Info about Circuits:

Official game description:
Coming Soon, "Circuits Composer", Free for our Circuits players.
================================================================
**"Circuits Composer"** Coming soon as a free update for all of our users.  
With the circuits editor you can create your own songs, save it and share through steam workshop, also load other people musics or share your own loop packages so people can use it for making new songs. You can have an sneak peek here :  
After the update the game price will raise a little.  
thank you,  
Digital Tentacle.
About the Game
==============
Simple in concept, but very challenging and rewarding, _Circuits_ is a musical puzzle game that requires careful listening to complete each level.
The goal of _Circuits_
----------------------
piece together the different parts of a song. Sounds easy, but maybe not.  
As we love music, we wanted to make a game that gives the player an insight into how music is created and makes listening the core part of the experience. Packed with beautifullly designed minimal graphics, to not disturb the focus of the game, and right now 25 different songs for the player to reconstruct.  
So if you like music, you will like _Circuits_ .
Features
--------
*   Engaging gameplay that gives an insight into music creation for players  
*   A soundtrack mix of electronic ambient,dubstep, and epic orchestra composed by David García ( Deadlight, Rime...)  
*   Beautiful minimal design  
*   And a Turbo.

Release date: Apr 17, 2014

Categories: Music-based Puzzle Solving, Music-based Gameplay, Puzzle, Audio-based Puzzle Solving, Minimalist, Sandbox Creation, Music Creation, Relaxing and Cozy Gameplay


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $2.99 - $3.99
  - Reasoning: Reviewers describe the full price of about $3 as fair and cheap, with one noting it is less than a coffee, while also praising $1.19 sale purchases as strong value. A content-sensitive reviewer suggests that 25 levels can make the full price feel slightly high and advises waiting for a discount. This anchors the community's fair base-game range near the low end, roughly $2.99 to $3.99, with willingness to pay no more than about $4.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 4.0h
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: 5.0h
  - Reasoning: Completion reports cluster around 3-4 hours, with one direct report of roughly 4 hours and another saying it gives about 3-4 hours; therefore gameCompletion is set to 4 hours as a practical typical value. For endgame, one player reports 3 hours to complete and unlock all achievements, while another reports about 5 hours for all achievements, so 5 hours is used as a completionist/endgame estimate. storyCompletion is null because the reviews describe a musical puzzle game with no narrative story completion time. sessionLength is null because no review gives a clear per-session play duration.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The dominant profile is never clicks: players describe the core loop as tedious, repetitive, and unrewarding, with several quitting before completion. A minority reports strong enjoyment through headphone immersion, but no quote establishes a fun turning point or timing.
  - Stance: Never clicks
  - Anchor: N/A
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: Repetitive loop mechanic becomes tedious; Illogical and repetitive mechanics; No incentive or reward for figuring out mechanics; Tedious gameplay prevents completion; Lack of interface cues for intended progression; Dull and frustrating experience
  - Unlock drivers: N/A
  - Conditions: Wearing headphones; Turning up the volume; Immersion in the emotion-and-logic music world
- Player Archetypes:
  - Ear-Training Puzzle Devotee (buy)
    - Motivation: To train and test their musical ear by identifying and reconstructing instrumental layers.
    - Playstyle: Careful listening with headphones, isolating layers and instruments, replaying tricky levels, sometimes disabling hints or layers for extra challenge.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: rhythm game enthusiast
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Composer Sandbox Creator (buy)
    - Motivation: Creative music composition and free experimentation in the Composer sandbox.
    - Playstyle: Building and layering loops into original tracks, largely ignoring or skimming the story levels.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: beginner music maker
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Chill Ambient Listener (buy)
    - Motivation: Relaxing, immersive listening and unwinding with the ambient soundtrack.
    - Playstyle: Slow, unhurried play with no time pressure, often simply listening and soaking in the atmosphere.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Hook
  - Achievement Completionist (buy)
    - Motivation: Collecting all achievements and fully completing the game.
    - Playstyle: Working through levels efficiently, using hints, skips, or external guides to reach 100% completion.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: achievement hunter
    - Reference games: N/A


