Carnival Island

 PlayStation 3
  • Publisher: SCEA
  • Release Date: Nov 15, 2011
Metascore
66

Mixed or average reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 25
  3. Negative: 3 out of 25
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  1. Games Master UK
    Dec 17, 2011
    74
    It's a huge selection of sideshow attractions that makes good use of the Move controller's amaze-o-tech. [Jan 2012, p.90]
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  2. Digital Chumps
    Nov 18, 2011
    74
    Quite possibly the best mini-game compilation title I have played on any platform, Carnival Island does a great job of catering to a younger audience but simultaneously keeps things interesting enough for older gamers.
  3. PSFocus
    Nov 22, 2011
    71
    Long loading times, game crashes and framedrops are rather annoying, but other than that you will have a good time with this family game.
  5. EGM
    Jan 3, 2012
    70
    This carny simulator's as simple as can be-but it's surprisingly fun and definitely helps bolster the Move's casual appeal.
  6. Level7.nu
    Dec 22, 2011
    70
    A collection of mini games with controls that actually works great. After a few hours a lack of content might be noticed, but this game is one of the best implementation of the Playstation Move controller yet.
  7. Impulsegamer
    Dec 19, 2011
    70
    In the end, this is one of the better mini-game collections for the PlayStation Move and if you're playing it solo, most gamers will easily be able to finish the title in a few hours.
  8. DailyGame
    Dec 12, 2011
    70
    Unlike a lot of hastily thrown together minigame collections, Carnival Island seems well thought out – it even has a story mode. The 35+ game modes will surely have at least one that will appeal to almost any gamer, and the cute collectable pets will keep the collectors happy.
  9. GameOver.gr
    Dec 7, 2011
    70
    Quite an enjoyable, beautiful and nicely crafted Move game for kids. The motion controller of Sony needs more games like this one.
  10. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Dec 3, 2011
    70
    Does a tidy job of recreating familiar sideshow attractions. [Christmas 2011, p.109]
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  11. Worth Playing
    Dec 9, 2011
    65
    As it stands, Carnival Island isn't that bad of a minigame compilation. It looks and sounds fine, and the controls are exactly what one expects from a Move title.
  12. Eurogamer Italy
    Jan 13, 2012
    60
    It's colorful mini-games and fascinating visuals will surely satisfy youngsters, but if you're not among them you should consider looking elsewhere.
  13. PlayStation LifeStyle
    Dec 10, 2011
    60
    Overall, the game is too short, even for a minigame, but each minigame is rather enjoyable – especially for younger children.
  14. Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    Nov 26, 2011
    60
    Carnival Island is extremely easy, but with a projected audience of families with young children, this is understandable. [Holiday 2011, p.79]
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  15. Push Square
    Nov 15, 2011
    60
    An inviting mini-game compilation that gets a lot right. Its slick PlayStation Move implementation is a stark reminder of the device's potential, and the entire package is buoyed by a strong art direction and a good variety of activities. Sadly it's let down by a poorly thought out interface and some inexplicable loading issues.
  16. GamingXP
    Nov 11, 2011
    60
    If you're over twelve years old, it's just another mini game collection as we know it. Younger players will have their share of joy with Carnival Island, but not too long, either.
  17. Play UK
    Jan 9, 2012
    53
    Inoffensive, shallow, sometimes fun but nothing that will engage over a long period of time. [Issue#213, p.92]
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  18. Destructoid
    Nov 19, 2011
    50
    Anybody who has played any other motion-based carnival adventure, however, will find nothing remarkable at play with this one -- not unless they really want to see animated raccoons screaming incomprehensible drivel at them.

Awards & Rankings

62
#62 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2011

User Reviews

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User Score
5.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 5 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 5
  3. Negative: 2 out of 5
  1. Keitaro004
    Dec 27, 2014
    6
    It's a fine game only few people will get to experience due to the lack of a move controller. There's basicly seven kinds of mini-games here,It's a fine game only few people will get to experience due to the lack of a move controller. There's basicly seven kinds of mini-games here, but every game has five levels with a different set-up and missions. The single player mode can be beaten within two hours like most mini-game compilations, but that's excusable because these games are meant to be replayed.

    The game will provide a whole new experience if you play it together with family or friends, as your misses will be enjoyed and laughed at. Controls are perfect and very responsive. The BGM is typical carnival music, but forgetable. There's animated cutscenes as well, but they're nothing big to brag about as the animation is mediocre at best.

    This is a enjoyable game alone, but playing it with more people will boost the enjoyment.    … Full Review »
  2. itsamee
    Nov 20, 2011
    9
    I think this is a very good party game. If you play this with a group of friends you will really enjoy it alot. You will enjoy it even more ifI think this is a very good party game. If you play this with a group of friends you will really enjoy it alot. You will enjoy it even more if you are drinking... Even playing solo the game is alot of fun and the mini-games are creative and fun. The PlayStation move works well with the game, I had no lag issues or inaccurate movements.… Full Review »
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