Games like Subsurface Circular

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.

94% positive from 1,931 · 2017 · 19% finish it · Steam Deck Playable · $5.99 $2.99 -50% · Lowest ever $1.19 (2022-06-15)

Visual Novel Investigation Detective Choices MatterText-BasedConversation

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.

Games like CaseCracker →

Locke(d)

93% positive from 1,102 reviews202372% finish it

A short, linear visual novel with point-and-click elements, featuring atmospheric mystery and dialogue. It's a ~30-minute reading experience inspired by John Locke.

What players likedPlayers praise its atmospheric, dialogue-driven philosophical horror, akin to a sci-fi visual novel.

The catchChoices change nothing, leaving a short passive read rather than an interactive game.

Both are tagged Conversation, Visual Novel and Casual.

Games like Locke(d) →

Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus and Butterfly

97% positive from 1,068 reviews2023Deck Verified

A visual novel where you brew drinks to influence fantasy characters' stories in a lo-fi, urban fantasy setting. You mix ingredients and create latte art to change lives.

What players likedPlayers praise its relaxing, well-written story and engaging characters, feeling like a natural extension of the first game.

The catchIt retreads the first game with duller writing and conversations that drag on.

Both are tagged Conversation, Visual Novel and Casual.

Games like Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus and Butterfly →

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.

Games like Durka Simulator →

Choice of Robots

96% positive from 1,892 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.

Games like Choice of Robots →

More like this: Investigation Visual Novel Choices Matter Detective

More about Subsurface Circular

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.

Reviews: 94% positive from 1,931
Released: 2017
Finish it: 19% of players
Steam Deck: Steam Deck Playable
Price: $5.99 $2.99 -50% · Lowest ever $1.19 (2022-06-15)
Play: Single-player

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

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