If there’s a game genre which has exploded in recent times, it’s most certainly that of the Visual Novel. In fact, there are tons of them kicking around on the virtual marketplaces that dominate our lives, with each and every one requiring you to kick back with some reading action. They cover pretty much all angles too, but now there’s another to throw into the mix – Gloom and Doom.
Gloom and Doom is a little different to the various other Visual Novels that are available to play, in that it has a supernatural themed story, mixed with comedic tones all whilst throwing back to the 1990’s slacker movies.
Wayne’s World this is not and it’s a far cry from the Excellent Adventures that Bill and Ted took in, but there’s something about Gloom and Doom that appeals. Perhaps it’s the fact that it’s now on Xbox, playable on Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S, fully optimised for the next-gen consoles. Or maybe it’s the chance to take it on the go on Nintendo Switch, or sit hunched over a desk via the PC (Steam) release which has been kicking around for a while already.
Whatever the reason, Gloom and Doom should excite, as it brings together those supernatural ideas with a host of comedy and madness. It focuses on how a depressed wraith is trying to find a way into heaven, hunting demons and taking them done. It’s a long old job though and some 500 years on he stumbles upon a girl who may well bring forth the end of the world.
What plays out then is a bit of a quest, hunting death and peace for this young girl. The question is, will you put her to the end, or let the world crumble around you?
Gloom and Doom plays out in a comicbook stylee, as the choices you take on dictate how the narrative unfolds. There are seven endings in total, and we’ve got it on good authority that a single playthrough will take between five and seven hours – all dependant on your reading speed. Add all that together and you’ve got a game that may well warrant the £29.99 asking price.
We’ll be sure to let you know if that is the case once our full review is in a place to go live. In the meantime, you can grab a copy of Gloom and Doom from the Xbox Store for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. It’s on the Nintendo eShop too, as well as on Steam. Expect to pay around £29.99.
Game Description:
Gloom and Doom is a visual novel throwback to 90s slacker movies with a supernatural twist. A depressed wraith is trying to earn his way back into heaven by hunting demons. After killing demons for 500 years, his final mark is a girl who believes she will cause the end of the world. However, even his formidable powers are unable to kill her, and they go on a quest to find death and peace for her. Featuring a cast of moody characters and a 90s superhero comicbook style, your choices will lead you to one of seven endings. Will you save the girl or save the world?
