Beyond Booleans, developer of Carnival, is a game developer known for their unique takes on classic storylines, has released their latest title. The game follows an unsettling narrative, and there’s a free demo also available.
Carnival is set in 1930s Venice, and follows the storyline of a journalist who is sent to investigate a controversial project. Beneath the surface, Maynard soon finds that there’s a hidden carnival culture that has a sinister twist. To make things even more interesting, the reporter has narcolepsy, which makes it difficult to track conversations, and memories can always be questioned.
A Narrative-Driven Horror Experience
Carnival is around 4-5 hours in total, with a tight narrative-driven storyline. If you are a fan of high-end graphics, then you will also find that this game is not what you’d expect. It’s purposely done in low-resolution, with pixel art that makes it easier for half-seen figures, shadows, and masks to pop up without disrupting the experience.
You will be able to explore places that have actually been inspired by Venetian landmarks, and as you make your way through the story, you will find that you can build relationships that end up influencing real-life events. These interactions end up with both normal and secret endings, encouraging players to go back and play the game after they have finished it. The game is full of thematic depth, and if you are a fan of The Wicker Man, Midsommar, or even Lovecraft, you’ll love this title.
Although it’s a slow-burning, the tension is there from the get-go, and the short playing time makes it ideal for those who don’t have too much time to commit.
The Enduring Allure of the Carnival Theme
Carnival settings have been popular for quite some time. Carnival puts a real focus on that as well, with masks, crowds, music, and rituals, but with a sinister twist. It’s easy to see why the carnival theme was used for this title as well, especially when you consider the success of carnival-themed media in recent years.
Take The Greatest Showman, for example, which is still huge in 2025, even though it was released in 2017. It also highlights how carnival imagery resonates strongly with modern audiences. In gaming, VR titles have capitalized on the carnival theme quite a lot, with classic games like ring toss and rollercoasters digitized to enhance the experience. In iGaming, the Fluffy Favourites slot draws on the carnival theme with plushes, a red and white big top, and other classic imagery, but with a unique spin.
Not only does this add a unique slant to the carnival experience, but it also draws on a timeless theme that has been successfully explored time and time again. Examples like this show how versatile the carnival theme is and how, even in horror, it can be used to add a new dimension to the classic format.
With that said, with Carnival, you can’t trust who is behind the mask. With a point-and-click format, you also get given the chance to choose your own mask, which again pays homage to the classic carnival theme while allowing you to really step into the shoes of the townsfolk while exploring their deep, dark secrets.