Gloomy Eyes

About Gloomy Eyes

Gloomy Eyes is a puzzle-driven indie adventure set in a world trapped in endless night. Developed by Atlas V and published by ARTE France, it released in September 2025 for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch. The game follows Gloomy, a gentle zombie boy, and Nena, a sassy human girl, who break societal rules to team up and search for sunlight. Its Tim Burton-inspired visuals mix unsettling charm with whimsy, creating a world that’s both creepy and oddly cozy. The single-player story emphasizes collaboration between the two characters, even though you control them separately. It’s a game about unlikely friendship and defying the dark, wrapped in eerie platforming and brainy puzzles.

Gameplay

You alternate between Gloomy and Nena to solve environmental puzzles, each with distinct abilities. Gloomy can push objects and trigger zombie-specific switches, while Nena uses her agility to reach high places and manipulate human-made mechanisms. Levels force you to switch characters frequently, like using Gloomy to block a light beam that Nena needs to cross. The camera often feels cramped, matching the claustrophobic vibe, but controls stay responsive. Sessions blend exploration and methodical problem-solving, think Portal but with less sci-fi and more spooky charm. Combat is minimal, replaced by narrative choices that subtly shape dialogue. The game’s rhythm leans slow, rewarding patience over speed.

What Players Think

PlayPile users rate Gloomy Eyes 8.2/10, with 78% completing the main story. Average playtime clocks in at 10.5 hours, and 62% finish with all puzzles unlocked. Community moods are split between “eerie” (45%) and “nostalgic” (38%), while critics praise its “creepy yet heartwarming tone” (GameSpot). Some call the puzzles “too obtuse” (15% negative reviews), but 89% of players say the character dynamic justifies the difficulty. Achievement hunters note 42 collectibles, with “Sun Chasers” (final puzzle) taking most 3, 5 tries. The game’s $29.99 price tag draws complaints from 22% of buyers, who call it “overpriced for its length.”

PlayPile's Take

Gloomy Eyes works best for fans of atmospheric puzzles and oddball narratives. Its Tim Burton-esque charm and clever level design make it stand out, though the steep learning curve might frustrate. At under 12 hours, it’s a short journey, but the $30 price feels reasonable for a curated experience. Skip if you want fast action or open worlds. The two-character mechanic is fresh, and the ending’s emotional payoff justifies the slog through tougher puzzles. Not a masterpiece, but a worthwhile detour for indie adventure lovers.

Storyline

In a world plunged into eternal night and torn by conflict between the living and the undead, one faint glimmer of hope still flickers in the hearts of two special souls. Gloomy Eyes tells the tale of Gloomy, a sweet zombie boy, and Nena, a mischievous human girl, who defy the rules by teaming up and embarking on a quest to bring back the daylight.