In the latest twist of Gloomwood’s narrative, players are left pondering the true identity of the enigmatic doctor protagonist. Speculation is rife that his name might be ‘Jekyll,’ especially after the intriguing developments introduced in the game’s recent Research update. This addition from New Blood, known for its Thief-inspired immersive sim, unveils a suite of transformative abilities that players can acquire in a rather macabre fashion—by extracting them from the very enemies they encounter.
Exploring the Lab
The update’s details, shared through a blog post on Steam, reveal the introduction of a new laboratory setting. Here, players will embark on a quest to synthesize a cure for the plague ravaging Gloomwood’s Victorian gothic landscape. However, the lab’s primary function takes a darker turn, allowing players to delve into ethically ambiguous research that yields serums capable of morphing them into various monstrous forms found within the game.
New Blood tantalizingly hints that these serums will enable players to “blend in with your new…friends,” suggesting that disguises may provide a stealthy advantage against the hostile creatures lurking in the shadows. The question arises: does it truly count as social stealth when the beings you’re trying to evade are inherently aggressive? This conundrum adds an intriguing layer to the gameplay.
What’s clear is that this update significantly expands Gloomwood’s gameplay possibilities, steering it away from its initial premise of being a ‘Thief with guns’ toward a realm reminiscent of the magical powers seen in Dishonored. While Gloomwood’s abilities come with their own set of limitations—requiring effort to obtain and functioning as one-time-use serums rather than permanent powers—players still have the option to navigate the game as a conventional, gun-toting doctor.
Additionally, the Research update enhances the doctor’s journal, which now boasts new artwork, soundscapes, and animations, further enriching the player’s experience. A video showcasing these updates is available, highlighting the journal’s polished presentation.
Players will gain access to the research mechanics once they reach the game’s mirror realm. However, New Blood has indicated that this feature will transition to a later stage in the game with future updates. While the timeline for the next update remains unspecified, the studio’s consistent release schedule suggests that players can anticipate more Gloomwood content to emerge in the summer months.
