Carnival Massacre is a compact, PS1-style survival horror game that understands exactly what it wants to be. Drawing clear inspiration from Classic survival Horror titles like Silent Hill 2 and Resident Evil in made me feel the vibe I got from Alisa, Heartworm, and other modern retro-horror releases, it delivers a focused experience built around atmosphere, nostalgia, of that classic genre design.

We found one thing is consistent: this is a game made for fans of survival horror. The low-poly visuals, fixed camera angles, tank-style controls, and deliberate pacing all work together to recreate the feeling of late ’90s and early 2000s horror games. If that era resonates with you, Carnival Massacre feels immediately familiar.

Based on my experience the game can typically be completed in 2 to 3 hours, making it a short and digestible experience that doesn’t overstay its welcome. For many players, this length works in its favor, offering a tight playthrough that respects the player’s time while remaining fairly priced. Some players even found replay value through exploration rewards and ranking systems, encouraging a second run.

Atmosphere is one of the game’s strongest elements. The soundtrack stands out as a highlight, often compared to psychological horror classics, and effectively supports the unsettling carnival setting. Specific sections such as the haunted house can be mentioned as memorable moments, helping the game maintain a strong mood throughout its runtime.

Gameplay stays intentionally simple. Combat and puzzles are accessible rather than punishing, keeping the focus on exploration and tension rather than difficulty. Inventory Management feels right, and controls may require a bit of patience at first if you’re not familiar with Classic survival Horror titles but for those accustomed to classic survival horror conventions it should feel like home. It also features the stalker mechanic with a big enemy that randomly spawns at some point of the game which if you’re a Survival horror fan you know how it adds to the tension while hitting that Nostalgia.

Visually and thematically, Carnival Massacre wears its influences proudly. Enemy and character designs were well received, and while the story is understated, it provides just enough context to support the experience without overwhelming it. Like many PS1 era horror games, the narrative leans more on mood and implication than deep exposition.

The reception has been great, Overall, community feedback paints Carnival Massacre as a “short and sweet” survival horror experience one that delivers exactly what it promises. It may not aim for large-scale ambition, but within its scope, it succeeds by offering a fun, atmospheric throwback that feels sincere and well-crafted.

One of the things that surprised me the most was the easter egg to Zoltar!

Big is a movie that marked my childhood! This triggers my nostalgia instantly and goes so well with the environment of the game! Definitely they hit the right spot for Us that grew during this era and of course grew up with Survival Horror.

For fans of old school survival horror, especially those who enjoy modern indie titles inspired by the PS1 era, Carnival Massacre is an easy recommendation and a promising sign of what the developer may bring in future projects.

Verdict- Highly Recommended

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Trailer: