Developer: DigixArt
Publisher: Ravenscourt
ReleaseDate: 13th April 2022
Platforms: PlayStation (cross-buy), Xbox, Switch & PC
Reviewed on: PlayStation 5
* Code provided by the publisher *
Ever since the first season of Telltale’s The Walking Dead, I have had an affinity for these story-heavy narrative adventures. We’ve been treated to some real gems over recent years with the likes of Firewatch from Campo Santo being a particular standout. Road 96 takes aspects of both and adds in a multi-layered story that spans many characters and chapters.
With gameplay taking a back seat, it’s even more important for the narrative to land. Thankfully this is exactly where the game thrives. In each chapter, you take on the role of another missing child who is headed to road 96 in an attempt to cross the border. The premise is impactful and really thought-provoking. Youngsters are trying to flee from Petria, a fictional state that is run by a dictator who is willing to do anything to stay in power. Even if it does mean arresting those who protest or try to leave.
The cast of characters you meet along with way is just as important as the central narrative though. There’s a self-obsessed TV anchor who knows where her bread is buttered, the two knights in not so shining armour trying to protect her from afar, a psychotic taxi driver and more. Across the various episodes, playing as a different runaway teen each time you will meet these various characters in different scenarios, uncovering more of their backstory and motivations each time.
None of the protagonists are voiced. You will instead select dialogue options from usually two or three different options. This could have easily been a drawback for the game, but Road 96 does such an excellent job of putting you in the shoes of each character that I found myself glad there was no audible voice to break the immersion. The rest of the cast’s voice acting is completely on point, and this helped you create bonds with them during your multiple runs.
The game is played from a first-person perspective, and while there is no combat to speak of, you won’t just be walking and selecting dialogue options. There are a host of cool mini-games, some of them optional, that you can play throughout your various journeys. While none of these were groundbreaking, the odd game of air hockey, pong and more really did a good job of breaking up some of the more serious tones.
Also, while as I mentioned you won’t be getting into shootouts or fistfights, you do still have a health meter. To keep this up you need to eat, drink and rest. Often times all three of these options come at a cost and as a young runaway, you aren’t exactly flush with cash. So you’ll have to scour each area trying to loot and often steal to survive. This does a great job of hammering home just how grim your situation is.
The platinum/1000G isn’t difficult, but you will need to be on your toes. You’ll need to keep your eyes peeled in order to collect all tapes as they appear in random locations so a guide doesn’t really help. If you are pretty thorough you should be looking at a relatively straightforward completion in around 6-8 hours.
Overall I was really impressed with Road 96. I always enjoy these narrative adventure games, but few have managed to deliver such a powerful story while also incorporating over the top characters. There are a few niggles like dialogue options moving with the character and the graphics certainly aren’t anything to write home about, but the overall presentation is good and fits the style of the game. Road 96 is a journey worth taking.
-Craig ✌️
