Not all Halloween horror adventure has to terrify players. From well-known tales like Scooby-Doo to endearing shows like Over the Garden Wall, plenty of autumn-inspired titles are enjoyable without needing causing fear. Additionally, a increasing selection of ghostly-adorable games with autumn atmosphere, though lacking the keep-you-awake level of terror. Gloomy Eyes debuted in September, and serves as an outstanding comfortable alternative to the truly terrifying releases of 2025.
A Unique Collaborative Solo Quest
Known as a solo collaboration brain-teaser, Gloomy Eyes pairs up a undead youth named Gloomy and a human girl called Nena as they start an quest to return daylight to their shadowy world. They look resembles collectible figures combined with the figures from a Laika film. Their pale-skinned and baggy-eyed style borrows heavily from the appearance of Burtonesque cinema, and the story is a quintessential family-friendly adventure. These two forms an enduring friendship over the duration of the game’s 14 chapters as Nena attempts to demonstrate to her clerical relative that, hey, perhaps the undead can be friendly.
Original Gameplay Systems
The “self-coop” description originates from the game’s environmental puzzles. Once Gloomy and Nena meet, gamers switch between the newfound friends to solve puzzles and progress through the levels. Since he's not alive, Gloomy can’t walk through the brightness of a lamppost, while Nena may be grabbed by loitering creatures unless a light is directed on them.
It's necessary for them to cooperate closely — well, gamers operate them simultaneously — to finish levels. Nena might relocate or momentarily deactivate illumination to create passages for Gloomy, while the open-brained boy will use his zombie strength to rearrange obstacles in the world, revealing ways for Nena.
Immersive Level Design
The puzzles evoke memories a touch of The Gardens Between, in the manner the stages are floating, model-like designs that the view rotates in sync with your heroes. Gloomy Eyes’ environments are quite fun, leading the companions around a amusement park and through a haunted house, among other locales. The game includes a “diorama view” feature that permits you to view from afar and turn the levels, both to appreciate the visuals and look for paths that may not have been clear.
Slight Hiccups and Overall Experience
And that’s one of the few hiccups with Gloomy Eyes. Comparable to other titles with a locked camera, it’s not always clear where the protagonists can and cannot go. Gamers could require to randomly encounter a multiple different objects to discover which ones are interactive, as it’s not always intuitive.
However, those minor challenges don't obstruct of a ghostly-charming enjoyable experience. Gloomy Eyes runs on the short side, with roughly several hours worth of challenges. Subsequent stages integrate minor sneaking and dynamic sequences with the challenge completion, as Gloomy Eyes progresses to a rewarding — and moderately unexpected — finale.
Release and Final Thoughts
Players shying away from the frights of terrifying releases ought to experience Gloomy Eyes. The game is out on Nintendo Switch, PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X, and is currently on sale for a discount on digital platforms.
The spooky-cute adventure is available on several consoles and offers a enjoyable alternative for gamers looking for spooky entertainment minus the fear factor.