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Excellent music and soundtrack (weight 0.26): Players consistently praise the music as beautiful, pleasant, and well-crafted. The soundtrack is a standout feature, with many calling it spectacular and a key reason to enjoy the game.
- Enjoyable and entertaining gameplay (weight 0.22): Many reviewers find the game fun, enjoyable, and highly entertaining. It is described as a pleasant experience that is easy to recommend.
- Soothing and relaxing experience (weight 0.17): Many find the game soothing and relaxing due to its easy-listening music and simple gameplay. It provides a calm, meditative experience for music lovers.
- Novel and innovative gameplay (weight 0.17): The game is often described as creative, novel, and innovative compared to other rhythm games. It fills a unique niche with its fresh approach to music puzzles.
- Good visuals and minimalist style (weight 0.14): The visuals are well done and often described as minimalist but complementary to the game. The clean aesthetic enhances the overall experience.
- Educational and challenging for musical ear (weight 0.12): The game serves as an educational tool that challenges musical hearing abilities. It is both a puzzle game and a way to develop auditory skills.
- Great value for money (weight 0.1): Players feel the game is worth the price and offers excellent value. It is seen as a worthwhile purchase that provides more than expected for its cost.
- Melodic puzzle gameplay (weight 0.1): The game is praised as a nice melodic puzzle that combines audio and rhythm elements. Each level features well-crafted melodies that make the puzzle experience engaging.
- Ear training benefits (weight 0.1): Many users highlight the game as a good tool for training your musical ear. It provides a fun and effective way to improve listening skills.
- Simple and clear interface (weight 0.09): The interface is frequently described as simple, clear, and easy to navigate. This simplicity contributes to a smooth and enjoyable user experience.
- Unique composition puzzle gameplay (weight 0.07): The core gameplay involves listening to a finished composition and then assembling the same melody from components. This unique puzzle mechanic is highly praised.
- High-quality music game (weight 0.07): Reviewers consider it a high-quality and innovative music game. It stands out as a very good example of the genre.
- Helpful hint buttons (weight 0.07): The game includes helper buttons that place a correct sound or indicate which sound is wrong. These assists make the game more accessible without removing the challenge.
- Requires careful listening (weight 0.07): Players need to listen carefully to every note to succeed. This focus on auditory attention is a core part of the gameplay experience.
- Harmonious and pleasant sounds (weight 0.07): The tracks are extremely harmonious and create a great sense of harmony. The sounds are pleasant and contribute to the overall enjoyment.
- Awesome indie puzzle game (weight 0.07): Many praise it as a fantastic little indie music puzzle game. It is seen as an awesome addition to the indie game scene.
- Good difficulty progression (weight 0.07): The game starts simple and increases difficulty at a well-paced rate. Players appreciate that the challenge grows without becoming too high.
- Engaging atmosphere (weight 0.07): The atmosphere is described as engaging and incredible. It draws players in and enhances the overall experience.

