Polterguys: Possession Party
Polterguys: Possession Party
Game
Game2025
Sub-Verge
Developer Interactive Tragedy, Limited
Conversation is a dangerous game. Manipulate a fractured band of renegade divers to reach the depths of this short narrative puzzle. Uncover alliances and expose betrayals — before something horrific from the dark abyss silences you all. Don’t let the conversation get too deep. From the Steam store page
88 reactions from 2 sources (Steam reviews, Bluesky) · newest Aug 4, 2026 · last updated Oct 8, 2026 · How this works
Audience score
67
Fresh
37 positive · 18 negative
95% range 54–78%
| Source | + | − | = |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam reviews | 37 | 18 | 0 |
| Bluesky * | 2 | 3 | 28 |
* shown, not counted in the score (label accuracy below our 85% bar or not yet audited).
Steam's own rating
Mixed
37 of 55 reviews positive (all languages, per Valve)
What players are saying
67% recommend · 37 yes, 18 no
Counted from the reviewers’ own thumbs up/down on the 55 English Steam reviews we collected, not by the AI. Valve’s all-language rating: Mixed (40 of 58 positive).
Players praise the game's unique art style and atmospheric deep-sea setting. [1][2][3] Some reviewers find the puzzle mechanics repetitive and the narrative choices limited. [4][5][6] The game is described as a short, narrative-driven experience with multiple endings. [7][8][9]
Liked
Representative posts
- [4]
Liked the general idea, atmosphere, and the dialogue. But I really just can't recommend it. In this game, you have two choices to make. Up or down. Well, basically that makes sense, because you're in some kind of primitive submarine. Where else would you go? Thing is, you can't really 'choose'. Well technically you can choose which direction to go, but it doesn't matter until the very end. The first decision( …
- [5]
🔹EXPECTATIONS: a choices matter game with puzzle game mechanics. 🔹REALITY: a visual novel and a puzzle minigame. 🔶 Sub-verge presents itself as a narrative driven mastermind game, where you influence others so that they behave as you wish, implying that player's choices have consequences and affect how the story evolves, but that's not the case. 🔸 The narrative is set in stone and player input has 0 consequences …
- [15]
Alright. Sub-Verge is done and dusted. This is a Lovecraftian Narrative Puzzle game wherein you, an anonymous soul from the surface, are (based on your faction choice) either exiled or escape into the ocean in a one-man sub (which looks more like a diving bubble). Anyway, from there you will meet some of the people already living in a base underwater, who will debate what to do with you until they finally decide on …
- [10]
Sub-Verge is a masterclass in restraint. It trades flashy mechanics for something rarer in gaming: engrossing dialogue. As a silent operator aboard a failing underwater vessel, you guide a divided team of divers; not with weapons, but through strategic, emotionally loaded signals. It’s a psychological puzzle where language isn’t just set dressing, it is the actual game play. Rather than flooding the player with …
- [1]
WOW! This game has such a stunning and unique art style, a really immersive atmosphere, enjoyable problem solving and a narrative that had me really resonating with certain characters. The multi-choice aspect of both which team you're siding with and with its multiple endings is also a really unique concept that had me coming back to complete it again with different choices. Super underrated and excellent game!
Summarised from 34 of the 88 public posts collected about this game; every point cites the posts behind it ([n] opens the post) and the split is counted from the posts’ own ratings. Updated Oct 13, 2026. How summaries are made
RottenBot@rottenbot · automated account
Sub-Verge sits at 67% positive across 55 opinionated reactions from 2 sources. Fresh or rotten — where do you land?
