Summary
- Release Year: 1998
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter
- Platforms: Arcade
- Developers: Midway Games
- Publishers: Midway Games
CarnEvil: Step into the Twisted Nightmare
Released in 1998 by Midway Games, CarnEvil is a rail shooter arcade game that takes players on a terrifying journey through a haunted carnival. Armed with a trusty light gun, players must fend off a nightmarish onslaught of grotesque monsters, evil clowns, and other horrors lurking in the shadows.
A Carnival of Nightmares
CarnEvil’s setting is a masterclass in eerie atmosphere and macabre imagery. The once-歡樂ful carnival has been transformed into a twisted nightmare, its vibrant colors replaced by a sickly green pallor and blood-red hues. The air is thick with tension as strange noises echo through the dilapidated rides and attractions.
The game’s levels are a twisted homage to classic carnival attractions, each with its own unique brand of terror. Players navigate through a haunted funhouse filled with disfigured freaks, a zombie-infested shooting gallery, and a demented circus tent where clowns morph into grotesque monsters.
Gore and Galore
CarnEvil is notorious for its over-the-top violence and gore, which was groundbreaking for its time. Enemies explode in showers of blood and gibs, and the game revels in its gruesome fatalities. Players can decapitate clowns, dismember zombies, and even set monsters on fire.
Despite its extreme violence, CarnEvil maintains a darkly humorous tone. The game’s enemies are often caricatures of classic horror movie monsters, and their deaths are accompanied by witty one-liners and gruesome puns.
Gameplay and Controls
As a rail shooter, CarnEvil’s gameplay is straightforward yet satisfying. Players move automatically through each level on a predetermined path, using their light gun to aim and shoot at enemies. The game’s controls are responsive and precise, allowing for accurate and fast-paced shooting.
CarnEvil features a variety of weapons, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Players can choose from a pistol, shotgun, flamethrower, and rocket launcher, among others. Ammo is limited, so players must carefully manage their shots and make every bullet count.
Legacy and Impact
Despite its critical and commercial success, CarnEvil has never received a home-console release or re-release. This has only added to its cult status among fans of horror and arcade games.
CarnEvil’s influence can be seen in numerous other horror games, including House of the Dead and The Typing of the Dead. Its unique blend of gore, humor, and eerie atmosphere has left a lasting mark on the genre.
Conclusion
CarnEvil remains a timeless classic of the arcade era. Its twisted carnival setting, grotesque monsters, and over-the-top violence have cemented its place as a cult favorite among horror and gaming enthusiasts. While its absence from home consoles is a disappointment, the game’s legacy lives on through its influence on countless other titles.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
