In the realm of virtual reality, storytelling has evolved into an art form that can immerse audiences in narratives in ways previously unimaginable. The Gloomy Eyes Experience available on Apple Vision Pro attempts to leverage this medium to its fullest, offering a unique narrative journey narrated by the talented Colin Farrell. This review delves into the highs and lows of the experience, examining its storytelling, technical execution, and overall impact on the viewer.
At its core, Gloomy Eyes unfolds a dark yet enchantingly tender tale set in a world where the sun, disillusioned by humanity, has permanently receded, leaving the earth in perpetual twilight. This event awakens the dead, leading to a societal upheaval where zombies, including our protagonist Gloomy, are outlawed and marginalized. Gloomy, a young zombie boy with a distinct sense of solitude, encounters Nena, a human girl from a lineage of leadership in this fractured society. Their love story blossoms against the backdrop of a world steeped in prejudices and darkness, a narrative choice that adds depth and a poignant commentary on acceptance and the power of connection.
The narrative is further enriched by the diverse voice cast including Tahar Rahim, Max Riemelt, Jorge Drexler, and Jam Hsiao, in addition to Farrell, who bring global resonance to this tale of love and magic. This multi-episode animated series promises a journey of magic, adventure, and the unexpected power of love to illuminate the darkest of worlds.
Developed by ARTE Experience and priced at $4.99, Gloomy Eyes aspires to showcase the capabilities of the Apple Vision Pro. The experience is crafted to be a visual delight with its 6DoF & 3D real-time animation, aiming to immerse the viewer in its spinning, miniature world with eerie charm. However, the execution falls short in several areas.
Customers have noted significant issues with the resolution and visual quality of the experience on the Vision Pro platform. Comparisons with versions on other platforms like SteamVR highlight a stark difference, with the Vision Pro version suffering from low resolution, lack of anti-aliasing, and an overall blurry, jagged mess. This discrepancy is especially disappointing given the hardware’s capabilities, leading to a less immersive and sometimes uncomfortable viewing experience.
A recurring theme in user feedback revolves around technical bugs, particularly with the experience’s visual rendering. Problems such as purple glitches, pink shader bugs, and inconsistent visuals between the left and right eyes detract significantly from the enjoyment and immersion. These issues, along with low volume and pixelated visuals, have marred the experience for many, turning what should be a seamless dive into another world into a fragmented and often frustrating experience.
Gloomy Eyes Experience on the Apple Vision Pro harbors the potential to be a captivating narrative journey, blending poignant storytelling with the immersive possibilities of VR. The tale of Gloomy and Nena, set against a backdrop of societal division and magical realism, touches on universal themes of love, belonging, and overcoming adversity. However, the technical shortcomings present in the current version severely impact its ability to fully deliver on its promise. The developer, ARTE Experience, faces a critical task in addressing these issues to unlock the full potential of Gloomy Eyes as a flagship VR narrative experience. Until then, prospective users may want to temper their expectations or await updates that resolve these technical challenges.
