Gloom
By Keith Baker
Gloom: The Game of Inauspicious Incidents and Grave Consequences
The world of Gloom is a sad and benighted place. The sky is gray, the tea is cold, and a new tragedy lies around every corner. Debt, disease, heartache, and packs of rabid flesh-eating mice -- just when it seems like things can't get any worse, they do. But some say that one's reward in the afterlife is based on the misery endured in life. If so, there may yet be hope -- if not in this world, then in the peace that lies beyond.
In the Gloom card game, you assume control of the fate of an eccentric family of misfits and misanthropes. The goal of the game is sad, but simple: you want your characters to suffer the greatest tragedies possible before passing on to the well-deserved respite of death. You'll play horrible mishaps like Pursued by Poodles or Mocked by Midgets on your own characters to lower their Self-Worth scores, while trying to cheer your opponents' characters with marriages and other happy occasions that pile on positive points. The player with the lowest total Family Value wins.
Printed on transparent plastic cards, Gloom features an innovative design by noted RPG author Keith Baker. Multiple modifier cards can be played on top of the same character card; since the cards are transparent, elements from previously played modifier cards either show through or are obscured by those played above them. You'll immediately and easily know the worth of every character, no matter how many modifiers they have. You've got to see (through) this game to believe it!
For 2 to 4 players, ages 8 and up.
Product Details
Features
- A Darkly Amusing Game for 2 to 4 players
- Ages 8 & up
Customer Reviews
Great Artwork
When I first saw this game I thought it was a game by Edward Gorey. I'm surprised no one else has noticed the uncanny resemblance of the characters in this card game and Gorey's work. Some of them seem to be almost exact replicas. I think "inspired by Edward Gorey" is a bit different then copying. However this game is extremely unlifting and it can brighten anyone with a dark sense of humor's day. Get ready to giggle uncontrollably when making your character suffer indefinitely.
fun, especially with stories!
this game is fun just playing it, as it has unique game play and some rather interesting ways to hinder opponents as the game progresses, however to add more fun to the game, add storytelling to the mix. each player has five characters in their family, who they are trying to cause much pain to, and then kill them. at the same time each player is trying to kill their own characters while they are miserable (indicated by negative point values seen through the transparent cards) they can also play happy events (positive values) which cover up negative points on another player's character. telling the story of a character as they find misfortune and unwelcome (to you) happiness is rather entertaining especially in a creative and outspoken group.
whoever has the most miserable dead family members at the end of the game wins!
I am really looking forward to adding the additional families and rules with the expansions to this game.
Brilliant and Creative
Brilliant concept. It didn't work for my wife, though; she just didn't get it and didn't want to. I've tried to bring it out a few times since, but just can't generate interest. My conclusion on the game is this: If you enjoy beauty and brilliance in-and-of-themselves, you'll probably like the game. If you think there should be a purpose to beauty and brilliance, then it may not fly for you.
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