Gloomy Eyes: Unearthing a Spooky-Cute Gem (with a Zombie Mate!)
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Gloomy Eyes is a delightful "self-coop" puzzle game where a zombie boy and a human girl team up to bring back the sun, all wrapped in a charming Tim Burton-esque aesthetic. It offers a cozy, spooky-cute adventure with clever environmental puzzles, making it a perfect alternative for those seeking charm over terror.
Alright, mate, gather 'round. Halloween's come and gone, but the spooky vibes? They linger, don't they? And while some folks are all about the jumpscares and “sleep-with-the-lights-on” kind of horror (no judgment, you do you!), I've always had a soft spot for the *spooky-cute*. Think Scooby-Doo, or that brilliant *Over the Garden Wall*. Well, if you're like me, constantly trawling the digital ether for games that scratch that particular itch, then you might just want to cast your (gloomy) eyes on, well, *Gloomy Eyes*.
This little puzzler, fresh off its September release, is described as a “self-coop” adventure, and honestly, that description alone had my curiosity piqued like a wizard deciphering a new rune. What happens if you get a zombie boy named Gloomy and a human girl named Nena, chuck 'em into a perpetually dark world, and task them with bringing back the sun? Oh, and the whole thing looks like a wonderfully twisted love child of a Tim Burton film and those amazing Laika stop-motion flicks, all wrapped up in a Funko Pop aesthetic. Seriously, their pale skin and baggy eyes are *spot on*. It's a quintessential, family-friendly adventure where an unbreakable friendship blooms over 14 chapters, with Nena even trying to convince her priest uncle that zombies aren't, y'know, *all* bad. Bold move, Nena, bold move.
Now, about that “self-coop” business. It’s pretty clever, actually. Once Gloomy and Nena cross paths, you’re basically juggling their unique abilities to solve environmental puzzles. Gloomy, being a zombie and all, can't just waltz through lamplight – it's a no-go zone for the undead. Nena, on the other hand, is prime zombie-snack material unless she's bathed in light. So, you'll be swapping between them like a mad alchemist, with Nena temporarily shutting off lights or moving objects to clear a path for Gloomy, while our open-brained buddy uses his zombie strength to shift obstacles for Nena. It's a dance, really, a macabre ballet of light and shadow, and it truly makes you think a bit differently about traversal. It kinda reminds me of *The Gardens Between* with its floating, diorama-like levels that the camera just swirls around.
And speaking of those levels, bloody hell, they’re a treat! You'll be guiding our unlikely duo through carnivals and haunted houses, all rendered in this delightful, slightly melancholic style. There’s even a “diorama view” button, which is excellent for soaking in the artistry – or, if you're like me, zooming out to spot that one sneaky path you've completely overlooked. Because let's be real, while the aesthetics are top-notch, fixed perspectives can sometimes make you feel like you're trying to find a specific spell ingredient in a cluttered wizard's workshop. You might bump into a few random objects to figure out what’s interactable, but honestly, those minor speedbumps are barely a blip on the radar of a genuinely spooky-cute good time.
Clocking in at about three to five hours, *Gloomy Eyes* is a short but sweet journey. Later levels even sprinkle in a bit of stealth and action, building to what Austin Manchester over at Polygon (who first reviewed this gem, cheers mate!) called a “satisfying – and somewhat surprising – conclusion.” So, if the thought of *Silent Hill f* sends shivers down your spine of the wrong kind, or you're just after a charming, puzzle-filled adventure with bags of character, you'd be a mug to miss this one. It's out on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X, and currently, if my digital tea leaves are reading correctly, it's even got a sweet 25% off on Steam and the Xbox store. Go on, give it a whirl!
Tags: PuzzleGame, IndieGame, SpookyCute, NintendoSwitch, TimBurtonEsque
Original article: Polygon