Journey of the Broken Circle

 Switch
User Score
6.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 22 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 22
  3. Negative: 4 out of 22

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  1. Oddishanthony
    Sep 20, 2020
    10
    I cried while playing this game. It explained what I've been feeling recently, and helped me through them. I really felt as if I was going through everything with circle and connected with their character. Thank you for making this game!!
  2. Dragonfly_Alice
    Sep 23, 2020
    10
    This game was great. I did not expect it to be what it was about. I cried at parts and could relate to a lot. This game hit me hard.
  3. lowey
    Oct 12, 2021
    8
    This is a lovely game, about finding something is missing in your life and finding the right person to fill that gap. It's hard to believe a game about a circle with a crack in it could touch so many emotions. I was reminded somewhat of Thomas Was Alone, another outstanding game about geometric friends, although the play styles are drastically different. The controls are nice andThis is a lovely game, about finding something is missing in your life and finding the right person to fill that gap. It's hard to believe a game about a circle with a crack in it could touch so many emotions. I was reminded somewhat of Thomas Was Alone, another outstanding game about geometric friends, although the play styles are drastically different. The controls are nice and responsive, the storyline is an emotional rollercoaster, funny, and quirky. I found the game was never too challenging, except for in one place where the player is required to dive into some water, and then bob out on the other side of an underwater shelf. This part of the game was rage inducing, and I still don't know how I managed to get past it. Other than that, however, the game was a nice relaxing and heartfelt experience.… Expand
  4. drlowdon
    May 30, 2021
    6
    Journey of the Broken Circle tells the story of a circle, with a missing piece, suffering from an existential crisis as he journeys through life falling in and out of love.

    The game certainly looks great and, whilst far from subtle with it’s metaphors, it still manages to convey a strong enough message to actually care about the plight of a tiny white circle. Unfortunately the gameplay    Journey of the Broken Circle tells the story of a circle, with a missing piece, suffering from an existential crisis as he journeys through life falling in and out of love.

    The game certainly looks great and, whilst far from subtle with it’s metaphors, it still manages to convey a strong enough message to actually care about the plight of a tiny white circle. Unfortunately the gameplay can only be described as mediocre at best. The platforming is pretty unimaginative throughout, and it’s only the awkward controls that ensure there is any sort of challenge. Games like Celeste and Braid have shown you can marry together effective storytelling and good gameplay, so whilst this game doesn’t have a certain charm to it, you’d be better off playing one of those instead.    … Expand
  5. SuperkenGaming
    Apr 7, 2021
    7
    Journey of the broken circle
    becoming complete
    Journey of the broken circle as an a little over 2 and a half hour long adventure platforming game where you play as a circle.. you set out to find your perfect fit, to become whole… this is a story about break ups…how to deal with them.. and jus overall acceptance… as you find new things to complete you, youll do platforming sections based    Journey of the broken circle
    becoming complete
    Journey of the broken circle as an a little over 2 and a half hour long adventure platforming game where you play as a circle.. you set out to find your perfect fit, to become whole… this is a story about break ups…how to deal with them.. and jus overall acceptance… as you find new things to complete you, youll do platforming sections based off of that thing… such as sticking to a wall, floating in air, or going really fast… the magic here really I in the story telling, the way it opens your eyes to relationhip problems is really clever, and is the main reason to even play this.. if youre looking for pure gameplay, eh.. the platforming wont really challenge you.. its kind of just there as an obstacle to overcome in your new relationship.. nothing too crazy..very straightforward.. you go right… and get over the things in your way.. search for mushrooms to play bonus levels.. but again the beauty isn’t in the gameplay, so for me personally I didn’t like the actual platforming enough to want more when I was done.. as again I found it to be just kinda something to do while journey of the broken circle sets out to tell you its story and give you its lessons..
    This definitely isn’t a game for everyone, but I enjoyed it for what it was.
    I give Journey of the broken circle
    a 7/10    … Expand
  6. alkoka
    Oct 13, 2020
    8
    This is a game about life, and it hides it so well.
    Encountering all the anxiety people would experience in their everyday life is heartbraking.
    Mixing up the reality and the world of a game somehow makes a perfect match. You wouldn't even notice there are some serious questions answered during your gameplay about selfish people, depression or suicide. This game can be fun and all ,    This is a game about life, and it hides it so well.
    Encountering all the anxiety people would experience in their everyday life is heartbraking.
    Mixing up the reality and the world of a game somehow makes a perfect match.
    You wouldn't even notice there are some serious questions answered during your gameplay about selfish people, depression or suicide.

