Fun And Creative Text Adventure Video Game Serves As Grim Commentary On Automation

Text adventure games have gone down in popularity somewhat as video-based titles have started popping up. A recent entry in this field called Subsurface Circular is making rounds for its stunning 3D background and intelligent dialogue. It also serves as a frightening narrative with regards to automation and what the future might hold for humanity.

Developed by Bithell Games, Subsurface Circular is created by the same team behind the highly praised Thomas Was Alone and Volume. From the brains of Mike Bithell himself, Subsurface Circular basically tells the tale of a crime thriller where players take the role of a robot detective trying the uncover the mysteries behind some missing robots. It’s a brief text adventure with a lot to offer, PC Games reports.

For anyone who has played text adventures games in the past, this title might come off as a little different. Basically, players will need to go hunting for some new words that will be necessary for solving clues or progressing in the game. It basically takes the modern dialogue choice systems of some games like Fallout and The Witcher 3, in that the texts themselves are the puzzles.

More intriguing than the mechanics and the game’s excellent delivery, however, is how the progression itself is derived from current perceptions with regards to automation. As Kotaku notes, the game revolves largely around discussions with other characters. Without going into spoiler territory, it’s simply worth pointing out that the way the dialogue goes is quite interesting.

It reflects much of the thoughts, fears, and history surrounding the concept of automation, and holds quite a bit of significance with regards to current events. The game paints a disturbing narrative of paranoia, class warfare, discrimination, and even racism. For such a short and arguably small title, it tries to fill such big shoes.