What Surrounds Us game features circular design and Zelda-like exploration

Circular Design and Thematic Elements

"What Surrounds Us" is a game where the player character is a circle, and the entire game world is constructed from various circular elements. This design choice is not merely aesthetic but underpins the game's core themes, which focus on the interconnectedness of the environment and its inhabitants. Players interact with other sentient circles, sometimes facilitating their interactions.

Gameplay Mechanics and Exploration

Despite its unique visual style, the game employs a familiar format, reminiscent of "The Legend of Zelda" series. Players traverse distinct regions, solving puzzles to advance. As the game progresses, new powers are acquired, such as the ability to perform large leaps to cross gaps. Environmental obstacles, like a glitchy substance, frequently block paths, requiring players to find creative solutions.

Emphasis on Player Experimentation

The game provides minimal instructions or on-screen prompts, encouraging players to explore and experiment with the available tools. This approach often leads to discoveries, such as using a 'ping' to open new paths. This lack of explicit guidance fosters a sense of discovery and allows players to interpret the game's mechanics and meanings independently.