Over the course of the last twelve months or so, the circus has rolled into town. First it was the card-playing The Amazing American Circus that showed its hand, and then the magical tricks of Circus Pocus played out. Now though it’s time for the lights to shine on the tactical RPG world of Circus Electrique.
Circus Electrique comes from the Saber Interactive and Zen Studios team, as the latter continue their move away from their pinball roots and acclaimed Operencia: The Stolen Sun to provide an all-new form of entertainment offering to gamers.Â
It’s downloadable and playable on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch and on PC through both Steam and Epic, playing out as a steampunked turn-based tactical RPG. Set in Victorian London town, it focuses on how Circus Electrique rolls into view, just as a mysterious event – The Maddening – begins to start turning folk into cold-blooded killers. Thankfully, when you’ve got Strongmen, Fire Blowers, Clowns and more on tap, taking charge of the landscape and ensuring all manner of hell doesn’t break loose, is entirely possible.
You come to the fore in charge of an unlikely band of brothers, utilising the tips and tricks of the circus as you do battle with Sailors, Posh Girls, Mimes and more. Working your way through the distinct districts at hand, you’ll get to work all the usual turn-based RPG-styled tropes, strategically juggling your fighters into the finest of positions.
It’s not just all about throwing muscle at the situation though and with a Devotion system tying in to your circus characters, and the need to keep the circus itself up and running, even more tactical nous will be needed.
This promises to be a circus gaming event like no other, with the key features of Circus Electrique sitting as follows…
- Electrifying RPG Combat: Assemble an amazing team of acrobatic artists. Choose from 15 playable archetypes like Strongmen, Fire Blowers, Escape Artists, Clowns, and other classic circus performers, each offering a deep variety of tactical skills and decisions in battle. Balance their positioning and abilities strategically to overcome whatever challenges you may encounter.
- A Circus Like No Other: Immerse yourself in a striking world and story based on vintage circus posters, Victorian-era archetypes and classic steampunk charm.
- Manage the Greatest Show in Steampunk London: The show must go on! Rebuild the circus to its former glory and beyond, recruiting and training the most talented performers from around the world. Their skill, chemistry with one another, and overall Devotion combine to determine the success of each show – and you’ll need every shilling you can get to keep the lights on.
Circus Electrique is on the Xbox Store for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S for £16.74. It’s also on PlayStation, Switch and PC.Â
Keep an eye out for our full review in the days ahead.
Game Description:
Named for an alternate-history London’s most famous entertainment, Circus Electrique combines enthralling, story-driven RPG tactics and circus management with a steampunk twist. When everyday Londoners mysteriously turn into vicious killers, only Circus Electrique’s talented performers can save the city. The “Greatest Campaign Mode on Earth” places these talented individuals in tactical turn-based battles. Crazed Bobbies, British Sailors gone bad, aggressive Posh Girls, and other Victorian-era archetypes stand in their way. Circus Electrique’s innovative Devotion morale system affects characters’ performance not only in battles, but also for actual circus shows, dutifully managed between heroic jaunts through six sprawling districts.
