Gloomwood, a chilling stealth horror FPS, whisks you away to a grotesque, forgotten Victorian city in the throes of a terrifying metamorphosis. Equipped with your trusty canesword, you’re tasked with unraveling the city’s ominous secrets, hidden within the encroaching fog. Brought to you by the creators of acclaimed games such as DUSK, AMID EVIL, ULTRAKILL, and FAITH, Gloomwood offers an immersive gothic simulation teeming with spectral streets, labyrinthine tunnels, and opulent, haunted mansions. The game boasts a meticulously designed cityscape ripe for freeform exploration. Whether you choose to traverse the towering rooftops or delve into the city’s concealed passageways, the choice of your path is entirely yours. Gloomwood’s advanced stealth and sound system meticulously monitors your visibility and noise, demanding careful and thoughtful navigation. Your unique arsenal includes a stealthy canesword, a six-shot revolver, a collapsible shotgun, strategically placed traps, a rope-slinging harpoon rifle, and more. The game encourages in-depth player interaction, such as eavesdropping, peering through door cracks, checking firearm ammunition, and mantling onto ledges. You will face a variety of nightmarish creatures, including the sharp-clawed Crowmen and the horrifying Corpse Duster, each with heightened senses. The city of Gloomwood is a treasure trove of objects waiting to be used to your advantage. The city holds more secrets than you can imagine, awaiting your discovery.
Should I play Gloomwood in 2024?
The good
Gloomwood is receiving widespread acclaim for its atmospheric, immersive world that harks back to classic stealth-based games. Here are some highlights:
- Nostalgia Factor: Many players fondly compare Gloomwood to classic games like Thief and Half-Life 2, appreciating its old-school graphics combined with modern design sensibilities.
- Atmosphere: Exceptional sound design, environmental storytelling, and a haunting Victorian city set this game apart. The rain, wind, and creaking floorboards collectively create an eerie yet captivating ambiance.
- Gameplay Mechanics: The game offers unique tools and weapons that allow for creative problem-solving. Players appreciate the freedom to approach situations in various ways, enhancing replayability.
- Level Design: The intricately designed levels encourage exploration and make use of environmental cues to guide players without being overtly instructive.
- Voice Acting & Banter: The engaging voice acting and guard banter add layers to the game’s immersive experience.
- Physics-Based Interactions: Realistic physics and inventory management add to the game’s depth, making every item and interaction meaningful.
- Developer Reputation: Many players trust New Blood Interactive, having enjoyed their previous titles like Dusk and Fallen Aces.
The bad
While overwhelmingly positive, there are a few critiques:
- Early Access Concerns: Some players are frustrated by the game’s prolonged stay in early access, feeling it’s taking too long to reach full release.
- Occasional Bugs: A few users have reported minor bugs and performance issues, which could be related to the early access status.
- AI Inconsistency: The enemy AI can be hit or miss, though some players find this adds to the game’s charm.
Verdict
Should you buy or play Gloomwood in 2024? Absolutely! 🌟
Gloomwood appears to be a masterclass in atmospheric stealth gaming, successfully blending elements from beloved classics while adding its own unique twist. Sure, it’s still in early access, but the overwhelmingly positive reviews suggest that what’s currently available is already a gem in the making. If you cherish intricate level design, atmospheric worlds, and creative gameplay, this is a must-play. Just keep an eye out for its official release to experience the full, polished version. Happy stealthing! 🕵️♂️🎮
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In-game Screenshot
Top image is not real in-game screenshots. Fan-art made by Gamer.se. Some game metadata is coming from RAWG
