Dark Arcana: The Carnival (2014)

Developer: Artifex Mundi
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Genres: Adventure, Casual
Rating: 4.5 of 5, 761 player ratings
Typical playtime: about 4.6 hours
Where to get it: Steam

The 3D catalog: game boxes on wooden shelves, with the cat sitting at the counter next to its greeting.

The catalog in 3D

The same catalog has a room you can walk around in. The cat behind the counter is the AI Catbot, and they pick real games from it when you tell them what you feel like playing. Nothing is for sale, here or in there. Go in from here and this game is already out on the counter, with more like it waiting on the shelf next to it.

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How it feels

You explore beautifully crafted, dual worlds by solving hidden-object puzzles and minigames with the help of a cute monkey companion.

atmosphericmysteriousstory richpuzzle solvingfamily friendlyhidden objectpoint & clickcasual

What players say

Players praise the creepy carnival atmosphere and enjoy the story, but many find it short at around 2-4 hours and feel it is not among Artifex Mundi's best work. Some note recycled puzzles from other games in the series and recommend waiting for a sale.

Screenshots

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More by Artifex Mundi

This page is from Underplayed Gems, a catalog of older and overlooked games. Not quite it? You can browse by platform and genre, or take this one into the 3D catalog and ask the Catbot for something closer.