Allogloom: A Unique Blend of Cuteness and Horror
Allogloom is an upcoming game developed by the New Zealand-based studio Galactic Ghosty. It’s designed for those who enjoy the strange, gothic, and macabre elements often found in gothic horror fiction or dark fairytales. The point-and-click adventure game is set to release soon and will be a major highlight at the Frosty Games Fest later this month.
The journey of Allogloom began with a deep love for all things creepy. According to the developer, Kate, she wanted to create a game that looked like an illustrated storybook while also incorporating the eerie and whimsical aspects of gothic themes.
The Art and Creation of Allogloom
Allogloom was heavily influenced by childhood experiences playing point-and-click adventure games, particularly the Humongous Games catalogue. Kate recalls how she loved the style of these games, which felt like they were part of an animated storybook. This inspired her to create a game that combined storytelling with interactive elements.
Other gothic games such as Fran Bow and Sally Face were also key inspirations. Playing these games during her 20s motivated Kate to expand beyond traditional art into game development. She used YouTube as a resource to learn new skills in animation and coding, conducting extensive research through Google and Subreddits to refine her ideas.
Initially, Kate wasn’t proficient in digital drawing, so she focused on illustration, drawing inspiration from art nouveau styles. This influence is evident throughout Allogloom, whether in the wallpaper of its many puzzle-filled rooms, the architecture of houses in Gruesome Grove, or the character designs. This creates a timeless feel, making it seem as though the adventure could take place anywhere, at any time.
Weaving a Web of Puzzles
What sets Allogloom apart is its unique mix of point-and-click puzzles. The game features a logical flow, with protagonist Nora being a clever and resourceful adventurer whose curiosity drives the plot forward. However, refining these puzzles to strike the right balance between challenge and accessibility was a significant challenge.
Kate emphasized the importance of playtesting, stating that it helped her understand how different players approach puzzles. Finding the right balance between making puzzles too easy or too obscure was a tough task.
‘I designed the puzzles around the narrative of the game. I want it to feel more like the story is flowing with the puzzles, than the puzzles driving the story,’ she explained.
Striking the Right Balance of Cuteness and Horror
As a solo developer, Kate relies on her instincts and the feedback of playtesters and friends to maintain the balance between cuteness and horror. She ensures that the horror elements are appropriate and not overly graphic.
‘I usually ask my playtesters about whether or not it feels like an appropriate level of gore or horror,’ she said. The horror in Allogloom is integrated into the daily lives of characters but remains cartoonish, making it more approachable.
The demo for Allogloom, available via Steam, showcases this balance. While there are elements of horror and gore in the early puzzles, the bright and illustrative art style makes the horror feel abstracted and less intimidating.
Final Thoughts and Upcoming Announcements
Allogloom is not just about horrifying audiences; it tells a dark, macabre story with horror as a creative inspiration. At its core, it’s a story about a young girl navigating a strange and sprawling world.
With the game set to release imminently, Kate hopes that the sense of adventure and exploration will resonate with audiences. She is also proud of seeing the game through to completion and is excited for players to experience it.
‘The project has already achieved so much more than I could’ve hoped,’ she said. ‘I didn’t expect the amount of wishlists or the awards it’s gotten, for my first game!’
Allogloom will next appear during Frosty Games Fest 2026, with a major announcement expected. The game promises a unique blend of cuteness and horror, offering players an engaging and fun experience.
