14 DAY TRIAL // My clown delivers some much-needed care to my strongman, who has been tanking some big hits up front. I move my flame blower to that position, dealing damage to all my opponents, including the two mimes that annoy me the most. I just need another area of effect attack to take the entire group out and move a step closer to my objective.
Circus Electrique is developed by Zen Studios and published by Saber Interactive. I played on the PC, but it is also set to arrive on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch on September 6.
The narrative is centered around the circus, which exists in a version of London influenced by steampunk. A catastrophe has turned citizens into automatons and the player needs to explore the streets to find out what happened while also rebuilding the traveling show.
Combat is built around positioning and character abilities. The clown is mostly a support class, but it can attack in a pinch, while the strongman needs to show off his bulk and can attract enemy blows while dealing punishment of his own. Morale, resistances, and items can all influence the way a particular combat encounter could end.
Between battles, players will move through a map of the streets of London, complete with mystery encounters and loot. Players also have to set up circus shows, using those characters that do not explore and engage in combat. A successful circus showcase means solid performers, good chemistry, and surprises for the crowd.
Circus Electrique wants to replicate the look of early XX century circuses, with a focus on their Victorian origins, but with a steampunk twist. I like the idea and the execution, especially the detail on the characters and enemies. The sound design aims for the same target but is a little less successful, especially when it comes to the soundtrack that does not add to the immersion.
Conclusion
Circus Electrique will certainly attract players with its presentation and fictional universe, but it needs more innovation in the gameplay space to keep their attention. Still, if the gameplay loop (and formula) that made Darkest Dungeon a huge success proves to be just as addictive, this could be one of those games that you spend dozens upon dozens of hours trying to min-max your team of circus performers.
Preview copy provided by the publisher.
