Fans of titles like Tunic and Death’s Door will want to watch for Nightmare Circus, an action-adventure game where players play the role of a trapped puppeteer in the Nightmare Realm. To escape, you must uncover the secrets of this unsettling world, save your troupe, and confront the forces that lurk in its shadows.

Developed by Fairplay Studios, an award-winning indie team based in Bangkok, Thailand, Nightmare Circus embodies the studio’s mission: “May our games brighten your day.” Despite its dark setting, the game embraces a distinct creepy-cute aesthetic reminiscent of acclaimed titles like Death’s Door.

Nightmare Circus Offers Combat, Exploration, and Puzzle-Solving

Blending action, puzzle-solving, and exploration, Nightmare Circus draws inspiration from Souls-like adventure games such as Death’s Door and Tunic. Players traverse an interconnected haunted realm filled with secrets, eerie landscapes, and intricate pathways leading to the next chapter of their journey.

The core mechanics of Nightmare Circus revolve around combat and movement, with the puppet crossbars and puppet strings serving as weapons and tools for traversal. Using the collision combat system, players manipulate their surroundings by attaching puppet strings to structures, turning the environment into an arsenal against enemies.

The puppet string system enables a dynamic blend of movement and combat. In addition to fighting nightmarish foes, this mechanic allows players to swing across unreachable areas and unlock new abilities essential for navigating the Nightmare Realm.

One such ability, “Slingshot,” perfectly embodies its name. Players can use their own momentum to break through cracked debris, access hidden areas, or launch devastating attacks. Well-timed slingshot maneuvers can stun bosses in combat, providing a strategic advantage.

Nightmare Circus offers an intuitive fast-travel system, allowing players to revisit completed areas and discover hidden secrets that further unravel the realm’s mysteries.

As you progress, upgrades enhance weapons and abilities, enabling deeper exploration and more effective combat strategies. Boss fights introduce an enemy stagger system, allowing players to deplete stagger bars and gradually weaken formidable foes before landing the finishing blow.

Nightmare Circus is currently in development at Fairplay Studios and promises a mesmerizing action-adventure experience packed with intricate mechanics and immersive world-building. A playable demo will be available in the near future.