Common complaints:
- Limited Level Count and Short Game (weight 0.39): Many reviewers complain that the game only has 25 levels, providing about 3-4 hours of content, which feels insufficient and too short. This lack of content is a recurring issue across multiple clusters.
- Requires Musical Ear, High Entry Barrier (weight 0.34): Players report that the game demands a good musical ear and is extremely difficult for those without one, with little to no assistance. This barrier makes the game frustrating and inaccessible for many.
- Repetitive and Tedious Gameplay (weight 0.29): The gameplay involves repeatedly listening to short music segments, which many find tedious and boring. The loop mechanic and repetitive samples become a chore, especially in the later stages.
- Last Levels Have Sharp Difficulty Spike (weight 0.22): The final levels (especially 24 and 25) remove the ability to separate layers, causing a sudden and extreme increase in difficulty. This is often cited as the hardest part of the game.
- Poor Interface and Feedback Design (weight 0.2): Reviewers mention confusing toggle switches, misaligned icons in full-screen mode, small composer screen, and lack of progression cues. These design flaws lead to frustration and blind trial-and-error.
- Achievements Are Too Difficult (weight 0.17): Some achievements, like Golden Ear, are extremely challenging and require memorization or high-end equipment. Completing all achievements is hard and can be boring.
- Lack of Educational Value (weight 0.16): The game does not teach music theory or improve musical skills; it is an auditory puzzle rather than a composition game. It fails to meet educational goals.
- Unpleasant and Grating Sounds (weight 0.15): Some sounds are harsh and unpleasant to listen to repeatedly, with volume differences causing startling moments. The music itself is often described as irritating or not suited to personal tastes.
- Volume and Headphone Dependence (weight 0.14): Playing without headphones significantly degrades the experience, and volume differences between nodes can be jarring. A decent headphone or speaker is required to hear some fragments accurately.
- No Layer Separation in Last Levels (weight 0.12): The last two levels remove the ability to switch to layers, making them extremely hard and requiring a good ear. This design choice is criticized for causing a difficulty spike.
- Lack of Progression Cues (weight 0.11): The game does not show how many errors remain or why placement is wrong musically, leading to frustration and blind trial-and-error. This lack of feedback is a common complaint.
- Unpleasant or Unmemorable Music (weight 0.11): The soundtrack is often described as boring, unfinished fragments, or grating to listen to, with little variety and no memorable tracks.
- Music Variety Is Limited (weight 0.1): The soundtrack mostly consists of Chillstep, Electro, and Dubstep, lacking genres like Rock, RnB, or Trip-Hop. This limited variety makes the music feel monotonous and unmemorable.
- Technical Issues and Bugs (weight 0.09): There are reports of audio desync, wrong success feedback, and mouse functionality problems on Windows. These technical issues detract from the experience.
- No Custom Levels or Sandbox Mode (weight 0.09): Players wish for a level editor or sandbox mode, as the game lacks a level creation area despite having a music editor. This limits replayability and creativity.
- Subjective Puzzle Solutions (weight 0.07): The expected answers are subjective because multiple compositions could be acceptable, and mistakes are rarely audible. This makes the puzzle aspect frustrating and unclear.
- Not a Puzzle Game for Everyone (weight 0.06): Some reviewers feel the game is not really a puzzle game and that people seeking traditional puzzles might be better off with other games.
- Too Easy for Musically Trained Players (weight 0.04): Those with extensive musical training find the game too easy and unchallenging, with little thought process required. This makes it less engaging for skilled musicians.
- Debug Phase Mentally Exhausting (weight 0.04): The debug phase after composing is mentally exhausting, and repeated listening to tracks becomes tiring. This is a common complaint among players.
- No Updates or Additional Content (weight 0.04): Reviewers note that the game no longer receives updates or additional content, which is disappointing for those who enjoyed it.

Gameplay feedback:
- Music Puzzle Game Core (weight 0.97): The game is fundamentally a music puzzle game where players listen to a melody and reconstruct it by placing sound fragments in the correct order. It combines auditory analysis with puzzle mechanics to recreate songs.
- Includes Music Composer Tool (weight 0.46): A music editor or composer tool is included, allowing players to create their own music by arranging isolated elements. Some versions feature Steam Workshop integration for sharing compositions.
- Auditory Jigsaw Puzzle (weight 0.36): The game functions as an auditory jigsaw puzzle where players listen carefully to segments and place them correctly to complete the song. It requires focused listening and analysis.
- Reconstruct Songs from Fragments (weight 0.28): Players reassemble a piece of music that has been broken into fragments, placing them in correct positions to match the original. This core mechanic is central to the gameplay.
- Layer Separation for Instruments (weight 0.21): Players can listen to individual instrument layers or the full track to aid in reconstruction. This feature can be toggled for increased difficulty or easier comparison.
- Gradual Difficulty Progression (weight 0.21): Difficulty increases as players progress through levels, becoming more challenging without being overly punishing. Later levels introduce new mechanics like loops and repetition settings.
- Circuit-Themed Visual Presentation (weight 0.2): The game uses a circuit board aesthetic to represent music, combining circuit and music elements. This includes a Circuits Composer mode for creating tracks with a simple graphical interface.
- Hint System Available (weight 0.11): A hint system is available to help players solve puzzles, with every level offering hints. This assists when the auditory challenge becomes too difficult.
- Electronic Music Genre (weight 0.09): The music genre is predominantly electronic, featuring synth sounds and sound effects, with a few vocal tracks using autotune. Traditional instruments are rarely used.

Performance notes:
- Game runs without issues (weight 0.03): One user reported that the game ran without incident on default settings. This indicates a stable performance experience on standard configurations.