    This game can be fun and all , but if you relate, it could mean some sort of lifeboat as well. Even for people who has no problems in their lives whatsoever.

    Why only 8?
    1 minus goes to the inconsistency of text bubbles. I sometimes skipped things I did not mean to. Also, one time it has a cooldown so you don't have to press anything, the other time you have to go to the next text bubble by pushing a button.
    The other minus goes to the bugs of the buttons not registering sometimes, and also, you can fall out of the map when being paired with the speedy character.

    All things considered: don't just try this game. BEAT IT. You will get to know more about your life too.    … Expand
  7. onemorelevel_1
    Jan 1, 2021
    9
    UPS AND DOWNS OF THE JOURNEY:
    Journey of the Broken Circle, got great narrative from start to finish. The game begans with little recap of a Circle and its missing part and feeling of not belonging. At this point it was easy to understand the feelings of this character, who without its piece looked like a Pac-Man. Circle goes through areas/levels that varies greatly. Along the way it will    UPS AND DOWNS OF THE JOURNEY:
    Journey of the Broken Circle, got great narrative from start to finish. The game begans with little recap of a Circle and its missing part and feeling of not belonging. At this point it was easy to understand the feelings of this character, who without its piece looked like a Pac-Man. Circle goes through areas/levels that varies greatly. Along the way it will meet other shapes and characters, who will give him insights about life, love, togetherness and existentialism (I personally wasn’t sure what existentialism meant until now).

    Circle tries to be in a relationship with other shapes, who could fill its empty space, and with that new piece, it always gain a new way to move and reach things. Along the gameplay I got to try new moves, that were needed to move in certain areas. The controls themselves were simple, nothing difficult to learn. Only difficulty comes in few areas and with some enemies, that are tricky to pass. The skills lies learning correct timing and how physics works in the game.

    I didn’t get any dull moments, but sometimes the game crashed completely and towards the end I felt it should end already. This is one critic I always give to video games, especially certain type of games. I just can’t help, but got the feeling, that the game is streched unnecessarily for some reason. [Note: I tested publisher provided copy before launch, game might’ve been patched after this].

    SOMETIMES THE JOURNEY IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE DESTINATION:
    The whole story of Circle, what he goes through and what he learns, was interesting and touching — specially when I compared some situations to my personal life and experiences. Like the gameplay itself, it was also ups and downs of emotions throughout the whole 2-3 hour rollercoaster. It was clear how Journey of the Broken Circle was representation of ordinary people’s lifes and struggles they go through, just put in a form of a video game.

    I think Journey of the Broken Circle really did its job of bringing good narrative platform in a beautiful universe with fun gameplay. Again, this is one of those indie games, that I recommend everyone to play. Since it can be found on many platforms, just grab what works for you and enjoy this thoughtful journey and find out does the Circle find its missing piece.

