Robot detective game 'Subsurface Circular' is out on iPad

We've been excited about Mike Bithell's surprise indie game, Subsurface Circular, since it released months ago. The developer of Thomas Was Alone and Volume stealthily made the science fiction text adventure game for iOS after he asked Twitter followers in April if they'd buy a unique hour-long video game for $5. Now the game is out and available on the App Store for iPad.

This is the first of a planned series of "Bithell Shorts" that will challenge the idea that all games need to be massive and long-lasting. Subsurface Circular plays like an interactive novel inspired by classic adventure games and more modern dialogue systems like the ones in Mass Effect. You'll play as a detective investigating a series of robot disappearances by collecting words and phrases to use in various dialogue-based puzzles to make your way through the short game.

"Traditional media are great at telling short stories, but in games we tend to want to hand the player epics," Bithell said in a statement. "We set out to create a game that delivers a satisfying experience in one sitting, and the response from players has been incredible."