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Broken Roads

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Broken Roads
Item: Broken Roads
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2024

GenresIndie, RPG, Top-Down Perspective, Strategy, Single Player

AvailableApr 10, 2024

PlatformPC, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox One

DeveloperDrop Bear Bytes

Overview

Broken Roads was born of a love for traditional isometric computer role-playing, and will provide a rich, engaging narrative in which players make their way across a desolated Australia. Blending together traditional and all-new role-playing elements on top of a classless system offering near-unlimited character development options, Broken Roads presents players with an original morality system: the Moral Compass. This novel design sees dialogue options and questing decisions influence, and be influenced by, a character's philosophical leaning.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Broken Roads impresses with its rich narrative and deep philosophical themes, drawing praise for its complex moral dilemmas and immersive post-apocalyptic setting. However, critics agree that the execution falters, with many citing a disjointed plot, lack of meaningful consequences, and wooden dialogue. While the foundation for a compelling story is there, the overall experience is hampered by underdeveloped characters and aimless storytelling, leaving players wanting more depth and engagement. In short, it has potential but ultimately falls short of a memorable narrative experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

50%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

23%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

27%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Broken Roads has garnered a range of positive feedback from critics, particularly for its rich narrative and philosophical depth. Reviewers like CD-Action and Try Hard Guides highlight the game's complex moral dilemmas and engaging writing, which stimulate intellectual engagement and provoke thought. Critics such as God is a Geek and Vandal appreciate the game's focus on moral choices and character interactions, emphasizing the immersive nature of the post-apocalyptic Australian setting. The narrative's ability to explore themes of humanity and survival, as noted by GamingTrend and Hooked Gamers, adds layers of depth that resonate with players looking for a meaningful story experience. However, despite these strengths, numerous critics have pointed out significant shortcomings in the storytelling. Eurogamer Germany and GRYOnline.pl express concerns about the lack of meaningful consequences and a compelling overarching plot, suggesting that the narrative feels chaotic and unsatisfying. Critics like New Game Network and PCGamesN describe the story as clumsy and underdeveloped, with aimless wandering and familiar tropes that fail to excite. Moreover, Shacknews criticizes the dialogue for being wooden and the plot for lacking direction, which detracts from the overall engagement with the story. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while Broken Roads offers a promising foundation with its philosophical themes and moral complexity, it struggles with execution. Many reviewers acknowledge the potential for a deep narrative experience, but the lack of character development, meaningful choices, and a coherent plot hampers its effectiveness. Critics like RPG Site and PC Gamer encapsulate this sentiment by noting the initial strength of the moral dilemmas, which ultimately falter due to the absence of impactful consequences. Therefore, while Broken Roads has elements that could appeal to fans of narrative-driven games, it appears to fall short of delivering a fully realized and engaging story.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Broken Roads offers classic RPG charm and a unique moral compass that enriches character development, but it stumbles with a combat system that feels shallow and unengaging. Critics praise its narrative focus and character customization, yet lament the repetitive and clunky combat, as well as lackluster exploration and dialogue depth. Despite its solid foundations, the game struggles with technical issues and uninspired quest design, ultimately disappointing players seeking a robust RPG experience. Fans of traditional RPGs might find some enjoyment, but its flaws could alienate a wider audience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

