Open Roads

Pro

• Engaging story and character development
• Unique and visually appealing art style
• Strong voice performances adding depth to the narrative

Con

• Short duration with limited replayability
• Some may find gameplay lacking in depth
• The emotional payoff may be too muted for some players

Review

Open Roads takes players on a poignant journey alongside Tess and Opal, unraveling family secrets and long-forgotten memories. The beauty of this game lies not in action-packed gameplay, but rather in its narrative-driven experience. It's an emotional, thought-provoking dive into the complexities of a mother-daughter relationship set against the backdrop of a road trip. The visually arresting art style and notable voice performances create a compelling atmosphere that immerses players into Tess and Opal's story. Despite its captivating storytelling, Open Roads doesn’t escape criticism. The game’s brief nature might leave players craving more, questioning its value as a narrative that ends all too quickly. Additionally, players used to more interactive or complex mechanics may find Open Roads lacking in gameplay depth. In summary, it's a short but sweet narrative gem that could have used a little more fuel in the tank for a longer-lasting ride.

Background information

Open Roads has stirred the gaming community with its artistic endeavor to unfold a humanistic tale within the video game medium. Critics agree on the game’s emotional pull and beautifully crafted story, along with the strong portrayal of characters through voice acting. However, there’s a consensus on its brevity and its gameplay not being particularly mesmerizing. Some reviewers feel a disconnect with the characters and the story, indicating a missed potential in its execution. Games like God is a Geek and GameSpew have praised the game for its depth and engaging story, while outlets such as Siliconera have expressed disappointment in the game's substance. It's clear that Open Roads has been a polarizing narrative journey, pushing the boundaries of storytelling in games while also highlighting limitations of the medium when it comes to depth and interactivity.

Screenshots