Not every spooky season journey needs to scare players. From iconic favorites such as Scooby-Doo to charming series including Over the Garden Wall, many autumn-inspired favorites provide fun without raising your heart rate. Moreover, a growing library of eerie-charming titles featuring Halloween vibes, though lacking the truly terrifying degree of horror. Gloomy Eyes arrived in the fall, and serves as an outstanding comfortable alternative to the truly terrifying titles of 2025.
A Distinctive Self-Coop Journey
Labeled as a solo collaboration brain-teaser, Gloomy Eyes pairs up a zombie boy known as Gloomy and a mortal child known as Nena as they embark on an quest to bring the sun back to their dark, dark environment. Their appearance is similar to Funko Pops combined with the puppets from a stop-motion animation. Their light-complected and tired-looking aesthetic borrows heavily from the visual style of Tim Burton’s films, and the narrative is a archetypal family-friendly journey. These two develops an strong bond over the course of the game’s numerous levels as Nena tries to show to her clerical relative that, you know, maybe the undead can be friendly.
Original Gameplay Systems
The innovative description originates from the game’s environmental puzzles. When Gloomy and Nena encounter each other, you’ll swap between the newfound friends to overcome obstacles and move forward through the levels. Being a zombie, Gloomy can’t walk through the brightness of a streetlight, while Nena may be grabbed by loitering creatures unless a light is focused on them.
They have to cooperate closely — actually, you’ll use them in tandem — to advance through areas. Nena could adjust or temporarily shut off lamps to create passages for Gloomy, while the thoughtful boy will employ his undead power to rearrange objects in the world, revealing ways for Nena.
Engaging World Building
These challenges bring to mind a little of The Gardens Between, in the way the areas are floating, miniature designs that the camera moves across in sync with your characters. Gloomy Eyes’ settings are quite fun, taking the companions around a amusement park and through a haunted house, among other places. There’s a “diorama view” option that permits you to pull back and rotate the stages, simultaneously to admire the artwork and search for paths that may not have been clear.
Minor Issues and Overall Adventure
Here lies one of the sole difficulties with Gloomy Eyes. Similar to other titles with a locked camera, it’s not always clear where the characters can and cannot go. Players might have to randomly encounter a several various elements to determine which ones are interactable, as the game doesn't always indicate.
However, those minor speedbumps don't hinder of a ghostly-charming enjoyable experience. Gloomy Eyes runs on the short side, with about several hours worth of brain-teasers. Advanced areas integrate subtle stealth and action elements with the problem-solving, as Gloomy Eyes advances to a fulfilling — and moderately surprising — ending.
Accessibility and Conclusion
Gamers steering clear of the scares of terrifying titles won’t want to miss Gloomy Eyes. You can find it on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, computer, and Microsoft console, and is presently discounted for 25% off on game marketplaces.
Gloomy Eyes has been released on several consoles and delivers a pleasurable option for fans seeking Halloween fun without the terrifying moments.
