This Spooky-Cute Brain-Teaser Acts as the Perfect Replacement to Frightening Flicks

Not every autumn fright experience has to frighten gamers. From iconic favorites like animated detectives to delightful stories like Over the Garden Wall, numerous spooky-season staples offer entertainment without requiring increasing anxiety. Moreover, a expanding collection of spooky-cute titles featuring Halloween vibes, yet without the sleep-with-the-lights-on level of terror. Gloomy Eyes debuted in September, and stands as an superb cozy alternative to the truly terrifying titles of the current season.

The game image
Visual: ARTE France, Studio, Art Team, Game Company

A Distinctive Self-Coop Quest

Known as a single-player cooperative problem-solving title, Gloomy Eyes unites a undead youth called Gloomy and a living girl called Nena as they embark on an adventure to bring the sun back to their dark, dark environment. Their appearance is similar to collectible figures blended with the figures from a stop-motion animation. Their fair-toned and tired-looking aesthetic draws inspiration from the appearance of Tim Burton’s films, and the narrative is a quintessential family-friendly journey. These two forms an enduring bond over the duration of the game’s multiple stages as Nena strives to show to her clerical relative that, hey, maybe zombies are actually good.

Innovative Problem-Solving Features

This unique label originates from the game’s interactive problem-solving. After Gloomy and Nena encounter each other, gamers switch between the budding companions to solve puzzles and move forward through the levels. As an undead, Gloomy cannot pass through the brightness of a streetlight, while Nena will get snatched up by idle zombies unless a beam is directed on them.

They have to collaborate effectively — actually, you’ll use them in tandem — to finish levels. Nena could adjust or temporarily shut off lamps to clear paths for Gloomy, while the open-brained character will use his zombie strength to shift around obstacles in the environment, creating ways for Nena.

Gloomy Eyes gameplay
Visual: Developers, Production Team, 3DAR, Be Revolution/Untold Tales

Immersive Environment Creation

The brain-teasers evoke memories a touch of The Gardens Between, in the way the levels are suspended, model-like structures that the view pans around in coordination with your protagonists. Gloomy Eyes’ environments are highly entertaining, taking the companions around a fair and through a spooky mansion, amid other places. There’s a “diorama view” button that enables you to pull back and spin the stages, simultaneously to enjoy the artwork and search for paths that may not have been apparent.

Slight Issues and Overall Experience

And that’s one of the few problems with Gloomy Eyes. Like other titles with a fixed perspective, occasionally it's confusing where the heroes may or may not travel. Gamers could require to randomly encounter a few random elements to discover which ones are interactable, as the game doesn't always indicate.

Nonetheless, those minor obstacles don't hinder of a eerie-adorable good time. Gloomy Eyes runs on the short side, with approximately three to five hours worth of brain-teasers. Advanced areas integrate minor stealth and action elements with the puzzle solving, as Gloomy Eyes progresses to a satisfying — and slightly unexpected — conclusion.

Availability and Conclusion

Those steering clear of the scares of fear-inducing titles should definitely try Gloomy Eyes. It’s available on Nintendo Switch, Sony system, Windows PC, and Xbox, and is available at a reduced price for 25% off on game marketplaces.

Gloomy Eyes has been released on several consoles and provides a delightful option for fans looking for spooky entertainment without terrifying moments.

Julie Davis
Julie Davis

Liam de Wit is a community enthusiast and writer who loves sharing local stories and hidden gems from the Netherlands.