The game in its current state only offers about 3 hours of gameplay, but even though the amount of content is a bit underwhelming, the phrase “quality over quantity” couldn’t fit more perfectly. I went into Gloomwood expecting a stealth-based horror sim set in a dystopian semi-open world and that is exactly what I got.
On normal difficulty, the investigations do not last very long but the developers are looking to make the game even more challenging with expended difficulty options coming in future updates. Leaving a door open in a room can leave the AI with a suspicion that your presence is near, causing them to investigate the room thoroughly. Enemies investigate loud noises, dead bodies, and misplaced objects. The AI in Gloomwood is a work in progress. Enemies seem to soak up bullets with the exception of the shotgun, but it gives you more of a sense of dread to stay quiet and in the shadows to pull off a stealth kill instead. The arsenal of weapons currently includes a revolver, shotgun, cane sword, and an unlockable weapon that I won’t spoil here but it is accessible once the game's first few levels have been completed. Hopefully, there will be a way to increase inventory size with a future update. I love the nostalgia behind this idea but the execution needs work. this “metagame” didn’t sit too well with me as I felt the storage space that was given was just not enough for the most basic items. You can freely move inventory items around the storage case to help fit other items, similar to a puzzle.
The inventory system will appease Resident Evil 4 die-hards as it includes a slot-based storage system. However, it is important to move slowly and quietly as the NPCs can be alerted to your presence more easily than not. The cane sword is the stealth fan's best friend, allowing you to sneak behind an unsuspecting enemy and take them out with one charged thrust. With only your trusty cane sword at your side, you can attack, block, and holster your weapon at any time. Shadows are your best friend and are essential for survival. Stacking crates to access higher inaccessible areas, collecting used shotgun shells after combat to later use as a distraction decoy, as well as having to manually reload each bullet in your trusty revolver in order to be fully prepared for the next fight are all fantastic examples of how this game sucks you in and keeps you invested.Ĭurrently, gameplay in Gloomwood is heavily stealth based. Fans of BioShock, Dishonored, and Deus Ex will feel right at home with the level of interactivity present here. Gloomwood allows you to pick up and interact with many objects in the game. Overhearing NPC’s conversations about events that have occurred in the city, discovering hidden rooms with journals that reveal more sinister rituals conducted by the local townsfolk, and the city itself are all used phenomenally well to craft an immersive world. The game does a fantastic job immersing you into this Victorian-era world in various ways. It is up to the player to discover the hidden truth behind the dark dystopian city, sticking to the shadows and conserving ammo, all while uncovering the truth behind the city’s purpose. You play as a doctor and clearly, you are not a local resident. You begin your journey in the city of Gloomwood as a prisoner, being held captive for unknown reasons.
GLOOMWOOD GENRES UPDATE
That being said, I had a fantastic time surviving the streets of Gloomwood and I truly can not wait for the next big update of content. This is in early access after all and the game is still being developed.
Anyone familiar with open-ended games that provide the player with a plethora of choices and various outcomes will be familiar with the term “immersive sim.” Although Gloomwood definitely feels like it is aiming to fit in that niche genre and it sits comfortably well.
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