Gloom (2005) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Gloom is a card game that was released in 2005 by Atlas Games. It is designed by Keith Baker and features artwork by Michelle Nephew, J. Scott Reeves, and Todd Remick. The game falls under the categories of Horror and Humor, making it a unique and intriguing choice for players looking for something different in the gaming world.

Game Components of Gloom

Cards: Transparent plastic cards, including Modifier cards, Event cards, and Untimely Death cards.

Family Member Cards: Each player controls a family of eccentric misfits.

Modifier Cards: Positive and negative point values that can be stacked on family member cards.

Event Cards: Can reverse death or change modifiers.

Untimely Death Cards: Used to kill off family members with negative point values.

Rule Sheet: Included in the game box.

How To Setup Gloom

To set up Gloom, each player starts with a hand of five cards and a set of family member cards. Each player has a family consisting of five members, unless playing with four players, in which case one family member is set aside. Players begin by drawing cards and preparing to inflict misery on their family members while making their opponents’ characters happier.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: The goal is to have the lowest combined Pathos score at the end of the game by making your family members as miserable as possible before killing them.

Modifier Cards: Stackable transparent cards that adjust the Pathos score of family members.

Event Cards: Can alter the game state, such as reversing death or changing modifiers.

Untimely Death Cards: Can be played to kill a family member with a negative Pathos score.

Scoring: The visible point values on the stacked cards determine the Pathos score.

Game End: The game ends when one player’s entire family has died, and the player with the lowest Pathos score wins.

Player Experience

Playing Gloom is a delightful yet morbid experience, where players creatively narrate the misfortunes and mishaps of their family members. The game encourages storytelling and can lead to humorous and dark narratives. The gameplay is relatively quick, lasting about 60 minutes, and is suitable for 2-5 players. The transparent cards and stacking mechanism make point calculations easy and visually appealing.

Pros

Unique Card Mechanics: The transparent cards add a fun and innovative twist to the game.

Storytelling Element: Players can create engaging stories around their characters’ misfortunes.

Quick Gameplay: Games typically last about 60 minutes.

Dark Humor: Appeals to fans of morbid and dark humor.

Expansions Available: Multiple expansions and themed standalone versions are available.

Cons

Card Alignment Issues: Some players may find the alignment of the transparent cards slightly off, requiring some card fidgeting.

Visibility Issues: With many cards stacked, visibility can become a problem.

Minor Printing Issues: Some cards may have a washed-out look due to printing quality.

Personal Thoughts on Gloom

Gloom is ideal for fans of dark humor, those who enjoy storytelling in their games, and players looking for a unique card game experience. It is recommended for players aged 13 and above due to its mature themes. The game’s ability to encourage creative narratives and its quick gameplay make it a great addition to any gaming group. If you have a morbid sense of humor and enjoy games that tell stories, Gloom is definitely worth checking out.

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