Gloomwood

by Dillon Rogers, David Szymanski, Nate Berens, Thomas Porta, New Blood Interactive

The Developer Says...

Trapped in a dark, Victorian city consumed by an ancient curse, you must plan your survival and daring escape using nothing but stealth, an arsenal of eccentric weapons, and your wit in this haunting adventure inspired by the immersive sims and survival horror greats of the late 90s and early 2000s.

Players Like...

❤ Immersive Stealth Gameplay

Players praise the game's immersive stealth mechanics that draw inspiration from the Thief series. The intricate, interactive environment encourages stealthy exploration and problem-solving. To sneak through levels, players can extinguish lights, distract enemies with thrown objects, and silently eliminate targets with a sword cane or other weapons. Reviewers highlight the game's effective lighting and sound systems in creating a tense, atmospheric stealth experience. Enemies react to noises and changes in lighting, forcing players to carefully plan their movements. One reviewer notes the complex dynamic lights and complex AI systems as standout features.

❤ Freeform Exploration and Traversal

The game's level design impresses players with its intricate, interconnected environments that enable freeform exploration. Locations range from towering rooftops to hidden passages, allowing players to discover diverse paths through the hand-crafted city. Reviewers appreciate the emphasis on player agency, with one stating players can choose the routes you take and paths you make. Traversal mechanics, such as mantling onto ledges and leaning to peek around corners, contribute to the sense of immersion and freedom of movement. Players enjoy the flexibility to approach objectives in their own way, rather than being confined to linear paths.

❤ Unique Weapon and Item Interactions

Players consistently praise the game's arsenal of eccentric weapons and interactive items. The arsenal includes a stealthy sword cane, shotguns, and a harpoon rifle, each with distinct uses and playstyles. Reviewers highlight the tactile nature of interacting with these weapons, such as checking the bullets in a revolver. Beyond weapons, the environment is filled with various pickupable, throwable, climbable objects that players can use to their advantage. One reviewer describes the joy of stacking crates to climb to a higher position or manipulating enemy pathing to force them into an encounter with another enemy faction. These interactive elements add to the game's immersive sim qualities.

❤ Engaging Emergent Gameplay

Players highlight the emergent, unpredictable nature of the gameplay, where unintended consequences and chain reactions can create memorable, unscripted moments. Reviewers share anecdotes of stabbing an enemy, only to have them fall into explosive barrels or set themselves on fire. The physics-driven systems allow for creative problem-solving and serendipitous outcomes. One player describes a scenario where they extinguished a room's light, trapping themselves with an armored enemy wielding an axe. The tense, atmospheric nature of this encounter is praised as a beautiful moment that transports the player into the game's dark, Victorian setting.

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