Circus Electrique

That is the basic flow of the game but doesn’t capture all the layers it keeps opening up. Suddenly, you can recruit new performers or new types of performers, or do new shows, or you unlocked some new crafting stuff. Every combat encounter provoked a bemused oh now what reaction as some damned enemy I hadn’t seen before popped up with a suitably ridiculous attack. Or suddenly you’re trying to beat orphans (not literally) in games of chance or running into a crowd of admirers or…or…or…

Circus Electrique is part story-driven RPG, part tactics, part circus management, and completely enthralling– all with a steampunk twist. When everyday Londoners mysteriously turn into vicious killers, only the show’s talented performers possess the skills necessary to save the city.

In conclusion, Circus Electrique is visually very arresting and is quite possibly the most challenging game in terms of complexity that I have ever played.  Die-hard fans of tactical turn-based combat and management simulators will absolutely love this title while casual gamers or newcomers to these types of games may struggle even on the easy setting.  It is clear that this has been a labour of love for the developers and is certainly one of the most unusual games to be released on Xbox this year.  If Steampunk Victorian archetypes and challenging gameplay are your things this game has your n...

As common as roguelike games are, few developers get them right. They’re among the oldest of genres that survived into modern gaming, beginning as they did in the 70’s/80’s with classics like Rogue, Adventure and Moria. It’s a formula that you would assume the gaming community would have down after playing them for over 40 years, but sadly it’s not to be. At first glance, Circus Electrique appears to be an exception. It’s a very thematic and well-designed game with smooth, simple,...

Circus Electrique has a plethora of intriguing ideas. Unfortunately, most of these don't mesh well with the core gameplay, leading to a tedious romp.

Although Circus Electrique has its intriguing quirks, with the reliance on devotion and the occasional circus-management opportunity, too many flaws accompany them. With most of its story revolving around combat, it soon becomes an annoyance rather than an enjoyable element. The game does offer refreshing and unique twists on the genre; still, there's a lack of drive to keep you wanting to fight through London's steampunk streets. The story grips you initially, but it takes a while to develop and a lot of the initial dialogue is wasted on family feuds which offer no real substance. To fans of ...

Overall, Circus Electrique is a decent RPG. While the combat won't blow you away, and the management simulation is rather poor. The stellar music and superb visuals will make you want to stay and live in that world for just a little longer. This, combined with the game's serviceable story and fantastic worldbuilding and you have a game that will soak up hours of time if you wish it to.

Circus Electrique imagines a steampunk version of London overrun by maniacs where the city's only hope lies with a ragtag group of circus performers. While promising on paper, odd design choices bring the level of spectacle down significantly.

In the end, the main takeaway I have from playing through Circus Electrique is just how flat it all feels. Playing the game is never explicitly unpleasant but is never memorable or particularly fun, either. Instead, the game is almost liminal. So while the game is unlikely to end up on any lists for worst games of the year, I doubt that most players who try it will remember its release for very long.