Subsurface Circular

 Switch
Subsurface Circular Image
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 37 Ratings

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  • Summary: A 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. Inspired by classic adventure games and A 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. Inspired by classic adventure games and modern dialogue systems, Bithell Games has created a single session story which respects your time and your intelligence. [Nintendo]… Expand

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Subsurface Circular - Nintendo Switch Trailer

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 22
  3. Negative: 1 out of 22
  1. Gaming Age
    Jul 17, 2018
    100
    As someone who’ll take a concentrated dose of exceptional storytelling over an endless slog of repetitive tasks and quests, I can’t say that the brevity or the lack of replayability bothers me all that much. All I really want is to hear/read an incredible story — well, that, and a genuinely great follow-up to Thomas Was Alone. Luckily, Subsurface Circular delivers on both.
  2. The Digital Fix
    Mar 1, 2018
    100
    A fantastic exercise in story telling and character driven gaming which could start a new wave of 'short' style gaming. A must play and high bar for other stories to hit for years to come.
  3. Pocket Gamer UK
    Mar 7, 2018
    90
    It might be a little short, but Subsurface Circular feels like it's found its forever home on the Switch.
  4. GamingTrend
    Mar 1, 2018
    80
    A fast-paced, snappily-written story mixed with some sleek visual design makes Subsurface Circular a great title to think about for the two hour runtime it takes to tell its tale. This game is a wonderful addition to the Switch library, and I hope that more Bithell Shorts will be on the way.
  5. Wccftech
    Mar 6, 2018
    80
    Subsurface Circular is a lovely, short exploration game on the kind of people you might sit next to on a metro. It's thoughtful, engaging and thought-provoking.
  6. Shacknews
    Mar 1, 2018
    80
    Subsurface Circular is one of the most unique games available for the Switch right now, and this iteration feels right at home on the console. If you're looking for something that's a little off the beaten path to add to your burgeoning Switch collection, you can't go wrong with this one, even if it is on the shorter side.
  7. Video Chums
    Mar 7, 2018
    41
    Subsurface Circular does a good job with its graphics, sound, and storytelling. However, the brevity and lack of gameplay make it tough to recommend. It's clear that the developer is capable of something great but they stopped way too short to provide a meaningful and memorable experience.

See all 22 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 15
  3. Negative: 1 out of 15
  1. icarusfalls
    Mar 2, 2018
    9
    I don't buy many indie titles, especially on release day. I normally wait to hear general opinion before making a purchase. Something aboutI don't buy many indie titles, especially on release day. I normally wait to hear general opinion before making a purchase. Something about this game intrigued me, and even though I had never heard of it, I decided to give it a shot. I was pleasantly surprised by this little gem of story telling. It's unlike any other game I have played before, and to me, thats a good thing! If you like story driven, dialog heavy games, then I would recommend giving this one a look. I don't want to say too much for risk of spoiling the story, but you play a robot detective interviewing other robots on a subway train. As other robots get on and off the train, you chat with them, and a conversation you have with one robot influences what you can say to others. There are a few puzzles mixed within, and there is a hint system to keep you moving forward if you get stuck. I finished this game in one sitting, and I was satisfied that I got my money's worth when it was all said and done. This is not a fly by night indie title. The art design is top notch and Subsurface Circular is a polished game from top to bottom. It's refreshing to see a game developer willing to take risks, and make something that is truly original.… Expand
  2. BigTom93
    Apr 24, 2018
    9
    This game looks and sounds amazing, if text adventures are your bag you'll definitely enjoy this one. The amount of polish is amazing for anThis game looks and sounds amazing, if text adventures are your bag you'll definitely enjoy this one. The amount of polish is amazing for an indie game, though this polish only had to be applied to the solitary location the game takes place in. The gameplay is almost 100% dialogue with NPC's, and tells it's engaging story through this dialogue. Definitely worth the price. Just don't expect it to last too long.… Expand
  4. kjenner
    Mar 6, 2018
    8
    Decent little game for the price. Not super challenging or anything but good for keeping you occupied.
  5. Neatqt
    Feb 25, 2019
    8
    Cast: 6/10
    Story: 9/10
    Fun: 8/10
    Gameplay: 7/10

    Recommended
    ----------------------
  6. Winko
    Mar 4, 2018
    8
    Good:
    - The writing is stellar and the world building is fantastic without the use of any exposition
    - Plainly advertised as a short so the    Good:
    - The writing is stellar and the world building is fantastic without the use of any exposition
    - Plainly advertised as a short so the 2 hour play through wasn’t disappointing; very appropriate price point
    - The characters are all unique, interesting, and have great designs
    - The text based puzzles are all structured in fun and interesting ways
    - Powerful ending paired with a very difficult decision
    - Nice use of humor sprinkled throughout
    - Solid soundtrack
    - Really nice use of the HD rumble function

    Mixed:
    - Some of the puzzles are very involved but they’re satisfying to solve if you’re willing to put in the effort
    - Definitely a niche title but fans of visual novels with throughout provoking narrative will

    Bad:
    - Honestly, nothing really stood out as a negative. Everything mixes together exceptionally well and nothing over stays it’s welcome throughout this short adventure
    XXX    … Expand
  7. eforall
    Mar 29, 2018
    7
    For the price, it is a great game that will keep you entertained throughout. There are a few puzzles that seem like a sudden vertical ramp inFor the price, it is a great game that will keep you entertained throughout. There are a few puzzles that seem like a sudden vertical ramp in gameplay although they also add a welcome switch up from the text based conversations. The game does a good job of convincing you there is a much bigger world outside of the train carriages.… Expand
  8. Grunty
    May 5, 2018
    2
    Really really short game (well it is cheap also) and a bit linear/flat in storytelling (especially ending). I enjoyed a lot more OxenfreeReally really short game (well it is cheap also) and a bit linear/flat in storytelling (especially ending). I enjoyed a lot more Oxenfree which at least sold me a good "teenage" movie. Here nothing left at the end.… Expand

See all 15 User Reviews

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