69%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

23%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Broken Roads has garnered some praise from critics, particularly for its adherence to classic RPG mechanics and the inclusion of a moral compass that influences character development and dialogue interactions. Reviewers like GamingBolt and IGN Italia highlight the game's narrative focus and the unique moral system, which adds a layer of complexity to character choices and interactions. Additionally, some critics, such as GamingTrend and Hooked Gamers, appreciate the turn-based combat system, noting its strategic elements and opportunities for exploration and character progression. The freedom in character builds and quest resolutions is also mentioned positively by Checkpoint Gaming, suggesting that players can engage with the game in a personalized manner. However, the gameplay of Broken Roads is marred by numerous criticisms, particularly regarding its combat system, which many reviewers describe as lacking depth and engagement. Critics like CD-Action and Eurogamer Germany express frustration with the combat feeling forced and unbalanced, while others, such as Shacknews and New Game Network, describe it as boring and clunky, leading to a repetitive experience. The exploration and dialogue mechanics have also been criticized for feeling empty and lacking meaningful consequences, as noted by GRYOnline.pl and Gamepressure. Furthermore, issues with UI limitations and technical glitches have been highlighted, with Gamepressure mentioning tedious tasks and aimless wandering that detract from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Broken Roads has a solid foundation in classic RPG elements and an intriguing moral compass mechanic, it ultimately falls short in delivering a satisfying gameplay experience. The combat system is frequently described as simplistic and unremarkable, with many reviewers, including PC Gamer and PCGamesN, noting that it lacks the depth and engagement expected from modern RPGs. Additionally, the exploration and quest design appear to be a point of contention, with several critics indicating that they feel disjointed or padded with unnecessary tasks. As a result, while Broken Roads may appeal to fans of traditional RPGs, its shortcomings in combat and gameplay mechanics may hinder its overall reception among a broader audience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Broken Roads impresses with its stunning hand-drawn visuals and authentic Australian landscapes, immersing players in a rich post-apocalyptic Outback. Critics laud its painterly style and attention to local flora and fauna, but flag issues like underwhelming character models and a lack of visual variety. While the game's ambiance shines, concerns about static backgrounds and limited customization leave room for improvement. Overall, it’s a visually engaging experience with notable limitations.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

38%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

63%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Broken Roads have received a generally positive reception from critics, who commend its unique and authentic representation of the Australian landscape. Reviewers like Checkpoint Gaming and Digitally Downloaded highlight the game's ability to immerse players in a post-apocalyptic Outback setting, with an art style that feels authentically Australian. The hand-drawn visuals are frequently praised for their painterly quality, as noted by RPG Site and Shacknews, who describe the environments as visually stunning and rich in detail. Critics like WellPlayed also appreciate the attention to local flora and fauna, which adds warmth and texture to the world, contributing to an overall immersive experience. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the visual design that temper the initial praise. Several reviewers, including God is a Geek and PCGamesN, point out that character models lack detail and do not change based on equipped clothing, which detracts from the overall visual appeal. Additionally, some critics, such as Eurogamer Germany and GamingBolt, mention that while the settings are well-realized, the game falls short in delivering complex visual effects and variety, with static backgrounds and a repetitive color palette. This sentiment is echoed by critics like GamingTrend and Multiplayer.it, who highlight budget constraints that manifest in recycled icons and minimalistic menus. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while Broken Roads excels in creating a visually engaging and atmospheric representation of its unique setting, it is hampered by certain limitations in character design and visual variety. The game's hand-drawn aesthetic and painterly style are frequently celebrated, as seen in reviews from XboxAddict and COGconnected, but the lack of dynamic elements and detail in character models has led to a mixed reception. Critics appreciate the charm and authenticity of the visuals, yet many agree that there is room for improvement, particularly in enhancing character customization and diversifying the visual experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics praise Broken Roads for its atmospheric music and authentic Australian accents, enhancing the gaming experience. However, they highlight significant flaws in voice acting, including inconsistencies and a lack of depth, with many cutscenes relying on static images. While the soundtrack enriches the mood, the overall sound design needs more consistency and memorable elements.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

14%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

79%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of various critics regarding the sound design and music of Broken Roads reveal several positive aspects that enhance the overall gaming experience. Many reviewers, such as GamingBolt and COGconnected, commend the game's music for its ability to set a fitting atmosphere, with COGconnected highlighting the excellent music as a key enhancement to the experience. The incorporation of Australian accents in the voice acting is also frequently praised, with Hooked Gamers and Xbox Tavern noting that these accents add authenticity and immersion to the game's setting. Additionally, RPG Fan mentions that the music creates a chilled and reflective mood, which aligns well with the game's tone, while Softpedia appreciates the soundtrack's fitting nature for the universe. However, the critiques also highlight several significant shortcomings in the sound design and voice acting. Many reviewers, including GamingTrend and WellPlayed, point out inconsistencies in the voice acting, with GamingTrend describing it as "inconsistent" and WellPlayed noting a lack of authenticity and cadence. The sparse nature of voice acting is a recurring theme, with RPG Site mentioning that major cutscenes rely on still images rather than dynamic visuals, which detracts from the narrative experience. Furthermore, some critics like Shacknews express concerns that the narrator's tone does not align with the scenarios presented, impacting the overall immersion. XboxAddict even goes as far as to state that the sound design and music did not stand out, indicating a lack of memorable audio elements. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Broken Roads excels in certain areas, particularly with its music and the authenticity of its Australian accents, there are notable inconsistencies and shortcomings in the voice acting and sound design. Critics like RPG Fan and COGconnected appreciate the music's contribution to the game's atmosphere, but many others, such as GamingTrend and WellPlayed, emphasize the need for more consistency and depth in voice performances. This mixed reception indicates that while the sound elements contribute positively to the experience, they also leave room for improvement, particularly in the execution of voice acting and sound design coherence.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