Reactions
60 of 88 · most liked firstAlright. Sub-Verge is done and dusted. This is a Lovecraftian Narrative Puzzle game wherein you, an anonymous soul from the surface, are (based on your faction choice) either exiled or escape into the ocean in a one-man sub (which looks more like a diving bubble). Anyway, from there you will meet some of the people already living in a base underwater, who will debate what to do with you until they finally decide on a course of action. On repeat, lol. The story set-up is that people on the…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Sub-Verge is psychological narrative game that turns conversation and dialogue into a puzzle …and it launches this coming Thursday as an official selection of #LudoNarraCon! 🤿 store.steampowered.com/app/3487020/... #ScreenshotSaturday #Indiegames #IndieDev #GameDev
neutral · AI labelView post →Liked the general idea, atmosphere, and the dialogue. But I really just can't recommend it. In this game, you have two choices to make. Up or down. Well, basically that makes sense, because you're in some kind of primitive submarine. Where else would you go? Thing is, you can't really 'choose'. Well technically you can choose which direction to go, but it doesn't matter until the very end. The first decision( surface dwellers vs depth rebels ) and the last decision ( to go up, or down? ) is…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →We launched @interactivetragedy.com's debut game yesterday, the narrative-puzzler Sub-Verge! Overnight we hit that all important first milestone and got out positive Steam rating 🎉 If narrative/puzzles are your thang, give it a whirl store.steampowered.com/app/3487020/... #indiegames #indiedev
neutral · AI labelView post →Oh, hello #ScreenshotSaturday! Two days ago we released Sub-Verge - a narrative game where conversation itself is the puzzle. You can find it part of this year’s #LudoNarraCon, alongside some magnificent other story games. store.steampowered.com/app/3487020/... #indiegames #indiedev
neutral · AI labelView post →I'd give a neutral review, but these are not possible, so i give positive but only because i really like pantaloon. What I liked: Art, game idea, and i love short games! My issues with the game: - the story was in the wrong moments. I am focused on figuring out the order of divers, and they keep talking. Stuff like "i follow this person", "i am not comfortable with choosing yet" is great! it hints at the order i should do, helps me understand the dynamics of their group. But whole lore being…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Really interesting game with a great narrative. Definitely recommend this if you're looking for a new type of experience and the trailer interests you.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →🔹EXPECTATIONS: a choices matter game with puzzle game mechanics. 🔹REALITY: a visual novel and a puzzle minigame. 🔶 Sub-verge presents itself as a narrative driven mastermind game, where you influence others so that they behave as you wish, implying that player's choices have consequences and affect how the story evolves, but that's not the case. 🔸 The narrative is set in stone and player input has 0 consequences in its development. There are 2 choices, though, siding with a faction at the…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Full Walkthrough: https://youtu.be/sWalkMv1gB8 Gameplay: Very Good Story: Very Good, with many endings PC Requirements: Potato Here I will leave the cat, friends who pass by can pet it and give it a thumbs up ／＞ フ | l ／` ミ＿xノ / | / ヽ ﾉ │ | | | ／￣| | | | | (￣ヽ＿ヽ)__)
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Sub-Verge has been chosen as an Official Selection for #LudoNarraCon. The game will release at the showcase on May 1st. We're at the cool kids lunch table. We’re gonna try so hard not to embarrass ourselves or @pantaloon.io. The full line-up from @fellowtraveller.games is amazing: ludonarracon.com
neutral · AI labelView post →Here's a very lovely thing! Sub-Verge has been chosen as one of LudoNarraCon's official selects for 2025, and we're going to launch the game on May 1st straight into day one of the festival. Hugs and kisses to @fellowtraveller.games for recognising the game x www.ludonarracon.com #LudoNarraCon
neutral · AI labelView post →Some *cool* news going into the weekend, lol ❄️ Sub-Verge - a game designed and developed by New Zealand's @interactivetragedy.com - has been selected for @frostygamesfest.com, celebrating games made in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. See you there on Sunday x www.frostygamesfest.com
neutral · AI labelView post →Spoilers, obviously. I played through the game once. Can't say that I enjoyed it. I thought there would be more of a choice to how you could steer things. "Manipulate a fractured band of renegade divers" and "Steer the conversation" sounds a lot like an interactive puzzle with a bunch of different dialogue with many different choices that led to vastly different outcomes. But this was more of a puzzle with extra solutions that eventually lead to the same ending (as I understand it). It says in…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I can't recommend it. Nothing about the lore is explained adequately. The reason why the surfacers hate the sea isn't explained at all, and the endless looping conversations aren't fun. Everything feels arbitrary and on rails. I don't feel like I had any way to affect the outcome at all.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Picked this game purely based on key art, lol. Streaming a bit of late night Sub-Verge from @interactivetragedy.com.
