Gloom at a Glance
- Gloom is a deliciously dark series of games where sorrow and suffering scores points.
- Transparent plastic cards give the games a unique look and make point calculations fast and easy.
- The evocative, gloomy art is reminiscent of Edward Gorey and Lemony Snicket.
- Gloom second edition has multiple expansions, and themed standalone sequels like Cthulhu Gloom and Munchkin Gloom.
What makes Gloom awesome is the stories we weave to justify everything that happens.
— Wil Wheaton, TableTop
Delightful Doom: The World of Gloom
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 on your own characters to lower their Self-Worth scores, while
trying to cheer your opponents' characters with happy occasions that pile on positive points. The player with the lowest score wins!
Sublime Suffering: Gameplay Basics
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!
Awards
- 2023 The Spruce: Best Family Card Games
- 2012 Featured on TableTop with Wil Wheaton.
- 2010 Family Games: The 100 Best.
- 2006 Origins Award Winner – Traditional Card Game of the Year.
- 2006
GAMES Magazine’s Games 100 List – Family Card Game category.
- 2005
InQuest Gamer Fan Award Nominee – Best Card Game.
- 2004
OgreCave's Christmas Gift Guide.
