Subsurface Circular
Bithell Games · 2017 · Visual Novel, Investigation, Detective, Choices Matter, Text-Based
PC
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About Subsurface Circular
✦ AI summary
Play as a detective unraveling robot disappearances on the Subsurface Circular by collecting vocabulary and solving dialogue puzzles to shape the world's fate. This polished 2-hour narrative adventure combines classic text adventure gameplay with a unique word-based inventory system and modern storytelling.
MEET THE LOCALS, PICK UP THE LINGOA detective stationed on the Subsurface Circular investigates a series of disappearances among the city’s robotic working class. Collect words and phrases, then use them in dialogue puzzles to uncover the world's secrets and determine its future.This self-contained short story takes around two hours to complete and is split into several chapters. You can play the game in one sitting or, if you prefer, unfold the story in smaller pieces that can fit into a busier schedule.Subsurface Circular is inspired by classic adventure games and modern dialogue systems, and developed by the award-winning team behind Thomas Was Alone and Volume.
As you can imagine, a text adventure game contains a terrifying amount of text, but more importantly, throughout the game we use the particular quirks of word ordering and double meaning in English to support the combination and recombination of threads. Put simply, other languages are going to be more than a straight translation: They’re going to need rewrites and changed design. Not impossible, but more than we could get done this time around.
Key Features
- A polished, one-sitting game.
- A graphical twist on the classic text-based adventure.
- Uses 'Focus Points', a unique vocabulary-based inventory system.
- Original soundtrack by Dan Le Sac.
- Comprehensive art gallery featuring the detailed work that went into this world.
- Unlockable ‘BithellBot’, our interactive take on a developer’s commentary.
FAQs
If this game is ‘short’, what’s to stop me getting a refund when I’m done?You’re browsing Steam, which means you understand the work that goes into games, and are in principle up for paying for ones that entertain you. We hope that after a bit of time with Subsurface Circular, you’ll feel good about the price you paid.Why is the game only available in English?As you can imagine, a text adventure game contains a terrifying amount of text, but more importantly, throughout the game we use the particular quirks of word ordering and double meaning in English to support the combination and recombination of threads. Put simply, other languages are going to be more than a straight translation: They’re going to need rewrites and changed design. Not impossible, but more than we could get done this time around.
What Steam players say
Recent verbatim reviews from Steam — separate from playze.io community reviews below.
[h2]Great Short Detective Story[/h2] Great game with some charm and mystery. Subsurface Circular is a point and click or text based investigation game with some puzzles thrown in. The story is interesting but quite short. The robots are charming and the metro well it's a metro. This is definitely a one time play but it's worth it! Basically the same length as a movie. [h2]7/10[/h2] [h3][url=https://store.steampowered.com/curator/45905648-Gork%2527s-Game-Grind/]Check out my curated list of games[/url][/h3]2 found this helpful
🎮 Personal Review Tiers 1 – Exceptional | 2 – Great | 3 – Good | 4 – Average | 5 – Bad Subsurface Circular Review Tier: 2 - Great 📌 Disclaimer This review reflects my experience playing exclusively on Xbox Ally X. ✅ Pros - An engaging Orwellian sci-fi mystery with consistently well-written dialogue. - Designed to be completed in a single sitting, making excellent use of the player's time. - Exceptionally realised characters whose personalities and motivations make it easy to forget they are machines, while still cleverly operating within the framework of Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics. - Minimalist visual presentation that complements the game's setting and narrative. - Enjoyable light detective gameplay, combining dialogue analysis and logical deduction to uncover the truth. ❌ Cons - The single-environment setting becomes visually repetitive over the course of the game. - The narrative would have benefited from more meaningful player agency throughout, rather than relying on a largely binary decision at the conclusion. - Limited replay value once the mystery has been solved, with the developer commentary being the primary reason to return. 🎯 Final Thoughts Subsurface Ci…1 found this helpful
Fantastic, short little visual novel. I truly enjoyed my time with it and would easily recommend it to anyone looking for a light little game with a deep, interesting story. Whole thing takes maybe 3 hours to beat, slightly more if you want to 100% the game, so keep that in mind. But the price point is very reasonable and the writing and music are top notch, so yeah, give it a go if you're interested.1 found this helpful
I had fun with it. Subsurface Circular is a pleasantly compact visual novel featuring robots riding subway trains.
I love the aesthetic design of the world and the robots, and the musical score is fantastic if a bit understated. Its a extremely narrative heavy game, but well worth it in the end when it all ties itself together. It's hard to talk much about without spoiling, so you should go in blind. Was not expecting a Thomas Was Alone sequel.
Great game. Not anything difficult, just a good relaxing puzzle and interactive story.
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