The game has you launching Slinky, a circus acrobat, through some truly crazy arenas. To propel yourself upward, you must grab onto swings, as you fly wildly through the air, grabbing balloons and stars, while avoiding deadly electric traps. Working in the circus is no easy job! CarneyVale does a good job of easing you into the basics, slowly introducing new gadgets and mechanics through increasingly complex level designs. What seems like an easy balloon collecting journey quickly escalates into a I-shouldn't-throw-my-phone-at-the-wall affair: this game is hard.
Each level has a five different objectives, from beating the clock, to collecting balloons, finding the hidden star, and finishing the level without taking damage. On top of that, there are some tricky Achievements, which generally have you completing all five objectives at once. This is no easy task.
While CarneyVale is challenging, you never feel like the game is being "cheap." Getting used to the game's wild physics will take a while, but you'll find yourself slowly getting used to the quick momentum of the game. There's a lot of content to work through, making it a great value. But, be warned: the hideous red and blue color scheme and endlessly looping carnival music won't take long to get on your nerves.
See also: Windows Phone 7 launch games reviews hub
This review is based on a retail Samsung Focus provided by Microsoft and AT&T.