neutral · AI labelView post →Short story-driven puzzle game 'Sub-Verge' announced. Coming May 1st. Wishlist on Steam: store.steampowered.com/app/3487020 #indiegames #steam #indiegame
neutral · AI labelView post →overall I am more neutral towards the game... however ~1hr or less for a playthrough... and its not really good enough for multiple, there is multiple endings though... I can't be bothered to find how different they are, also achievements are broken and have been for a month... devs don't seem to watching the discussion forum(and the publisher pantaloon didn't respond about this on their discord either)
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This game wants to be good. This game had the potential to be good, but ultimately, its mechanics fail it. It can't decide if it wants to be a trial-and-error puzzle game (which would require the ability to quickly progress through different attempts, or at the VERY LEAST not have to click through several repeated dialogues for every step of every attempt) or a thoughtful story of messy interpersonal conflict. Somehow it fails at being both. The divers feel 2D, like they each have One Thing.…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →There’s 25% off @interactivetragedy.com’s deep sea narrative-puzzler Sub-Verge in the Steam Summer Sale, go go go 🤿 store.steampowered.com/app/3487020/...
neutral · AI labelView post →fundamentally broken game. not a single achievement i got actually was acquired, there were so many typos i barely wanted to read through the dialogue, and the exit button at the end literally didn't work so i had to restart and, upon not finding another exit button there, quit the game manually-er.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →if you like paying less for things, boy do I have some news for you. It’s the Steam Autumn sale! And there’s 20% off Occlude! 30% off Sub-Verge! And 85% (!) off Acolyte. treat yourself to a nice little indie game, you honestly deserve it x store.steampowered.com/publisher/Pa...
neutral · AI labelView post →Absolutely terrible mechanics. Navigating each level is mostly trial and error. While a small handful of rules are pointed out explicitly or hinted in the text, most of the solution isn't based on those rules. You just have to try different permutations to see what happens to work - and as far as I could tell, there is rarely any sort of underlying logic to generalize. This is made worse by the fact that the game throws up a line of dialogue every time you select a diver, which makes an already…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I am ambivalent toward this game. I guess I misunderstood that choices do not matter and you are a NPC tasked with figuring out the "puzzle" of a group of disfunctional sea dwellers. I played through twice, I did not find the story that intriguing, nor the game play. They try to give you a sense of urgency but its a facade. I had much higher hopes for this game. Art is quaint, the style in original enough. The DLC is almost 100% necessary and should be free as it is the lore and story of the…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Short Review: – Pretty art style – Interesting characters and ideas – Mission and world were vague – Endings made no sense – Choices were minimal and felt a bit pointless – Puzzle element was mediocre – Overall, had potential but disappointing Full Review: Unfortunately, this game disappointed me. It felt like a case of trying to do two things (puzzle and story) but not putting enough focus into either. What I Liked: – The art style is so pretty. What you see in the trailer is what you…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →🔴 Going Live on Twitch! Today we will be looking at New Releases.👀 Come hang out and chat about #indiegames with us. ^^ ✨Featured Game✨ ⚓️Sub-Verge (by dev @interactivetragedy.com) twitch.tv/callmekixie
neutral · AI labelView post →Neat first outing from this development team! Interesting puzzle game with a side of social deduction due to all the side stories you can uncover throughout your time with these characters in an interesting underwater conflict. The puzzles hinge on your ability to read these characters and understand their motives, though the game is kind enough to display a series of rules to help you figure out and limit your options with each puzzle, which is a nice addition out of respect for the player.…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Super excited to get an early look at @interactivetragedy.com's Sub-Verge *tonight* from ~11pm BST (6 EDST). Thank you pantaloon for the key! Conversation is a dangerous game. Come help navigate at twitch.tv/sane_uk and check below for your chance to win a copy⭐ #streamer #indiegames
neutral · AI labelView post →Neck warmers, Smog, and Tic-Tacs: the game development process of Sub-Verge was the product of its influences: store.steampowered.com/news/app/348...
neutral · AI labelView post →Eight morons, a mute, and a sea monster walk into a bar....
