FairPlay Studios and Red Dunes Games showcased Nightmare Circus at Tokyo Game Show 2026, inviting players into a surreal nightmare filled with fast-paced combat, exploration, puzzles and platforming.
The action-adventure game puts players in control of a puppeteer trapped inside a mysterious Nightmare Realm, where they must search for their fellow circus performers while navigating strange environments, monstrous enemies and unusual challenges.
Master the Strings
Nightmare Circus features a physics-driven combat system that allows players to manipulate enemies and use the surrounding environment as part of their arsenal. Players can switch between three attack styles: Light attacks for fast strikes, Medium attacks for longer-reaching hits, and Heavy attacks for powerful blows.
The puppeteer’s strings and hooks can also be used to wrap, link, pull and manipulate enemies. Players can slam enemies into one another or the environment, creating opportunities for improvised attacks and combos.
Explore the Nightmare Realm
Beyond combat, players will need to use their abilities to overcome obstacles, uncover new paths and discover the secrets hidden throughout the Nightmare Realm. The game features:
- String- and hook-based abilities
- Physics-driven enemy manipulation
- Light, medium and heavy attacks
- Environmental combat
- Exploration and platforming
- Puzzles and obstacles
- Rescue missions for fellow circus performers
- Secrets scattered throughout the Nightmare Realm
Nightmare Circus is scheduled to launch on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox in Q2 2027. A free demo is currently available on Steam.
