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Play on itch.ioMaskarnaval! — Complete Guide
What Is Maskarnaval!?
Maskarnaval! is a free rhythm runner game set during the Buenos Aires carnival, developed by PsychoDucks for the Buenos Aires GameDevs Global Game Jam 2026 (theme: "Máscara"). You play as the director of a comparsa (carnival parade group), using magical masks to guide your lead dancer through vibrant city streets while matching colors to the music rhythm.
What started as a 48-hour jam game has been expanded post-jam into a more polished experience. The game is available to play in browser or download for Windows.
How to Play
The core loop combines rhythm matching with endless runner movement. Your dancer runs automatically through the carnival parade route. You must change colors to match oncoming obstacles and targets in sync with the music's beat. Successful matches keep the parade energy high; missed beats drain it.
Along the way, collect instruments that layer into the musical track. Each instrument adds depth to the soundtrack, but switching instruments causes an abrupt music cut — so choose your pickups wisely.
The goal is to reach the grand finale before the song ends while maintaining enough parade energy to finish the show.
Controls
| Input | Action |
|---|---|
| Arrow keys | Change mask color / direction |
| On-screen controls | Tap to change color (mobile/browser) |
| Xbox Controller / Gamepad | Full controller support |
The game supports keyboard, Xbox controller, and any standard gamepad. The browser version also includes on-screen controls for touch devices.
Magical Masks System
Masks are the central mechanic. Each mask embodies a color tied to the rhythm. When the music cues a color change, you must switch to the matching mask before the beat passes. Correct matches build the parade's energy and score multiplier.
Different masks may also grant different abilities or effects, though the post-jam build is still expanding this system. The mask designs are a highlight — player reviews consistently praise the character and mask artwork.
Carnival Theme
The game is a love letter to Argentine carnival culture. Set on the streets of Buenos Aires, the visuals explode with color — dancers, streamers, confetti, and illuminated floats. The soundtrack is original compositions by Sandro Cabezas Gallardo, blending traditional carnival rhythms with electronic elements.
The energy bar represents the parade's momentum. Keep it high to unlock the grand finale. If it empties, the parade ends early.
Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Why It Hurts | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Playing without sound | The entire game is rhythm-synced; without audio you can't time color changes | Always play with headphones or speakers |
| Over-collecting instruments | Each instrument switch causes an abrupt music cut that can break your flow | Only pick up instruments when you're ready for the transition |
| Ignoring the energy bar | Low energy ends the run; you can't recover from empty | Prioritize accurate color matches over instrument collection |
| Using keyboard on mobile | The on-screen controls are designed for touch; keyboard mapping can feel laggy on phones | Try the game on desktop for the best experience |
| Not learning the song structure | Each song has a distinct rhythm pattern; knowing when the beat changes helps | Play the same song multiple times to internalize the flow |
FAQ
Is Maskarnaval! free? Yes, completely free. Play in browser or download for Windows.
What platforms are supported? Browser (WebGL) and Windows. The game was built with Unity.
Do I need a controller? No. Keyboard works, and the browser version has on-screen controls. But a controller gives the most precise timing.
What language is the game in? Spanish (Latin America). The UI and text are in Spanish, but the rhythm mechanics are universal.
How long is a single run? A few minutes per song. The game is designed for short, repeatable sessions.
Is it a full game or a jam prototype? It started as a 48-hour Global Game Jam project, but the team has continued development post-jam. The current version (v0.1.18) is significantly expanded from the jam original.
Who developed it? PsychoDucks — a Buenos Aires-based collective. Credits include 3 programmers, 3 3D artists, 2 2D artists, and a composer.
Last reviewed by Game How To Editorial. We play each game, verify controls against official sources, and update guides when game mechanics change.
