Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Gloom Deluxe retains the fast-paced, run-and-gun action that fans of the original Gloom have come to expect, but it spices things up with the brand-new two-player cooperative mode. Teaming up with a friend through the same single-player campaign transforms the experience, encouraging strategic coordination as you cover each other’s backs. Enemy placements, firing patterns, and level hazards feel fresh when tackled as a duo, adding a layer of camaraderie that was missing in the solo version.

Beyond the cooperative play, the core mechanics remain tight and responsive. Weapon pickups, ammo management, and environmental interaction are as gratifying as ever, with just enough nuance to keep you on your toes. Whether you’re carefully lining up a long shot or diving into a crowded corridor to unleash a shotgun blast, the controls deliver the precision that intense action demands.

One of the most welcome changes is the adjustable difficulty and display options that let you fine-tune both challenge and performance. Players can choose from varied enemy damage multipliers or tweak the on-screen visuals for smoother frame rates on different Amiga configurations. This flexibility ensures that newcomers and veterans alike can enjoy Gloom Deluxe at their preferred level of intensity.

Graphics

The hallmark of Gloom Deluxe is its significantly upgraded visual presentation. Textures have been refined, lighting effects have been enhanced, and color palettes feel more vivid and atmospheric. These graphical boosts breathe new life into the familiar level layouts, making each corridor, cavern, and mechanical installation stand out in sharper relief.

Gloom Deluxe also introduces a suite of display optimizations that weren’t available in the original release. From sprite-scaling tweaks to improved background rendering options, the game lets you balance graphical fidelity against performance. On an upgraded Amiga 500, these settings translate to smoother gameplay and richer details, while higher-end setups can push the visuals even further.

Animations have been polished to reduce flicker and stutter, delivering a more immersive experience. Enemy sprites react with fluid motion, explosions splatter debris convincingly, and weapon effects glow with newfound clarity. Even the HUD elements have been redrawn to fit seamlessly with the enhanced on-screen action.

Story

At its core, Gloom Deluxe preserves the dystopian sci-fi narrative that drives you through its labyrinthine levels. You’re once again cast as a lone operative fighting against hordes of mutants and cybernetic monstrosities in underground research facilities. While the storyline hasn’t been overhauled, the improved visual cues and environmental details deepen the sense of immersion.

The addition of cooperative play subtly enriches the narrative experience, even without new scripted sequences. Watching a partner revive you during a tough firefight or strategizing together at a branching corridor strengthens the sense of shared purpose against a relentless enemy. This emergent storytelling adds emotional weight that was absent in the strict solo campaign.

Although no new cutscenes or plot twists have been introduced, the world of Gloom Deluxe feels more alive thanks to enhanced art direction. Scattered data pads, flickering consoles, and shadowy alcoves now tell a more coherent tale of corporate greed and scientific hubris. For players who relish piecing together environmental lore, these subtle touches reward careful exploration.

Overall Experience

Gloom Deluxe succeeds in elevating an already solid foundation without reinventing the wheel. The same beloved levels return, but they feel revitalized by improved graphics and smoother performance options. Fans of the original Gloom will find themselves rediscovering familiar corridors with renewed excitement, while newcomers get an accessible entry point into a classic Amiga shooter.

The standout addition of two-player coop injects fresh replay value, encouraging you to revisit levels with friends and tackle tough segments together. Coupled with adjustable difficulty settings, this makes Gloom Deluxe a highly versatile package that caters to different playstyles. Whether you’re seeking a hardcore challenge or a more relaxed, cooperative romp, the game has you covered.

Running smoothly on an upgraded Amiga 500, Gloom Deluxe bridges the gap between retro hardware and modern expectations. It honors the legacy of its predecessor while offering tangible improvements that make the experience feel polished and complete. For anyone considering a purchase, this Deluxe edition represents both a nostalgic trip and a compelling reason to return to the underground horrors once more.

Retro Replay Score

null/10