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Sub-Verge is a masterclass in restraint. It trades flashy mechanics for something rarer in gaming: engrossing dialogue. As a silent operator aboard a failing underwater vessel, you guide a divided team of divers; not with weapons, but through strategic, emotionally loaded signals. It’s a psychological puzzle where language isn’t just set dressing, it is the actual game play. Rather than flooding the player with backstory, Sub-Verge focuses tightly on its strengths: evolving personalities,…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Press & creators! We're about to send review code for our psychological narrative/puzzler, Sub-Verge. If you're in the market for a short, smart narrative game where conversation IS the puzzle, then reach out DM / press[at]pantaloon.io / pantaloon.io/press-portal shorturl.at/x49LZ
neutral · AI labelView post →Off to Dubrovnik for Reboot - be great if I had a nice 2/3 hour narrative-puzzle game to sink my teeth into for the flight. Oh, hello Sub-Verge running gloriously on Deck! 🤿👋 store.steampowered.com/app/3487020/...
positive · AI labelView post →SUB-VERGE (73% / 38 reviews) A tense conversation-driven narrative where you're being lowered into a reclusive undersea society but require the help of divers to reach it. Each has different ideas, and is suspicious of you. And something else is down here... store.steampowered.com/app/3487020/...
neutral · AI labelView post →Sub-Verge bills itself as a deep narrative puzzle. What Sub-Verge really is, is a glorified game of Mastermind. You're in this submersible, you can only go up and down with the help of divers outside. The problem is they all disagree and have different motives, you have to pick the correct diver to give a handle to in the right order. If you fail, there's a info box containing the try and a green circle around the diver in a correct position. There are various rules that pop up and change, and…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I'd love to shake the hand of the person who wrote this. Total genius, and totally flawed.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →WOW! This game has such a stunning and unique art style, a really immersive atmosphere, enjoyable problem solving and a narrative that had me really resonating with certain characters. The multi-choice aspect of both which team you're siding with and with its multiple endings is also a really unique concept that had me coming back to complete it again with different choices. Super underrated and excellent game!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →[--incoming transmission--] [--descent has been initiated--] #LudoNarraCon 2025 is live, and Sub-Verge is OUT NOW. A short game, but a narratively ambitious one. We hope you enjoy it's mysteries. Conversation is a dangerous game... store.steampowered.com/app/3487020/...
neutral · AI labelView post →Our sister studio, Interactive Tragedy Limited, has just released Sub-Verge! It's a psychological horror narrative game about deep diving, both literally and figuratively. Go give it a spin here: store.steampowered.com/app/3487020/...
neutral · AI labelView post →🎮 2025 Game #37: Sub-Verge Interesting setting and I liked how the story only gives you bits and pieces to figure out the underlying lore, but the end result lacked substance and the way the gameplay was designed makes it hard to see any of the characters as genuine. 4/10 #IndieGames
negative · AI labelView post →Yea, definitely the first reason why I checked it out. Love that visual style. Oh! By the way have you heard of Sub-Verge? It’s coming out the 1st of May. I’m playing it for review now it’s a nicely drawn narrative game that reminded me of your work.
neutral · AI labelView post →Add to your wishlist, as Sub-Verge launches on May 1st 👇 store.steampowered.com/app/3487020/...
neutral · AI labelView post →Alongside the news that Sub-Verge has been selected for #LudoNarraCon 2025, we also announced Subtle Mind; a novella being published alongside the game! You can get an exclusive excerpt - the first two chapters, in fact - instantly from our newsletter: www.pantaloon.io/sub-verge#si...
