Gloom: Digital Edition

Gloom: Digital Edition is a digital adaptation of the macabre, storytelling card game known for its dark humor and unique gameplay. Players found the game visually appealing with charming animations and fitting melancholic music that capture the original's atmosphere well. The gameplay mechanics closely mimic the physical card game, offering smooth and strategic play, especially for those familiar with the tabletop version.

However, the digital version suffers from significant drawbacks. The removal of multiplayer support has left many players disappointed, as online matches are scarce and often plagued with bugs and crashes. The AI is considered weak and predictable, with no adjustable difficulty settings. Additionally, the user interface is criticized for poor navigation, lack of quality-of-life features like an undo button or discard pile view, and slow pacing due to forced animations and turn timers. Despite these issues, some players still enjoy the game solo or with friends via voice chat, but overall, the digital edition fails to fully capture the storytelling magic of the original.

Highlights

Players praise the game's faithful adaptation of the original card game's mechanics and dark, whimsical atmosphere. The animations and voice acting add charm and personality to the characters, enhancing immersion. The melancholic soundtrack complements the macabre theme well. Many appreciate the game's accessibility for newcomers and find it enjoyable for casual play. The option to disable animations helps streamline gameplay for those seeking faster turns. Fans of the physical game value the digital edition as a way to learn rules and practice strategy.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include the removal of multiplayer, which severely limits online play and frustrates those who purchased the game for that feature. The AI is weak and lacks difficulty settings, making solo play less challenging. The user interface is clunky, with poor card visibility, lack of undo or confirmation for moves, and slow pacing due to forced animations and turn timers. Numerous bugs and crashes disrupt gameplay, especially in online mode. Players also note the absence of chat functionality and poor online matchmaking, leading to empty lobbies. The game lacks expansions and progression systems, reducing long-term replayability.