7.9
rating
Ludopedia
6.7
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
If you love Gloom and want more drama, the expansion brings guests that change the game in real time.
Highlights
- New characters
- Mobile guests
- Persistent effects
- More cards
Keep in mind
- More players
- Increased complexity
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The Gloom: Unwelcome Guests expansion adds 55 new cards to the already macabre and humorous universe of Gloom, expanding gameplay dynamics and strategic depth. With it you gain a new set of characters: the fragrant and famished Malone family, who arrives to "escape the heat" and ends up bringing more water and, of course, more laughs. What truly sets this expansion apart is the introduction of "Unwelcome Guests" – neutral characters that roam between families, gaining and losing modifiers as the play unfolds. They automatically move to the family that receives one of their triggers, which can delay the end of the game if a player is close to winning. Additionally, the expansion adds persistent effects: cards that remain active even when covered by another, until the associated character is eliminated. This extra layer of strategy makes each move more tense and unpredictable, as you must plan not only your own fate but also the guests that may appear at any moment. The set of 55 cards includes new Modifiers, Events, and Fatalities, all drawn with the same gothic aesthetic and dark humor that made Gloom a classic. If you already love the blend of horror and humor and want more challenges and interaction possibilities, this expansion will keep you even more engaged. The only slightly odd thing is that the expansion increases the player count from 2 to 5, so if you usually play with 2, you’ll need to ensure everyone agrees before starting. Overall, Gloom: Unwelcome Guests is a fun and deep addition that keeps the original charm but adds a touch of unpredictability that will make the table more lively.
GALLERY
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Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Atlas Games, Black Monk, Edge Entertainment, uplay.it edizioni
Designer
Keith Baker
Artist
J. Scott Reeves, Michelle Nephew, Todd Remick
How many players can play with this expansion?
The expansion increases the player count from 2 to 5, so you can play with 2, 3, 4, or 5 people, depending on availability.
How long does a game last with the expansion?
The average playtime stays around 30 minutes, but it can be a bit longer if many guests are moving.
What is the complexity level?
Complexity rises slightly, as you need to track the guests and persistent effects, but it remains around 1.8/5 on BGG.
What new components does the expansion bring?
55 new cards, including Modifiers, Events, Fatalities, and 5 Unwelcome Guest cards, plus new characters from the Malone family.
What is an Unwelcome Guest?
It’s a neutral character that can move between families, gaining and losing modifiers like any other character, but it can delay the end of the game.
Is the expansion compatible with the base game?
Yes, simply mix the 55 new cards with your original Gloom set to play.
Who is this expansion for?
For Gloom fans who enjoy macabre humor, light horror, and want more strategic challenges.