Beneath the Surface

Editorial Has potential

Beneath the Surface is a gorgeous visual novel with strong renders and character models that draw players in immediately. The writing shows ambition—an MC written to be flawed and make questionable decisions, a branching narrative that attempts real player choice, and a creator visibly responsive to feedback (revising scenes, removing tedious mechanics, polishing dialogue based on community input). However, the game appears abandoned as of mid-2024; the developer has not communicated since July despite active Patreon subscriptions, and the build remains at v0.38 with incomplete content. Community opinion on the MC's characterization is divided—some players appreciate the intentional complexity, others see it as poor writing—but this is a matter of creative taste rather than execution. For those willing to engage with an unfinished state and an unconventional protagonist, the visual presentation and narrative framework offer something worth exploring; for others seeking a complete experience, this is not yet ready.