Dark Arcana: The Carnival

Even with its flaws, and understanding it’s one of their older titles, I still enjoyed my time with Dark Arcana: The Carnival, even if it was a short adventure. I love these types of games for those nights I simply need to relax and not worry about shooting anyone or racing against my friends. You might scoff at HOG titles, but they are quite relaxing, and if you’re not proficient at puzzle games the difficulty here isn’t very high and it allows you many alternative ways to progress if you ever become stuck. While not Artifex Mundi’s best title to date, it’s still a fun adventure and a great way to get your feet wet with their catalogue in a long forgotten genre.

The sights and scenes of the carnival are depicted in the usual colorful Artifex Mundi style. Even though numerous cut scenes are rendered in a low resolution, they liven up the events nonetheless. It should be noted that games like Dark Arkana: The Carnival are always measured up within its sub-genre of casual adventures and not compared to the big league of graphic adventures. As such, the game offers comfy and even suspenseful entertainment, and the few hours put to solve the mystery are well-spent. As is usual with casual adventures, the game also serves as a great stress relief. Dark Arkana: The Carnival might not be up to the standards of the later and more complex Artifex Mundi games, but it still comes recommended for fans of the genre.

If you’ve played and enjoyed any of Artifex Mundi’s previous titles, Dark Arcana: The Carnival will be more of the same – and that doesn’t have to be a bad thing.

In Dark Arcana: The Carnival we visit a typical American fair in a mysterious disappearance circumstances. The game has a classic graphic adventure feeling that will make you enjoy this peculiar history. The lack of action moments is supplemented with interesting puzzles and enigmas balanced of very addictive way.

Those who have played previous Artifex Mundi titles will know if they want this or not depending on their feelings with previous titles, and for those that haven't we recommend picking this one up, especially if or when it goes on sale.

Dark Arcana: The Carnival is a simple, but fun game that plays to its strengths. With tons of different puzzles to keep you occupied and a story that is consistently interesting, it does a solid job of keeping you entertained. And it's a good choice for anyone who enjoys a brain workout.