Vlad Circus: Descend Into Madness
- October 16, 2023
- Indiesruption
Get on Steam
Get on Xbox Games Store"Vlad Circus: Descend Into Madness" is a psychological horror game set in a creepy 1920s freak circus. Players follow the tormented Oliver Mills as he tries to escape a labyrinthine mansion filled with puzzles, survival mechanics, and twisted secrets. The game features stunning pixel art, a 2D lighting system, and an unforgettable ending.
Nintendo Switch
PC
Playstation 4
Playstation 5
Steam Deck
Windows
Xbox One
Xbox Series X|S
PlayStation
Xbox
Reviews
- The pixel art and atmosphere are stunning, creating a captivating experience.
- The game handles the sensitive topic of mental illness in a tasteful manner, enhancing the horror elements.
- Gameplay mechanics, such as diving into past memories and the engaging storyline, keep players invested.
- Many puzzles are illogical and can feel like mundane tasks, leading to frustration.
- A significant amount of playtime is spent backtracking due to a limited inventory system.
- The ending is disappointing and predictable, detracting from the overall experience.
- story58 mentions
- 48 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The game's story is generally praised for its intriguing narrative, immersive atmosphere, and well-crafted characters, with many players appreciating the blend of humor and horror elements. However, some reviewers expressed disappointment with the ending, feeling it fell short of the story's potential and left them frustrated. Overall, while the storytelling is compelling and engaging, opinions vary on its execution and conclusion.
“The pixel art is beautiful and the story is quite immersive and well crafted.”
“Intriguing story, great visuals, lovely characters, some intense scares, and even a really nice touch of humor.”
“The story had quite a few playful twists, and due to the unstable narrator situation, the deeper you went into the game, the more you weren't quite sure where the story was going to ultimately end up.”
“I won't say why as to avoid spoilers, but both the maze chase at the end, as well as the story ending left me deeply annoyed.”
“The story is an equivalent of blowing up a float on a beach for 3 hours and, when you are done, the valve unlocks accidentally and then you're back to square one with newfound hatred for the universe and a flat piece of plastic.”
“I hate it, because you could do so much more with this story.”
- gameplay32 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 72 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The gameplay is a unique blend of point-and-click mechanics and light survival elements, featuring engaging puzzles and a chilling atmosphere that enhances the horror experience. While the mechanics are generally solid and easy to manage, some players may find the combat clunky in later stages. Overall, the game appeals to those who enjoy genre-mixing and offers a captivating storyline that keeps players invested.
“Unique story, chilling atmosphere, and heavier-on-the-puzzles/lighter-on-the-action gameplay lets us take part in the freak circus reunion years after the deadly fire.”
“The gameplay itself consisted of light survival elements (sharpening blades that get dull, collecting bullets, filling your lantern) which were fairly easily managed, and combat mechanics, which were fairly consistent and not overtly difficult until the end where it became mildly clunky when enemies approached at certain angles.”
“A gem of a game, both story-wise and in terms of gameplay and challenge.”
“This game is pretty niche, as it takes a point-and-click and survival action tags and mashes them together. It may not be a perfect fit for adventure players who are allergic to any kind of action, nor for survival horror players who would hate to deal with puzzles amidst what I can only imagine is a not very challenging survival aspect. Both of those groups will miss out just a bit on this deliciously creepy, unique, and atmospheric horror story.”
“The gameplay itself consisted of light survival elements (sharpening blades that get dull, collecting bullets, filling your lantern) which were fairly easily managed, and combat mechanics that were fairly consistent and not overtly difficult until the end, where it became mildly clunky when enemies approached at certain angles.”
“The voice-over could have, perhaps, enhanced the gameplay, but the lack of it doesn’t affect the overall experience in the slightest.”
- atmosphere18 mentions
- 89 % positive mentions
- 11 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its stunning pixel art, haunting music, and chilling narrative, effectively immersing players in a unique horror experience. Reviewers highlight the blend of eerie silence and engaging storytelling, which enhances the survival horror elements while maintaining a focus on puzzles. Overall, the atmospheric design, combined with intriguing characters and a compelling premise, creates a memorable and captivating experience.
“The art is absolutely stunning, the music and atmosphere are amazing, the diary was a nice inclusion, and for the first half of the game, I think the puzzles are spot-on.”
“Unique story, chilling atmosphere, and heavier-on-the-puzzles/lighter-on-the-action gameplay lets us take part in the freak circus reunion years after the deadly fire.”
“Intriguing horror experience with gripping atmosphere, gorgeous twisted art, and haunting characters - all beautifully written and executed.”
- graphics16 mentions
- 63 % positive mentions
- 19 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The graphics are highly praised for their charming pixel art and effective use of light and shadow, contributing significantly to the game's atmosphere and gameplay. Reviewers appreciate the artwork, character design, and the nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic point-and-click games. Overall, the visuals enhance the intriguing story and engaging puzzles, making for a visually appealing experience.
“Intriguing story, great visuals, lovely characters, some intense scares and even a really nice touch of humor.”
“The visuals are comprised of charming (even when it shows gore) pixel art and a skillful play of light and shadow (that is also a big part of the gameplay – that damn kerosene lamp that keeps running out of fuel!).”
“The visuals are comprised of charming pixel art and a skillful play of light and shadow, which is also a big part of the gameplay – that damn kerosene lamp that keeps running out of fuel!”
“Absolutely a throwback to some of my favorite point-and-click, 8-bit graphic games growing up like Maniac Mansion or Discworld.”
“I really wish I could give it an all thumbs up, because I love the art style and the atmosphere.”
- music10 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 30 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The music in the game is described as minimal yet effective, enhancing the overall atmosphere with its sparse but impactful presence. Users appreciate the combination of haunting sounds, such as soft whispers and rain, which contribute to a sense of unease, while the art and story are also praised as top-notch. Overall, the musical component complements the game's stunning visuals and narrative, creating an immersive experience.
“The art is absolutely stunning, the music and atmosphere are amazing, and for the first half of the game, I think the puzzles are spot-on.”
“Art, music, and story are top notch.”
“The music was somewhat sparse but used well when it popped up; the other sounds in the game mainly consisted of ominous, soft whispers and the pattering of rain upon the roofs, with the occasional, disorienting groan of a creature.”
“The style, the sounds, the music, the feeling that something is not quite right, not too much of a brain teaser (good for me as a simpleton).”
“The musical component is appropriately minimal.”
- grinding6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious, particularly towards the end, leading some to take extended breaks from gameplay. The repetitive nature of certain sequences can diminish enjoyment, prompting players to resort to dumping items in a central location rather than engaging with the mechanics.
“A sequence at the end was tedious to the point where I left the game alone for over a week because I didn't want to go through it anymore.”
“It makes the game more tedious, or you just dump everything into the central room and make a pile of bags in the middle of the floor, like me.”
“Until the end, when things got a little tedious and sad.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is predominantly characterized by a sense of sadness, resonating deeply with players and leaving a lasting impact.
“The game left me feeling emotionally drained, but in a good way.”
“I was moved to tears by the emotional depth of the story.”
“The characters' struggles resonated with me on a personal level, making the experience truly emotional.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is noted as a delightful addition, complementing its intriguing story, great visuals, and well-developed characters, while also balancing the intense scares present throughout the experience.
“Intriguing story, great visuals, lovely characters, some intense scares, and even a really nice touch of humor.”
