This Halloween season, Vlad Circus: Descend into Madness emerges as a poignant blend of psychological horror and survival gameplay. Set against the ever-haunting backdrop of a circus consumed by flames, the narrative weaves a tale of tragedy, redemption, and the shadows of the past that still linger. As Oliver Mills, a tormented soul seeking solace, players navigate the twisted halls of a foreboding mansion, where every corner conceals a secret, and every step carries the weight of Oliver’s fractured psyche. We checked out the PlayStation 4 version of the game.
The game uses an inventory-based puzzle system, where each step forward demands careful consideration as players unravel the mysteries of the mansion. Against the always present haunting atmosphere, this means you’ll blend item interaction and frequent looks at Oliver’s journal, which provide a window into his fragile state of mind, as it gives players a perspective on the events that have been and are still unfolding.
Yet, while Vlad Circus excels in narrative complexity and atmosphere, it occasionally stumbles in puzzle execution. Some challenges demand a level of intuition that may initially elude players, leading to moments of frustrating backtracking. This momentarily hinders the otherwise immersive experience, leaving room for improvement in puzzle design.
Managing Oliver’s stress levels, which is an innovative approach to health, introduces a novel way of implementing survival mechanics. The player must navigate not only the dangers in the physical space but also the delicate state of Oliver’s mental health in order to survive. Praying, seeking solace in Dr. Jasper’s tonic, or confronting his hallucinations all become integral strategies, amplifying the psychological horror.
Combat, while not the primary focus in the game, provides a measured balance to the puzzle-solving. Players must discern when to confront their fears and when to navigate past them – choosing full-on confrontation each time will likely not be good for your mental health. The game’s limited inventory slots add a layer of strategy to this, forcing choices between self-defense and resource management.
The game’s audiovisual presentation stands out, capturing a haunting world through detailed pixel art. The mansion’s decaying grandeur and overgrown gardens are rendered with meticulous detail and the effective use of lighting heightens the tension, emphasizing key details while shrouding others in relative darkness. The audio design in Vlad Circus is impressive as well, creating a soundscape that pulls players deeper into the narrative. The orchestral and piano-driven soundtrack, coupled with well-placed sound effects, adds to the atmosphere, as do the whispered voices that you hear as Oliver’s stress levels rise.
In its pursuit of psychological horror, Vlad Circus: Descend into Madness delivers a solid narrative, underscored by striking pixel visuals and great sound design. The blend of puzzle-solving and survival mechanics immerses players in Oliver’s struggle, and while the game occasionally falters in puzzle execution, its strengths outweigh the shortcomings. As a journey into the depths of madness, Vlad Circus leaves a mark, inviting players to confront their fears and grapple with the shadows of Oliver’s past.
Score: 7.6/10
Press Play Media 