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Subsurface Circular

iOS, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac • 2017

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Quick resume

When the truth is buried, go underground. Step into this new take on text-based adventure from the award-winning team behind Thomas Was Alone and Volume. A short story that hands you the fate of the world above, as a detective looking for answers on the Subsurface Circular.

Global score

94/100

Genres

Adventure, Casual, Indie, Puzzle

Pros

  • Engaging narrative and world-building
  • Thought-provoking themes about ai and society
  • Polished visuals and soundtrack
  • Accessible gameplay with light puzzles
  • Good value for price and length

Cons

  • Very short playtime
  • Limited replayability
  • Linear story with minimal player impact
  • Lack of voice acting
  • Some pacing issues near the ending

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players control dialogue choices and investigation approach, but within a fixed narrative and environment (train seat)."

  • Competence
    2

    "Engages players in dialogue puzzles and problem solving, though challenges are light and mostly narrative-driven."

  • Competition
    -5

    "No competitive elements; focus is on personal narrative experience without comparison to others."

  • Continuation
    1

    "Short game designed for one sitting; some players replay for alternate dialogue or developer commentary."

  • Cooperation
    -4

    "Single-player experience focused on individual investigation; no multiplayer or teamwork."

  • Creativity
    3

    "Players creatively explore dialogue options and piece together clues; limited world interaction."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No elements of exerting control over others; interactions are conversational and equal."

  • Escapism
    3

    "Immersive sci-fi narrative offers escape into a thoughtful futuristic world."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily for intrinsic interest in story and themes."

  • Experimenting
    2

    "Players try different dialogue paths and puzzle solutions, though within a linear story."

  • Exploration
    -3

    "Set entirely on a subway train; exploration is of dialogue and story rather than physical space."

  • Expression
    -2

    "Limited customization; player expression mainly through dialogue choices."

  • Fantasy
    3

    "Futuristic sci-fi setting with robots and AI themes, offering imaginative fiction."

  • Fellowship
    -4

    "Single-player narrative with minimal social or community interaction."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players develop understanding of story, characters, and themes; some puzzle solving."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires focused attention to dialogue and puzzles; not designed for background play."

  • Intimacy
    1

    "Emotional engagement with characters through dialogue, but no social relationship building."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management elements; player acts independently."

  • Progression
    1

    "Narrative progression through story and puzzle completion; no item collection or upgrades."

  • Relaxation
    3

    "Calm, immersive experience with ambient music and steady pacing."

  • Sensation
    2

    "Enjoyable visuals and soundtrack provide sensory stimulation without intense excitement."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or ranking systems; experience is personal and private."

  • Story
    5

    "Strong narrative focus with immersive world-building and philosophical themes."

  • Strategy
    2

    "Light strategic thinking involved in dialogue choices and puzzle solving."

  • Thrill
    1

    "Some suspense in mystery and final choice, but overall controlled and calm experience."

  • Value
    4

    "Players report good value for short playtime and quality storytelling."

  • Violence
    -5

    "No violence or combat; focus on dialogue and investigation."

  • Survival
    -5

    "No survival or threat mechanics; stable narrative environment."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026