Recommendations:
- Requires musical foundation or ear (weight 0.24): Many reviewers recommend this game specifically for players with a musical background, such as those who play instruments, have a good sense of rhythm, or a well-trained ear. It may be less enjoyable for those without any musical inclination.
- Worth buying, especially on sale (weight 0.24): The game is considered a good value, particularly when discounted. Many reviewers advise against paying full price and suggest waiting for a sale.
- Recommended for music lovers (weight 0.22): If you love listening to music, this game is a must-play. It appeals strongly to those who appreciate music in general.
- Good for music creation interest (weight 0.15): Players interested in composing or creating music without much hassle will find this game rewarding. It serves as an accessible introduction to music production.
- Great for music puzzle fans (weight 0.13): The game is highly recommended for people who enjoy music-based puzzles or puzzle games with a musical twist. It offers a unique blend of music and puzzle-solving that appeals to both interests.
- Suitable for all ages and experience (weight 0.12): The game is recommended for everyone regardless of age or prior musical experience, making it accessible to a wide audience.
- Requires patience and calm (weight 0.12): The game is best enjoyed by players who can stay patient and calm, as it may require careful listening and problem-solving.
- Headphones highly recommended (weight 0.1): For the best experience, players should use headphones or earphones to fully appreciate the music and audio cues. A good headset enhances the gameplay significantly.
- Educational entertainment value (weight 0.1): The game offers educational entertainment, helping players develop their musical sense while having fun.
- Good for casual rhythm game fans (weight 0.1): If you are looking for a casual rhythm game, this fills that niche nicely. It is suitable for relaxed play.
- Not recommended by some (weight 0.09): A few reviewers did not recommend the game, suggesting it may not appeal to everyone. Some advised against buying it at all.
- Not for story-focused players (weight 0.06): Those who primarily play games for storytelling might not enjoy this, as it lacks a narrative focus.
- Won't improve musical skill (weight 0.04): Players should not expect the game to improve their actual musical ability; it is primarily for entertainment and ear training.
- Difficult for casual music fans (weight 0.04): The game might be difficult for those who just enjoy music casually, as it requires focused listening and puzzle-solving.
- Golden Ear mode for experts only (weight 0.04): The Golden Ear mode is recommended only for experts due to its high difficulty. Beginners may find it too challenging.
- Avoid split-track mode (weight 0.04): Using the split-track mode is discouraged as it removes a significant part of the fun. Players should stick to the standard mode.
- Play in multiple sessions (weight 0.04): It is suggested to play in three or four sessions rather than all at once to avoid fatigue and maintain enjoyment.
- Support indie developers (weight 0.04): Players are encouraged to try the game and support the indie developers behind it.
- Alternative puzzle games suggested (weight 0.04): Some reviewers suggest looking into other puzzle games like SpaceChem if you want a more traditional puzzle experience.
- Promotes user-generated content (weight 0.03): One reviewer encourages players to check out community-created content, indicating an active modding or sharing scene.

Other player notes:
- Contains 25 levels of increasing difficulty (weight 0.2): The game features exactly 25 levels, each corresponding to a song, with difficulty ramping up as players progress. Multiple clusters confirm this level count.
- Soundtrack included in installation folder (weight 0.19): The game's original soundtrack is provided as MP3 files within the installation directory, specifically in an OST folder. This allows players to access the music directly.
- Golden Ear achievement is challenging (weight 0.15): The Golden Ear achievement requires playing all 25 levels (except level 3) without switching foils, which players find difficult. It is a notable challenge for completionists.
- Indie puzzle game with soundtrack (weight 0.13): Reviewers consistently describe this as an indie puzzle game that blends music and puzzles, with a well-received soundtrack. The combination of music and puzzle mechanics is a key draw.
- Level editor and Workshop support (weight 0.13): The game includes a level editor and Steam Workshop integration, allowing users to create and share custom songs and puzzles. This extends the game's longevity.
- Achievement completion takes about 5 hours (weight 0.12): Getting all achievements takes approximately 5 hours, with one player reporting 5.2 hours. The difficulty is considered easy to medium.
- Hidden composer for custom tracks (weight 0.12): The game features a hidden composition software that lets players create their own music using loops from the game and import materials from the Workshop. An external composer is also available.
- Low price point (weight 0.12): The game is sold at a low price, making it an affordable purchase. Some reviewers note that the regular price is higher than the sale price.
- Short playtime of 3-4 hours (weight 0.1): Players report that the main content can be completed in roughly 3 to 5 hours, making it a brief experience. This aligns with the limited number of levels.
- Upcoming Circuits Composer feature (weight 0.07): A new extension or software called Circuits Composer is coming soon, according to the developers. This will likely expand the game's creative tools.
- Developers considering more levels (weight 0.07): The developers have promised or are considering adding more challenging levels in the near future. This suggests potential post-launch content.
- Small independent developer (weight 0.06): The developer is a very small independent video game company that asks players for help in spreading the game. This personal touch resonates with some reviewers.
- Trading cards available (weight 0.06): The game includes trading cards that can be sold or used on the Steam platform. This is a common feature for Steam games.
- Featured in charity bundle (weight 0.06): The game has been included in a charity bundle, allowing players to purchase it while supporting a cause. This is a notable distribution method.

