Descend into Madness with Vlad Circus in Q1 2023

Yep yep, we know – another game scheduled to release in 2023. But thankfully Vlad Circus: Descend into Madness looks like it could well be one of the better ones. It’s certainly one of the weirder offerings.

Coming from developer Indiesruption (of Nine Witches fame) and publisher Blowfish Studios to Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch and PC through both Steam and GOG, Vlad Circus: Descend into Madness is getting set to deliver the weirdness in Q1 of 2023. 

It whisks us off to the year 1921 as the famous Vlad Circus gets hit by fire. Deaths occur, injuries happen and the owner’s brother is implicated. Years later though things get back on track as the original ringleader invites the original cast of carnies to form the act once again. But nostalgia and dread loom as former colleagues and friends are finally reunited, unaware of the horrors lying ahead.

You’ll get the chance to explore Petrescu’s Victorian inspired manor as Oliver Mills, the circus performer who created the clown character “Lazy Ollie”. The thing is, both time and trauma has stunted Oliver’s memory, and so only by speaking with old friends will you be able to clear the fog. Wander the property and reconnect with all members in attendance, taking account of their lives since the…incident, their recounting of the past, and their aspirations for Vlad Circus’ revival – logging all of the information in his journal for future reference.   

For all the deafening silence which stalks the halls and hills ahead, Ollie will be found pressing on, unhindered by the eerie blanket of unease. You’ll get the chance to scour the shadow-eclipsed grounds, lantern in hand and senses on alert, in search of key items to access mysterious hidden areas. Yet you’ll also need to keep a sound mind or risk encountering haunting figures lingering amongst the darkness. Act fast to escape or fight off the abominations, praying the Lord restores Oliver’s sanity in time.

“Vlad Circus: Descend into Madness melds a rich and captivating storyline with dynamic, fear-provoking gameplay that only adds to the experience,” said Diego Cánepa, lead designer, Indiesruption. “Players can immerse themselves with the spine-chilling story mode or grab a weapon and fend for their lives in challenge mode for those who want a more demanding combat experience.”

There’s a trailer below which will give further insight into Vlad Circus: Descend into Madness. Give it a watch and then wait for 2023 to roll into play. You know, like you’re already doing with ALL those other games.