Not all spooky season experience has to scare players. Including beloved classics like Scooby-Doo to delightful stories such as Over the Garden Wall, plenty of Halloween-themed staples are enjoyable without needing causing fear. There’s also, a expanding collection of eerie-charming releases including Halloween vibes, though lacking the sleep-with-the-lights-on intensity of horror. Gloomy Eyes debuted in September, and stands as an superb relaxing option to the truly terrifying titles of this year.
An Original Collaborative Solo Adventure
Described as a single-player cooperative puzzle game, Gloomy Eyes pairs up a living-impaired child known as Gloomy and a living girl known as Nena as they start an quest to bring the sun back to their shadowy environment. Their design is similar to Funko Pops mixed with the figures from a stop-motion animation. The light-complected and heavy-lidded aesthetic draws inspiration from the appearance of Tim Burton’s films, and the story is a classic family-friendly journey. These two forms an unbreakable connection over the duration of the game’s multiple stages as Nena strives to show to her clerical relative that, you know, maybe the undead aren’t half bad.
Creative Puzzle Mechanics
The “self-coop” description originates from the game’s world-based challenges. Once Gloomy and Nena cross paths, players alternate among the recent allies to overcome obstacles and move forward through the areas. Being a zombie, Gloomy cannot pass through the illumination of a lamppost, while Nena will get snatched up by wandering undead without a light is shone on them.
It's necessary for them to collaborate effectively — well, you’ll use them together — to finish levels. Nena could adjust or temporarily shut off lights to open routes for Gloomy, while the thoughtful boy will employ his undead power to move items in the environment, opening up paths for Nena.
Engaging Environment Creation
The puzzles evoke memories a touch of The Gardens Between, in the manner the levels are floating, diorama-like designs that the view rotates in coordination with your protagonists. Gloomy Eyes’ settings are quite fun, taking the companions around a carnival and through a haunted house, including other locales. The game includes a “diorama view” button that permits you to view from afar and turn the stages, simultaneously to admire the artwork and hunt for ways that may not have been apparent.
Small Challenges and Overall Adventure
Here lies one of the sole problems with Gloomy Eyes. Similar to other titles with a static view, sometimes it's unclear where the heroes can and cannot go. Players might have to randomly encounter a few random items to discover which ones are interactable, as clues aren't consistently provided.
However, those slight challenges don't hinder of a ghostly-charming enjoyable experience. Gloomy Eyes is relatively brief, with approximately a few sessions worth of puzzles. Later levels combine light hidden movement and exciting moments with the puzzle solving, as Gloomy Eyes marches toward a satisfying — and slightly surprising — finale.
Accessibility and Summary
Those steering clear of the frights of terrifying titles should definitely try Gloomy Eyes. It’s available on Switch console, PS5, computer, and Xbox Series X, and is available at a reduced price for a quarter off on online stores.
This charming title is out now on various systems and delivers a pleasurable option for gamers in search of autumn enjoyment without intense scares.
