What Surrounds Us: A Game of Circles and Connection

Washington DC, United States Jul 25, 2026 ALN: What Surrounds Us takes its title literally. You play as a circle surrounding a hole in its middle — it looks like a donut with frosting. You work together with other sentient moving circles, sometimes helping them joyfully meet with others. And you traverse a large map that’s composed entirely of, you guessed it, a series of circles. But the circles everywhere aren’t just an artistic choice; they underscore the game’s themes about working in connection with the environment and the things around us.

The game’s design choices, particularly its circular motifs, are reflective of broader themes of unity and connectivity. Circles have long been associated with wholeness and inclusivity across various cultures. In What Surrounds Us, this symbolism is cleverly utilized to enhance the player's experience, inviting them to contemplate the interconnectedness of the game world. The visual representation of circles creates a sense of harmony and balance, which resonates with the gameplay mechanics that emphasize collaboration and interaction among the characters.

Despite the trippy design, What Surrounds Us has a familiar format. Players will likely feel echoes of The Legend of Zelda as they trek across three distinct regions and solve lightweight puzzles to navigate from place to place. The game’s structure is accessible, with a straightforward progression that encourages exploration. Over the course of the game, players will acquire new powers, such as the ability to traverse gaps by charging up a big leap. This mechanic not only adds a layer of challenge but also enhances the sense of discovery as players unlock new areas of the map.

As players delve deeper into the game, they will encounter various obstacles, including a glitchy substance that frequently snakes around the world and blocks paths. This element introduces an additional layer of complexity, requiring players to think strategically about how to navigate their environment. The presence of such obstacles adds tension to the gameplay, creating moments of excitement as players devise creative solutions to overcome challenges.

The Zelda inspiration helped players settle into a game that offers little in the way of instructions. There’s basically no text and only a few onscreen prompts to explain controls. This minimalist approach encourages players to engage more deeply with the game world, relying on intuition and exploration rather than explicit guidance. Most of the time is spent wandering through the world, seeing where one ends up, and experimenting with the limited tools at hand. This leads to happy surprises, such as discovering that using a ping near a dark circle opens up new paths forward. However, it can also result in misadventures, like getting too close to an aggressive enemy circle that would eat the player character.

Without frequent video game crutches like overly obvious hints or chatty sidekicks, players must figure out the rules on their own. This design choice fosters a sense of independence and self-discovery, mirroring the experience of learning through exploration. Like in many Zelda games, the satisfaction of trying something just to see if it works — and finding that it does — is a rewarding aspect of the gameplay. This experimentation helps players better understand how different elements in the game relate to one another, enhancing their engagement with the game world.

Moreover, the game’s narrative and meaning are left for players to interpret as well. The absence of explicit storytelling invites players to draw their own conclusions about the significance of the circles and their interactions. For instance, players learn that dark red circles that block their path essentially function as walls, symbolizing barriers in life that must be navigated. When players bring over a lonely circle pal to another group of friendly circles, the joyous reaction of the characters — spinning and chirping — evokes a sense of community and connection, reinforcing the game’s themes of collaboration and companionship.

The music in What Surrounds Us also plays a crucial role in establishing the game’s atmosphere. The ethereal and ambient soundtrack complements the visual elements, never overpowering the senses but instead humming quietly in the background as players wander through the environment. This auditory experience enhances immersion, allowing players to lose themselves in the game’s tranquil world.

What Surrounds Us manages to do a lot of interesting things, both thematically and with its gameplay, and it does it all in a tight, three-hour playthrough. The brevity of the game is a double-edged sword; while it may leave some players wanting more, it also ensures that the experience is concise and focused. The developers have crafted a game that is both approachable and thought-provoking, inviting players to reflect on their interactions with the world around them.

In an era where many games are marked by sprawling narratives and complex mechanics, What Surrounds Us stands out as a refreshing alternative. It emphasizes simplicity and connection, encouraging players to engage with their environment in meaningful ways. The game’s unique approach to storytelling and gameplay mechanics invites players to consider their own relationships with others and the world, making it a poignant experience that resonates long after the credits roll.

The game also serves as a commentary on modern society's often overwhelming complexity. In many ways, What Surrounds Us reflects the need for simplicity in an age where distractions abound. The circles represent not just the characters and the environment, but also the connections we seek in our own lives. As players help circles unite, they may find themselves reflecting on their relationships and the importance of community. This thematic depth adds an additional layer of engagement, prompting players to consider how their actions within the game mirror their real-world interactions.

Furthermore, the art style of What Surrounds Us contributes significantly to its overall message. The vibrant colors and smooth animations create a visually captivating experience that draws players in. The design is not just aesthetically pleasing but is also functional, as the circular motifs are integral to gameplay. The choice to use circles throughout the game serves to unify the visual language, making the environment feel cohesive and inviting. This design philosophy resonates with the idea of connectivity, as players navigate through a world that feels organically linked.

In addition to its gameplay and visual design, the game’s accessibility is noteworthy. By stripping away complex mechanics and focusing on intuitive gameplay, What Surrounds Us caters to a wide audience. Players of varying skill levels can engage with the game without feeling overwhelmed. This inclusivity is particularly important in the indie gaming landscape, where many titles can be niche and esoteric. By creating a game that is approachable, the developers have opened the door for more players to experience its unique charm.

In conclusion, What Surrounds Us is not just a game about circles; it’s a meditation on connection, exploration, and the beauty of simplicity. Its release on PC via Steam opens the door for a wider audience to experience this charming title. As players navigate through its colorful world, they are reminded of the importance of collaboration and the joy of discovery, making it a delightful addition to the indie gaming landscape. The game stands as a testament to the power of simplicity and connection, encouraging players to reflect on their own lives and the circles they inhabit, both in the game and beyond.