Games like Subsurface Circular

94% positive from 1,931 reviewsReleased 201719% finish itSteam Deck Playable$5.99

What it is

This is a short, narrative-driven adventure game where players collect words to solve dialogue puzzles. It features a unique vocabulary inventory and a detective story feel.

What players liked

Players praise its engaging, narrative-heavy sci-fi mystery with well-written dialogue, often compared to a "Thomas Was Alone" sequel.

The catch

Choices barely change anything and the ending arrives rushed and abrupt.

Why it is here

It is here because it sits in the band this site looks at: well reviewed at 94% positive, but with 1,931 reviews, far fewer than the household names carry.

View Subsurface Circular on Steam

More like this: Investigation Visual Novel Choices Matter Detective

Six games like Subsurface Circular

Broken Sword - Shadow of the Templars: Reforged

95% positive from 1,274 reviews202437% finish itDeck Verified

This is a point-and-click adventure game featuring a globe-trotting mystery with fully voiced characters and challenging puzzles. Players explore exotic locations, solve riddles, and uncover conspiracies.

What players likedPlayers praise the beautiful remaster of this classic point-and-click adventure, which looks and feels like their nostalgic memories.

The catchSlow pacing with drawn-out, hard-to-skip animations

Both are tagged Conversation, Investigation and Detective.

Games like Broken Sword - Shadow of the Templars: Reforged →

CaseCracker

90% positive from 3,383 reviews202234% finish itDeck Playable

A detective simulation game where players actively search a database for clues to solve interconnected cases. It features a fragmented deduction system and requires thorough investigation to uncover the truth.

What players likedPlayers praise the engrossing, text-based investigations that feel like a satisfying wiki walk, where clues intertwine and logic is key.

The catchClue entry only accepts one exact phrase, so you get stuck guessing wording.

Both are tagged Text-Based, Detective and Casual.

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Durka Simulator

94% positive from 1,691 reviews20231% finish it

A humorous visual novel about saving a universe with friends and a truth stone. Features custom characters and Steam Workshop support.

The catchEnglish language support was removed in an update, leaving the game Russian only.

Both are tagged Conversation and Visual Novel.

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Choice of Robots

96% positive from 1,893 reviews2014

Interactive sci-fi novel where you design robots and make choices that shape their development and the world over thirty years. Your decisions determine robot sentience, their relationship with humanity, and your personal life.

What players likedPlayers praise its well-explained story that makes you feel in charge of a growing machine, akin to exploring the complexities of AI.

The catchThe story railroads everyone into a US China war plot no matter which choices you pick.

Both are tagged Text-Based and Choices Matter.

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Duck Detective: The Secret Salami

95% positive from 4,819 reviews2024Deck Verified

Cozy mystery game where you interview characters and use deduction to solve a conspiracy. Features a short, fully voice-acted narrative with a unique observational mechanic.

What players likedPlayers praise "Duck Detective: The Secret Salami" as a charming, funny, and cozy point-and-click mystery with excellent voice acting, similar to Frog Detective or Ace Attorney.

The catchVery short; completable in well under an hour

Both are tagged Investigation, Detective and Casual.

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Duck Detective: The Ghost of Glamping

97% positive from 1,910 reviews2025Deck Playable

Cozy mystery adventure game. Interview suspects, find clues, and solve a case.

What players likedPlayers praise its charming art, humor, and voice acting as a worthy successor to the first game, improving its detective puzzles.

The catchSolutions demand answers the given clues don't support

Both are tagged Investigation, Detective and Casual.

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