The voice acting in "Broken Roads" garners mixed reviews; praised for authentic Australian dialogue that enhances immersion, yet criticized for inconsistent performances and limited range. While some accents shine, others feel forced and outdated, detracting from the experience. Despite hopes for future improvements, many critics agree the voice acting currently lacks the depth and variety needed to leave a lasting impact.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

83%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

17%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in "Broken Roads" has received a mix of praise from critics, particularly for its authenticity and ability to immerse players in the game's setting. Checkpoint Gaming highlights the "authentic Australian dialogue" as a significant asset that enhances the overall experience. Similarly, Xbox Tavern appreciates the limited but effective voice acting, noting that it contributes to the apocalyptic Australian atmosphere. Critics like GamingBolt also recognize that while the voice acting has its flaws, it generally succeeds in presenting the game's world, with only a few characters falling short. The inclusion of an encyclopedia of Australian slang, as mentioned by Hooked Gamers, further enriches the experience for players unfamiliar with the dialect, showcasing the developers' commitment to cultural authenticity. However, the criticisms surrounding the voice acting are notable and suggest a lack of consistency across performances. GamingTrend points out that some voice performances feel forced and can break immersion, while RPG Site mentions that the limited voice acting consists of only a few lines beyond narration, with certain characters' quality being subpar. Critics such as WellPlayed echo these sentiments, indicating that the performances lack authenticity and nuance in portraying the Australian dialect, with some language feeling outdated. Shacknews adds that while the voice acting is decent, it does not always align with the tone of the scenarios, suggesting a disconnect that can detract from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates a mixed reception for the voice acting in "Broken Roads." While there are commendable aspects, such as the authentic Australian accents and the immersive qualities they bring to the game, the limitations in the quantity and quality of performances leave much to be desired. Critics like Vandal and XboxAddict emphasize the inconsistency and minimal dialogue, which, despite being effective in some contexts, fails to leave a lasting impression overall. As the game continues to receive updates, as noted by GamingTrend, there is hope that improvements in voice work could enhance the experience, but for now, the voice acting remains a point of contention among reviewers.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

TL;DR: "Broken Roads" faces severe technical issues across all platforms, overshadowing its artistic design and minor positives. Critics report game-breaking bugs, long loading times, and inconsistent mechanics, leaving a generally negative impression. While some aspects like hand-drawn maps are praised, the persistent glitches hinder gameplay, indicating urgent need for developer fixes.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

29%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

71%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of "Broken Roads" has garnered a mixed reception across various platforms, with some positive aspects noted. For PC, critics like IGN Italia acknowledged solid technical aspects despite minor glitches, while Multiplayer.it highlighted the standout hand-drawn maps, showcasing the game's artistic vision. On the Xbox Series X, XboxAddict mentioned that frequent autosaves helped mitigate the impact of bugs and crashes, suggesting some level of thoughtful design in the game's save system. On the PS5, COGconnected pointed out the presence of bugs and broken quests but did not elaborate on any significant positives, indicating that the experience might be more stable than on PC. However, the negatives heavily overshadow the positives across all platforms. The PC version received the brunt of criticism, with multiple reviewers, including CD-Action and Checkpoint Gaming, reporting game-breaking bugs that hinder progress and disrupt the overall experience. Eurogamer Germany elaborated on various inconsistencies, including faulty NPC behaviors and unclear quest descriptions, while Gamepressure noted technical glitches affecting conversations. On Xbox Series X, Xbox Tavern criticized long and unnecessary loading times, which detracted from the gameplay experience. Similarly, COGconnected's mention of bugs on PS5 indicates that the technical issues are not limited to one platform, suggesting a broader problem with the game's development. Overall, the consensus among critics across all platforms is that "Broken Roads" suffers from significant technical issues that detract from the gameplay experience. While there are commendable elements, such as the artistic design and some functional aspects, the persistent bugs, performance problems, and inconsistent gameplay mechanics have led to a generally negative perception. Critics like PC Gamer and WellPlayed emphasized that the technical issues impact the overall experience, making it difficult for players to fully enjoy what the game has to offer. As a result, the game's technical performance appears to be a major hurdle that developers will need to address in future updates to improve player satisfaction.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Broken Roads boasts strong replay potential thanks to impactful player choices and diverse character builds, as praised by critics. However, rampant technical issues, a lackluster narrative, and repetitive gameplay cast a shadow on its replayability. While it invites exploration of moral dilemmas, many reviewers indicate that execution flaws may deter players from multiple runs.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

