Blowfish Studios and Indiesruption, the game’s developer, have announced the release date for “Vlad Circus: Descend into Madness” following its upcoming appearance at the Steam Next Fest. The game is set to launch on October 17th and will be available on multiple platforms, including PC via Steam, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, and the Nintendo Switch, all on the same day.

The game’s narrative unfolds in the year 1921 when the beloved Vlad Circus was tragically consumed by a devastating fire, resulting in the loss of hundreds of innocent lives and leaving indelible scars on the survivors. The haunting memories of this calamity led to the disbandment of the circus troupe. However, eight years later, they receive a mysterious invitation from their original ringleader, reuniting them.

As a player, you assume the role of Oliver Mills, also known as “Lazy Ollie” in his clown persona. Years spent in the Pennhurst Asylum have failed to restore his memories. Still, the prospect of reconnecting with old friends and a lost love offers a glimmer of hope. Ollie embarks on a journey to the Victorian-inspired Petrescu Manor, unaware of the malevolent secret that lurks within, eager to be unleashed.

The game’s challenges include managing Ollie’s stress levels while navigating through horrifying hallucinations and solving intricate puzzles. Players must make decisions on whether to confront or evade nightmarish creatures, all while piecing together Ollie’s fragmented memories to uncover the chilling truth behind the tragic day at Vlad Circus.

Diego Cánepa, lead designer at Indiesruption, described “Vlad Circus: Descend into Madness” as a fusion of a chilling atmospheric setting and a haunting narrative filled with evocative storytelling. Players are invited to immerse themselves in Ollie’s trauma-induced nightmares, promising an enthralling and unsettling experience that keeps them on edge until the very end.