Circular Reference
Circular Reference
A spreadsheet tactics roguelike about unstable formulas, dangerous layouts, pressure cascades, and the terrible confidence of office software.
Build dangerous spreadsheet engines across competing spreadsheet systems, each with their own rules, strengths, weaknesses, and computational philosophy.
Place formulas onto workbook grids, exploit pressure zones, stabilize unstable layouts, and decide whether the next recalculation is worth the risk.
Dense cluster builds, audit-safe ledgers, recursive dependency chains, corruption management, and unstable workbook states all shape how your run evolves.
- Multiple spreadsheet systems with unique gameplay identities
- Formula placement tactics and adjacency combos
- Pressure, instability, and cascading workbook states
- Distinct department books with specialized terrain
- Run-defining constraints and passive modifiers
- Procedural strategic builds and optimization paths
- Retro office software aesthetics
- Spreadsheet horror for people who enjoy dangerous efficiency
Dense tactical layouts and aggressive optimization.
Corporate infrastructure and audit-safe clustering.
Sparse efficiency builds and precision layouts.
Predictive dependency chains and future payout scaling.
This is an active prototype build focused on core systems, workbook identities, formula interactions, and recalculation strategy.
Feedback on readability, pacing, build variety, and instability mechanics is especially appreciated.
Development log
- Prototype 0.1.22 days ago
- Prototype 0.1.13 days ago
- Prototype 0.1.05 days ago
Comments
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woah first impression is: so many texts, so much input. how about introducing the stuff one by one and doing the tutorial via pop up or at least highlighting it? because i was utterly lost on the page until i found my way around. also is there an easier way than clicking a cell, clicking it again, selecting value, then clicking the cell a third time to add something? should be doable with 2 clicks total, dont you think?
I totally agree it's a bit much. Still working out the tutorial/easing in process but definitely in the works.
Great idea with huge potential. Love the design as well
So far my main complain is that I didn't understand most of the vocabulary, what it means, how it triggers and what's the impact : instability, pressure, error spreading, volatile or corrupted sheets... I'm guessing there's a lot happenning under the hood, but without a tutorial (which obviously is not a priority for an early prototype), everything is pretty cryptic and I just used trial and error to figure out what to place where.
Regarding pacing, it may sound weird but I think there is not enough grind at all : after a few clics I could already afford most of the options on the right, which is a bit overwhelming. I'd rather have only 1 value cell at the start, clic to get a few more, place those and clic again, unlock first sum, etc.
Very curious about how it'll turn out, I'll keep an eye on it!
Thank you so much! I'm hoping to start working on a tutorial soon and to balance out the economy as well. I'll definitely take what you said forward as I iron out the game flow.