Chris Baker and Ivan Nicoara Interview: Circus Electrique

screenrant.com:

Upcoming tactical RPG Circus Electrique presents a unique blend of turn-based combat and tycoon management elements in a steampunk world. Many of the game's elements are inspired by Darkest Dungeon, like party management and fighting positions playing a part in battle. However, Circus Electrique undeniably comes with its own special flair, combining running a circus with fighting stylized enemies in a tactical title that takes a more narrative slant than most.

In Circus Electrique, players assume the role of journalist Amelia as she covers the re-opening of Circus Electrique. However, things soon go awry as an event called "The Maddening" unfolds, which makes people around town begin to go mad and try to kill one another. For unknown reasons, this doesn't affect the performers of the circus, who begin fighting the crazed individuals on a quest to save London. Players will be able to hire from an increasingly diverse portfolio of performers as the game goes on, like Strongmen, Fire Blowers, Snake Charmers, and Illusionists. Besides fighting, the other main gameplay feature of Circus Electrique is putting on nightly circus shows to earn money and resources, which is done through a unique puzzling system where players must try to create as much chemistry between performers as possible while meeting audience expectations.

Related: Chris Wingard & Nik Mueller Interview: The Iron Oath, A Fresh Tactical RPG

Circus Electrique's Project Lead Ivan Nicoara  & Lead Writer Chris Baker sat down with Screen Rant to discuss the historical inspirations behind the game, creating its unique blend of management and strategy, and the small details that make the game special.

I'd love readers to know a little bit more about the aesthetic and