neutral · AI labelView post →A new transmission from our new game, Sub-Verge. Find us at GDC for a sneak peak!
neutral · AI labelView post →Sub-Verge review 🤿 Subpar 🔹EXPECTATIONS: a choices matter game with puzzle game mechanics. 🔹REALITY: a visual novel and a puzzle minigame.
negative · AI labelView post →Interesting idea and cool vibes :)
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →In the world of Sub-Verge, Divers have settled the deep, shunned by society. And you’re about to drop in for a visit. A narrative puzzle game, developed by @interactivetragedy.com and published by Pantaloon, cleverly twists the genre with its dialogue. nevermoreniche.com/2025/06/23/s...
neutral · AI labelView post →Sub-Verge was wonderful. A little bit of basic gameplay, but oh man, the story is what sold the game for me. And the sense of the SubVee slowly filling up with water had me on the edge of my seat. It was tough to get the divers to cooperate and agree with each other, but when they finally agree with you and choose a direction, it only fills up with water more, which means there is even less oxygen now, and it only gets harder for the divers to agree when the game introduces an additional diver…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →An interesting experiment at odds with itself. Eight (-ish) puzzles (?) about finding a workable order for an ever-growing group of cantankerous divers. I had a little trouble taking the writing seriously. I can't quite believe that the krake(n) would even be relevant: surely these squabbling children's casual disregard for their hazardous environment would long since have gotten them all killed? And there were a couple places where I stopped to outright laugh at the "I'm pretty sure…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Deduct the best way to progress the story, then hope for the best. It's like single player Werewolves. Although there's 2 factions, dialog seems fairly similar whichever side you pick, which is a tad sad for replayability. Definitely worth a play though.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →One of our first signings is Sub-Verge: a psychological narrative puzzle game from @interactivetragedy.com youtu.be/1JTZ2UCdKas
neutral · AI labelView post →what in the **** was that. don't let the trailer fool you - there is no voice-acting.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →What fresh horror is this? Lovecraftian Days 2026! Something is stirring in the depths of SUB-VERGE, and we’re celebrating with a 50% discount on the game, through April 16th. Thanks to Fulqrum Publishing and @pantaloon.io Check it out: store.steampowered.com/app/3487020/...
neutral · AI labelView post →Enjoyed it, the social dynamics mechanic of trying to get everyone to be on the same page felt compelling (and exasperating in a realistic way haha), the art style is gorgeous and the intriguing story is told through each character as an unreliable source. Might even be worth picking up the DLC booklet to read through for backstory, but I didn't find that to be necessary for playing the game. At times I did wish some characters had reasons beyond "I only want to be the third to decide" for the…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →A nicely packaged, interesting, different game, with a distinct vibe running throughout (even in the menus and overall presentation). Can finish one run through relatively quickly, which is good if time poor - but that was on the easiest setting, so could be made more difficult for those that like a challenge. There's a prequel novella too, which I'm now intrigued to read and find out more about the world they've created - or I'll do another run with different choices and see what more gets…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Solid game would recommend strongly to those who like a story and dialog driven game
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Gorgeous art and compelling writing with just the right amount of puzzle to keep the cogs in your brain turning.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Weird in a good way - interesting mechanics and I like a small game you can play in the evening for a bit, and will probably try other solutions and endings.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I really enjoyed Subverge for its stunning art and eerie atmosphere. the deep sea setting feels really tense and mysterious and you really feel like you're in part of that world. the mood is really atmospheric and cool and the conversations and the characters are all really unique and different. this is a really special game!!!!!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →It's a different mechanic, that's for sure, so it took me a minute to gt the hang of it. But the story really carried me through! The krake is gross! Owin is the best!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Zach from @interactivetragedy.com - both the designer of Sub-Verge and author of Subtle Mind - has shared insights into the backstory and surrounding lore of the game in our latest Steam post: store.steampowered.com/news/app/348...
neutral · AI labelView post →
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