Circus Electrique

About

Circus Electrique blends tactical combat with showbiz management in a gritty steampunk London. Players lead a troupe of circus performers, strongmen, fire breathers, clowns, fighting plague-ridden citizens and bizarre foes like Robobears. Battles use turn-based mechanics where positioning and character abilities matter, while downtime involves scheduling acts, managing resources, and balancing performer morale. The Devotion system ties emotional states to combat effectiveness and show success, creating a link between story choices and gameplay outcomes. The game’s charm lies in its oddball fusion of genres. The Devotion mechanic earned praise for adding depth to character interactions and strategic planning. With six districts to explore and a cast of eccentric enemies, it offers 25-30 hours of playtime. Though not a blockbuster, it’s a cult favorite among fans of quirky strategy games, praised for its creative worldbuilding and tight combat loops.

Storyline

Named for the greatest show in Victorian steampunk London, Circus Electrique is part story-driven RPG, part tactics, part circus management, and completely enthralling – all with a steampunk twist. When everyday Londoners mysteriously turn into vicious killers, only the circus’ lineup of Strongmen, Fire Blowers, Clowns and other performers possess the unique talents necessary to save the city. Through tactical turn-based battles, these unlikely heroes face Bobbies, British Sailors gone bad, aggressive Posh Girls, and other Victorian-era archetypes stand in their way – not to mention the occasional menacing Mime or Robobear. The game’s innovative Devotion morale system affects characters’ performance not only in battles, but also for actual circus shows, dutifully managed between heroic jaunts through six sprawling districts.