    “Circle tries to be in a relationship with other shapes, who could fill its empty space”    … Expand
  8. Boomlahood
    Jan 2, 2021
    9
    This was a cool heartfelt game. Me and my partner played through the whole thing rather quickly and enjoyed every minute of it.
  9. Piglet
    Jan 25, 2021
    8
    Not as great as I was hoping but still a good enough story with matching gameplay. I had my expectations rather high for this, so my disappointment lies largely in the game being just good instead of great. Its heartfelt. It asks meaningful questions of you. I'm glad I played it. It crashed once on me near the end of a chapter, and I found myself eager to read through some of the dialogue again.
  10. Gontrand00
    Nov 29, 2020
    9
    It's almost like a 2D walking simulator at some point, but the story adds up so much that it's just a perfect balance. A good, but simple, story about relationship. A lot of heartrending moments and some really cute too. Not a big challenge as a platform game, not a lot to collect neither, but if you do it you can have 2 special levels added to the game, which is nice. Get in on sale ifIt's almost like a 2D walking simulator at some point, but the story adds up so much that it's just a perfect balance. A good, but simple, story about relationship. A lot of heartrending moments and some really cute too. Not a big challenge as a platform game, not a lot to collect neither, but if you do it you can have 2 special levels added to the game, which is nice. Get in on sale if you can, but totally worth it for the feelings it gives you.… Expand
  11. ooregano
    May 21, 2021
    6
    This game could've been so much better than it is. The art is pretty good but the execution of the mechanics just doesn't work well, the first power up is extremely annoying to use climbing walls because it sticks too much. The second ability is difficult to steer as instead of moving your joystick in the direction you want to go, you have to hold it in one direction, which I found reallyThis game could've been so much better than it is. The art is pretty good but the execution of the mechanics just doesn't work well, the first power up is extremely annoying to use climbing walls because it sticks too much. The second ability is difficult to steer as instead of moving your joystick in the direction you want to go, you have to hold it in one direction, which I found really confusing and disorientating. Some of the writing is good and touches on deep subject matter, but most of the time it was just an annoying interruption to the sub-par gameplay. I got it on sale for $2 (normally $10) and I honestly don't think it was worth it. If you're looking for a game with beautiful artwork and deep themes of hopelessness and existentialism, I would suggest Gris, it's 10 times better than this. Overall, my main problems with the game are the length, the rusty controls, and poor pacing.… Expand
  12. Miss_M
    Nov 27, 2021
    8
    Very nice game.
    I have no problem with games that are short in general. I have given a strictly max 9 hour long game a 10/10.
    The art-style is simplistic and quite pleasing. However, you may get a little tired of its simplicity after a while. The dialogue is charming and sometimes heart-wrenching; the plot is good and conveys some interesting messages. It can feel a little repetitive    Very nice game.
    I have no problem with games that are short in general. I have given a strictly max 9 hour long game a 10/10.

    The art-style is simplistic and quite pleasing. However, you may get a little tired of its simplicity after a while.
    The dialogue is charming and sometimes heart-wrenching; the plot is good and conveys some interesting messages.
    It can feel a little repetitive and consequently unengaging, but all scenes helped advance the narrative and the art design definitely elevated the story and gave off a good ambience.
    The tension, heartbreak, spiral into depression and subsequent rebuilding of hope and optimism found in this game's plot will resonate at different degrees to many.

    Technical mechanics were well implemented - the pieces that fill the circle along the way each provide a different boost - which is also in some form a hindrance - but this helps drive one of the messages in the game.

    It's worth getting.
    Relaxing with its visual style yet emotionally confronting with its short but impactful plot, it is perfect for a few hours of free time.    … Expand
  13. laurenkerys
    Mar 25, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. One of the most beautiful games i’ve come across that made me cry multiple times. it completely captured the emptiness and loneliness of depression.… Expand
  14. Simo5GO
    Feb 4, 2023
    8
    This game has a nice graphics and i nice gameplay. It could be better, that's true, but the point of "Journey of the broken circle" isn't that. The story is the most important thing here. And it manages to bring a very touching story, where many people can feel involved.
    I absolutely recommend this game, if you like this kind of games

Awards & Rankings

87
#87 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2020

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Gaming Age
    Feb 11, 2021
    83
    If the platforming were better, then Journey of the Broken Circle might just have challenged Thomas Was Alone for that “best platformer starring inanimate objects” crown. As it stands, it’ll simply have to settle for being a very, very good game.
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  2. Cubed3
    Nov 2, 2020
    90
    The development team has crafted an experience that shows how while life can be filled with anxiety, worrying often proves to be a waste of time because the worst case scenario does not come true, even when an enemy gives chase. Journey of the Broken Circle on Nintendo is a mental journey through conquering fears, pieced together with impressive attention to detail, showing that just by trying hard - dozens of times if needs be - moving forward can happen and positive results can occur despite the person's apprehensiveness. The perfect mix of platform-puzzling goodness, and deep, profound story-telling.
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  3. Video Chums
    Sep 21, 2020
    80
    Journey of the Broken Circle is an easy-breezy yet immersive and fun little game that'll make you smile and occasionally think as you play.
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