Not each Halloween horror journey has to frighten players. Starting with beloved classics such as animated detectives to delightful stories such as Over the Garden Wall, plenty of spooky-season staples provide fun without requiring causing fear. There’s also, a growing library of spooky-cute titles including spooky themes, but not the keep-you-awake degree of horror. Gloomy Eyes was released in the fall, and serves as an excellent cozy option to the deeply scary games of 2025.
A Unique Self-Coop Adventure
Described as a single-player cooperative brain-teaser, Gloomy Eyes teams up a zombie boy known as Gloomy and a mortal child called Nena as they start an mission to bring the sun back to their dark, dark realm. Their design is similar to Funko Pops mixed with the characters from a animated feature. The pale-skinned and heavy-lidded appearance draws inspiration from the appearance of Tim Burton’s films, and the narrative is a classic family-friendly adventure. The duo builds an strong connection over the course of the game’s 14 chapters as Nena tries to demonstrate to her priest uncle that, look, possibly zombies are actually good.
Creative Puzzle Mechanics
The innovative label comes about from the game’s interactive problem-solving. Once Gloomy and Nena meet, gamers switch amidst the recent allies to complete challenges and progress through the levels. Since he's not alive, Gloomy can’t walk through the illumination of a lamppost, while Nena can be captured by loitering creatures unless a light is focused on them.
It's necessary for them to collaborate effectively — well, gamers operate them simultaneously — to complete stages. Nena could adjust or temporarily shut off lights to create passages for Gloomy, while the thoughtful youth will utilize his supernatural ability to shift around items in the world, opening up paths for Nena.
Engaging Environment Creation
These challenges bring to mind a bit of The Gardens Between, in the way the stages are hovering, model-like structures that the perspective moves across in sync with your protagonists. Gloomy Eyes’ settings are very enjoyable, guiding the friends around a fair and through a spooky mansion, including other locations. The game includes a “diorama view” feature that allows you to view from afar and turn the levels, both for admire the designs and search for paths that may not have been clear.
Small Challenges and Complete Adventure
This represents one of the only problems with Gloomy Eyes. Like other games with a locked camera, sometimes it's unclear where the heroes can and cannot go. You may need to randomly encounter a several various objects to figure out which ones are interactable, as clues aren't consistently provided.
However, those minor speedbumps don't obstruct of a ghostly-charming fun adventure. Gloomy Eyes runs on the short side, with roughly three to five hours worth of challenges. Advanced areas integrate light stealth and dynamic sequences with the problem-solving, as Gloomy Eyes advances to a fulfilling — and slightly unforeseen — finale.
Availability and Summary
Those steering clear of the terror of terrifying titles ought to experience Gloomy Eyes. You can find it on Switch console, PS5, Windows PC, and Microsoft console, and is currently on sale for 25% off on digital platforms.
Gloomy Eyes is out now on several consoles and offers a delightful option for gamers seeking Halloween fun minus the terrifying moments.