Emotions:
- Disappointment (weight 0.11): Players are disappointed by the short length of only 25 levels, which feels insufficient for those who enjoy the game. The game is criticized for being an auditory jigsaw puzzle rather than a music-theory composition game, with repetitive excerpts and a lack of educational explanations, leading to a lack of an 'aha' experience.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.09): Players derive enjoyment from the game's melodic puzzle gameplay, particularly the challenging late-game sound-discrimination puzzles and track-ordering mechanics. The immersive atmosphere, minimalist graphics, and pleasant music contribute to a fantastic music gameplay experience.
- Frustration (weight 0.08): Frustration arises from opaque design and lack of interface cues, causing blind trial and error when distinguishing sounds. Specific pain points include inability to progress past early levels, poor mouse functionality, tedious loop mechanics, and a sharp difficulty spike in later levels.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.07): Satisfaction comes from completing the game and unlocking achievements, creating beautiful songs in the Composer, and correctly matching sound bits piece by piece. Players feel a sense of accomplishment when hearing the piece form gradually and when their musical ear improves.
- Appreciation (weight 0.05): Players appreciate the innovative music puzzle mechanic, high-quality soundtrack, and the musically visual and fluid experience. The game is praised for its originality, clear interface, and the included music editor, as well as for being a creative and educational test of musical ear.
- Relaxation (weight 0.05): The game provides relaxation through its easy-listening music, beautiful melodies, and calming, casual gameplay. The simple and elegant music puzzle mechanics, smooth flow, and non-frustrating levels create a soothing atmosphere akin to walking in a quiet forest path.
- Boredom (weight 0.05): Boredom stems from too few puzzles, repetitive and tedious gameplay, and an off-putting sound experience. Players find that solving songs becomes a matter of diligence rather than engaging challenge, and listening to repeating samples over and over contributes to the monotony.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.03): Enthusiasm is driven by the ability to create original music in the Composer and the game's overall quality. Players spend hours composing, learn about music components, and are impressed by the spectacular soundtracks and well-executed music puzzle concept.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.02): Nostalgia is evoked by replaying the game and recalling past experiences on iPhone, as well as youthful memories of learning songs by ear with headphones. The game also reminds players of happy times creating music with Music Maker Jam.
- Love (weight 0.02): Players love the game's music and mechanics, finding the style fresh and the arrangements excellent. The melodious music and engaging gameplay make the game extremely appealing, and the developer's approach enhances the overall experience.
- Engagement (weight 0.02): Engagement arises from the absorbing music puzzle activity that presents new methods for completing increasingly difficult sequences. The atmosphere and focus on solving puzzles, along with experiencing levels and sound design, keep players deeply involved.
- Contentment (weight 0.02): Contentment is felt from playing a pleasant game that provides a feeling of being transported back in time. The overall experience leaves players with a sense of quiet satisfaction.
- Calm (weight 0.02): Calm is induced by the need to stay calm and listen to details repeatedly, offering a zen-like experience. The game's design encourages a peaceful and attentive state of mind.
- Confusion (weight 0.02): Confusion arises from a lack of music-theory knowledge and many overlapping sounds that make it hard to focus on specific parts. Some players expected a circuit game but instead found a music composition game, adding to their bewilderment.
- Excitement (weight 0.02): Excitement is generated by encountering a music game of this kind and looking forward to experimenting with the composer. The novelty and potential for creativity spark enthusiasm.
- Pleasure (weight 0.02): Pleasure is derived from being in a world of sensibility and logic intertwined with headphones and high volume. The meditative gameplay, harmonious tracks, and pure enjoyment without frustration contribute to a delightful experience.
- Challenge (weight 0.02): The game presents a challenge through the increasing difficulty of assembling all sounds and reassembling songs without hints. Determining the correct placement of fragments by ear tests players' musical sense and skills.
- Sadness (weight 0.01): Sadness is felt because developers no longer update or add to the game, leaving players wishing for more content.
- Fun (weight 0.01): Players find the game extremely fun, especially when solving the audio puzzle using headphones. The engaging mechanics provide a genuinely enjoyable experience.
- Torture (weight 0.01): Torture is experienced in later levels that require distinguishing mosquito sounds in a symphony, which is extremely difficult and demanding.}