Gloom
Gloom at your next game night?
Add Gloom to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
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- Designer Keith Baker
- Publisher Atlas Games , Black Monk , Calamity Games , Edge Entertainment , uplay.it edizioni
- Illustration Michelle Nephew , J. Scott Reeves , Todd Remick
The description, FAQ and assessments for this game were generated with the help of artificial intelligence from the game data and reviewed editorially. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.
What to Expect
In Gloom, you control a family of misfits, aiming to maximize their tragedies before passing away. The game uses transparent cards layered over characters to show their changing fortunes. You play misfortune cards on your own characters while playing happy events on opponents' characters to increase their scores. Combining hand management, storytelling, and take-that mechanics, Gloom creates a unique, grim but humorous experience.
Who Is This Game For?
Gloom is suited for hobby gamers who enjoy dark humor and unusual card games. With a playtime of about 60 minutes, it fits well into a game night. Some familiarity with hand management or storytelling games is helpful but not mandatory. The game's age recommendation is 13 and up due to its theme and complexity.
How It Works
Each player controls a family and plays transparent modifier cards on characters that affect their value. Layering these cards visually displays the character's current status. Managing your hand effectively is key to playing the right cards at the right time, while take-that elements allow you to affect opponents' progress. Storytelling encourages players to narrate the tragic tales of their characters.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Keith Baker, Gloom won the 2005 Origins Award for Best Traditional Card Game. Its innovative use of transparent cards enables unique layering mechanics, making player states immediately visible. The blend of dark humor and tragedy sets it apart from other card games.
Awards
- 2005 Origins Awards Traditional Card Game of the Year — Winner
Pro
- Innovative layering with transparent cards
- Combination of hand management, storytelling, and take-that
- 2005 Origins Award winner
- High player interaction through affecting others
Contra
- Not suitable for younger children due to age 13+ theme
- Requires some learning for unusual mechanics
- 60-minute playtime may be long for quick sessions
Setting & atmosphere
The game is set in a gloomy, tragic world where eccentric misfits suffer continual misfortune. The theme combines bleakness with dark humor.
Tips for beginners
Focus on using transparent cards to keep track of your characters and prioritize lowering their scores early.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
Gloom is designed for 2 to 5 players and does not include an official solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
Typical playtime is around 60 minutes, making it suitable for a game night.
What prior experience do I need?
Basic knowledge of hand management and storytelling games helps but is not mandatory.
How does this compare to similar games?
Gloom stands out with its transparent cards and the mix of dark humor and tragic storytelling.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its theme and complexity (age 13+), it is more suitable for families with older children.
What mechanic makes it special?
The layering mechanic with transparent cards is Gloom's unique feature.
Fazit
Gloom is recommended for players seeking a darkly humorous card game with storytelling and unique components. Its playtime and complexity suit hobby gamers willing to embrace its theme.
Gloom at your next game night?
Add Gloom to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add Gloom to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
