Gloomy Eyes makes its way onto PlayStation 5 after first debuting under the same name as a VR experience, and the transition to a traditional format is an interesting one. Developed by ARTE France and Untold Tales, the game presents itself as a macabre yet heartwarming fairy tale about a zombie boy named Gloomy and a human girl, Nena, who dare to defy the rules of their divided world. Much like our earlier review of the VR version of Gloomy Eyes, this new edition leans heavily on its enchanting atmosphere and narration to deliver a story that feels equal parts spooky and sweet, though the shift from immersive VR to a flat-screen presentation naturally changes how the experience lands.
The premise still stands out as one of the game’s strongest elements. Instead of leaning on gore or frights, Gloomy Eyes weaves a melancholic fairy tale about companionship and hope in a world that’s literally gone dark. Its storytelling is delivered with a narrator who adds a whimsical and sometimes playful touch, keeping the tone light even when the backdrop is bleak. Some players may find the pacing of this narrative approach a little slow at times, but the overall effect is charming and resonates as something quite different from typical puzzle adventures.
Gameplay revolves around the “self-coop” concept, where you alternate between controlling Gloomy and Nena. Each has their own strengths, and progress requires swapping between them to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles. It’s a clever mechanic that keeps the experience engaging, though the puzzles themselves rarely escalate beyond light brain-teasers. For some, this balance may feel just right – approachable and cozy rather than demanding – while others may find the lack of challenge underwhelming over the course of the adventure. On PlayStation 5, the controls are straightforward and responsive, making character-switching easy, though occasional camera quirks in the diorama-style levels can be mildly frustrating.
Visually, the game is still its own little gothic marvel. The Tim Burton-inspired diorama worlds are carefully detailed, brimming with quirky animations, eerie charm, and a muted but evocative color palette. Being able to rotate these miniature stages gives the levels a toylike quality, and while the lack of VR’s immersive depth is noticeable, the art direction is strong enough to carry the experience on a standard display. It’s a feast for players who enjoy stopping to take in the details rather than rushing through environments.
The audio design also plays a crucial role in Gloomy Eyes. The narrator’s delivery brings warmth and humor to the dark setting, while the soundtrack accentuates the mood with a mix of melancholy and whimsy. Sound effects, from the rustle of foliage to the creak of the graveyard gates, help bring the world to life in subtle ways. Together, the presentation makes the game feel less like a straightforward puzzler and more like an interactive animated short film. It’s here that the PS5 edition manages to retain much of the magic that made the VR version feel so special, even if the intimacy of VR is hard to replicate on a flat screen.
The biggest drawback is that outside of its narrative and audiovisual flair, Gloomy Eyes doesn’t offer much mechanical depth. Once you’ve adjusted to the puzzle loop, surprises are few, and the relatively short playtime may leave some players wanting more. Yet, as a compact experience, it delivers a world that feels cohesive and memorable. It may not challenge in the traditional sense, but it offers a space where players can enjoy atmosphere, story, and artistry in a way that’s accessible and endearing.
In the end, Gloomy Eyes on PlayStation 5 succeeds in preserving the charm of its VR origins while recontextualizing it for a wider audience. It’s less about sharp difficulty spikes and more about letting players wander through a dark yet delightful storybook come to life. For those who enjoy cozy, offbeat adventures with a gothic flair, it’s a tale worth experiencing – even if, as with Gloomy himself, it works best when you don’t expect it to play by all the usual rules.
Score: 8.0/10
Press Play Media 