Vlad Circus: Descend Into Madness

63%
Game Brain Score Based on 30 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • atmosphere
Vlad Circus: Descend Into Madness Game Cover
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"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
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Play​Station
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

63%
Audience ScoreBased on 30 reviews
story14 positive mentions
grinding3 negative mentions
  • The pixel art and atmosphere are stunning, creating an immersive experience.
  • The game handles the sensitive topic of mental illness in a tasteful manner, with engaging mechanics like diving into past memories.
  • The storyline is intriguing, with well-crafted characters and a mix of horror and humor that keeps players invested.
  • Many puzzles are illogical or vague, leading to frustration and requiring backtracking due to a limited inventory system.
  • The ending is disappointing and predictable, leaving players feeling unsatisfied with the resolution.
  • Combat mechanics can be clunky and frustrating, especially with issues related to aiming and stamina management.
  • story29 mentions

    The game's story is generally praised for its intriguing and immersive narrative, complemented by strong visuals and well-crafted characters. While many players enjoyed the unique twists and atmospheric elements, some expressed disappointment with the ending and felt that certain aspects of the story could have been developed further. Overall, the combination of engaging puzzles and a compelling storyline makes it a noteworthy experience, despite some mixed feelings about its 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.”
  • gameplay16 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. Players appreciated the solid game mechanics, including managing resources like a kerosene lamp and combat that, while generally consistent, can become clunky in later stages. This niche title appeals to those willing to embrace a mix of genres, offering a captivating storyline and a variety of gameplay challenges.

    • “I loved the game mechanics like diving into past memories and that 'run clown, run!' scene.”
    • “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.”
    • “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 not a very challenging survival aspect.”
    • “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.”
    • “The voice-over could have, perhaps, enhanced the gameplay, but the lack of it doesn’t affect the overall experience in the slightest.”
  • atmosphere9 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its stunning pixel art, haunting music, and chilling ambiance, which effectively immerses players in a unique horror experience. Reviewers highlight the combination of eerie silence and engaging storytelling, creating a captivating environment that enhances the gameplay. Overall, the game's atmospheric elements, including its intriguing characters and high-quality puzzles, contribute significantly to its appeal, making it a standout in the genre.

    • “The art is absolutely stunning, the music and atmosphere is 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.”
    • “The atmosphere feels flat and uninspired, lacking the depth needed to immerse players.”
    • “Despite the beautiful art style, the overall atmosphere fails to evoke any real emotion or tension.”
    • “The game’s atmosphere is inconsistent, often breaking immersion with jarring transitions and poorly designed environments.”
  • graphics8 mentions

    The graphics are highly praised for their charming pixel art, effective use of light and shadow, and a nostalgic throwback to classic 8-bit games. Reviewers appreciate the artwork's ability to enhance the storytelling and atmosphere, with visuals that complement the intriguing narrative and engaging puzzles. Overall, the aesthetic and character design contribute significantly to the game's appeal.

    • “Intriguing story, great visuals, lovely characters, some intense scares, and even a really nice touch of humor.”
    • “I really wish I could give it an all thumbs up, because I love the art style and the atmosphere.”
    • “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!).”
    • “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, the atmosphere.”
  • music5 mentions

    The music in the game is described as minimal yet effective, enhancing the overall atmosphere with its sparse but impactful presence. Reviewers appreciate the combination of stunning art and sound design, noting that the music complements the eerie ambiance created by other sound elements like whispers and rain. Overall, the musical component is considered a strong aspect of the game's 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, with other sounds in the game mainly consisting of ominous, soft whispers and the pattering of rain upon the roofs, along with the occasional, disorienting groan of a creature.”
    • “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 simple-minded player).”
    • “The musical component is appropriately minimal.”
  • grinding3 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious, particularly towards the end, leading to frustration and even extended breaks from gameplay. The repetitive nature of tasks can detract from the overall experience, making it feel more like a chore than an enjoyable challenge.

    • “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.”
    • “Until the end, when things got a little tedious and sad.”
    • “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.”
  • emotional1 mentions

    Players find the game to be deeply emotional, often highlighting its ability to evoke feelings of sadness and reflection. The narrative and character development contribute significantly to this emotional impact, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

    • “The game left me feeling emotionally drained, but in a good way.”
    • “I was deeply moved by the characters' stories and their struggles.”
    • “The emotional depth of the narrative really resonated with me.”
  • humor1 mentions

    Reviewers appreciate the humor in the game, noting that it complements the intriguing story and great visuals while enhancing the overall experience alongside the intense scares and charming characters.

    • “Intriguing story, great visuals, lovely characters, some intense scares, and even a really nice touch of humor.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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