Somewhere in the American Midwest, a derelict circus ground seems like the perfect setting for a college graduation party — unsettling enough to be fun, abandoned enough to be yours for the night. But the charred remains of Circus Inferno have a way of making visitors feel less than welcome. A fire tore through this place years ago and left nothing but wreckage and unanswered questions. Was it an accident, or did someone make sure it burned? You’re still turning that over in your mind when one of your friends vanishes without a trace. The party is over. The investigation has begun.
Gameplay focuses on investigation and deduction through a deck of cards. Players explore the ruined circus by revealing cards, reading narrative fragments, examining atmospheric illustrations, and collecting clues that must be analyzed and connected. Escape-room-style puzzles challenge players to recognize patterns and contradictions while the truth behind the fire — and the disappearance — slowly comes into focus. The rules are simple and unobtrusive, keeping attention on atmosphere, reasoning, and storytelling. The cards remain intact, allowing the game to be replayed.
To win the game, players must piece together the evidence, determine what really happened the night the circus burned, and find out what became of their missing friend. Success depends on correctly interpreting clues, separating accident from arson, and forming a coherent explanation that accounts for everything uncovered along the way. The game is won when the final conclusions align with the full body of evidence gathered across 72 cards.