions around a amusement park and through a haunted house, among other locales. There’s a “diorama view” option that allows you to pull back and spin the stages, both to enjoy the artwork and look for paths that may not have been clear.
Slight Hiccups and Complete Adventure
Here lies one of the sole problems with Gloomy Eyes. Like other releases with a fixed perspective, sometimes it's unclear where the characters may or may not travel. Players might have to simply collide with a multiple different objects to figure out which ones are interactable, as the game doesn't always indicate.
Nevertheless, those minor obstacles don't hinder of a spooky-cute good time. Gloomy Eyes is relatively brief, with approximately a few sessions worth of challenges. Subsequent stages combine minor sneaking and exciting moments with the problem-solving, as Gloomy Eyes progresses to a rewarding — and slightly surprising — ending.
Availability and Conclusion
Gamers steering clear of the scares of intense horror titles should definitely try Gloomy Eyes. You can find it on Switch console, PS5, computer, and Microsoft console, and is currently on sale for 25% off on digital platforms.
Gloomy Eyes is out now on several consoles and delivers a delightful choice for players seeking Halloween fun minus the fear factor.