20%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

65%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

15%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions regarding the replay value of Broken Roads highlight several positive aspects that contribute to its potential for multiple playthroughs. Critics like GamesHub and Checkpoint Gaming emphasize the game's significant impact of player choices on the narrative and outcomes, which encourages players to explore different character builds and quest resolutions. The complexity and authenticity of the decision-making process, as noted by Digitally Downloaded, further enhance the replay value, allowing players to experience varied pathways and character responses. Additionally, Hooked Gamers points out that completing side quests and making different moral choices can affect gameplay and character interactions, providing a richer experience for those willing to invest in multiple runs. However, there are notable criticisms that cast doubt on the game's overall replayability. Many reviewers, including CD-Action and Gamepressure, mention technical issues, bugs, and underdeveloped gameplay as significant deterrents for players considering multiple playthroughs. The narrative's limited depth and the rushed story, as highlighted by PC Gamer, contribute to a sense of aimlessness that may dissuade players from returning. Critics like WellPlayed and Xbox Tavern also point out the linear narrative structure and repetitive combat encounters, which can hinder the exploration of different outcomes and reduce the overall replay value. In summary, while Broken Roads offers intriguing mechanics such as moral choices and character customization that could enhance replay value, many critics express concerns about its execution. The consensus suggests that while there is potential for multiple playthroughs, particularly for those interested in exploring various moral dilemmas and character paths, technical shortcomings and narrative limitations may significantly impact the experience. Critics like God is a Geek and PCGamesN illustrate this divide, noting that despite the game's promising elements, the overall execution may leave players feeling less inclined to revisit the game after their initial experience.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

19%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

59%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

22%

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment regarding "Broken Roads" reflects a mix of appreciation for its narrative elements and cultural authenticity, alongside significant criticisms of its gameplay mechanics. Many reviewers, including CD-Action and Try Hard Guides, praised the game for its narrative depth, philosophical themes, and engaging writing. Critics like GamesHub highlighted the game's exploration of Australian culture and moral choices, which add a unique flavor to the RPG experience. The artistic direction and setting received commendations from multiple sources, with GamingBolt calling it a fantastic debut for Drop Bear Bytes, showcasing a blend of classical RPG vibes with modern mechanics. However, the negatives surrounding "Broken Roads" are equally prominent, with a consensus that the game suffers from various technical issues and gameplay shortcomings. Reviewers such as Checkpoint Gaming and New Game Network pointed out game-breaking bugs, underwhelming combat, and lackluster quests that hinder the overall experience. Critics like Eurogamer Germany and PC Gamer echoed these sentiments, noting that the game falls short of its ambitions due to poor direction and rushed storytelling. The technical limitations, including glitches and clunky mechanics, were frequently mentioned, suggesting that these issues significantly detract from the game's potential. In summary, while "Broken Roads" has garnered praise for its ambitious narrative and cultural representation, the overwhelming consensus among critics is that it struggles with execution. Many reviewers, including GRYOnline.pl and Shacknews, noted that the game fails to maintain player engagement and deliver a compelling role-playing experience. Despite its promising elements, the combination of technical flaws and gameplay issues has led to a mixed reception, with some critics recommending it primarily for genre enthusiasts willing to overlook its shortcomings, while others advise waiting for patches and improvements.

TL;DR

"Broken Roads" impresses with its deep narrative and cultural authenticity, earning praise for its philosophical themes and artistic direction. However, it suffers from significant technical flaws and poor gameplay, including game-breaking bugs and lackluster combat. Critics agree that while it has potential, the execution falls short, leading to a mixed reception—best suited for genre fans willing to tolerate its shortcomings or those advised to wait for fixes.

MONSTER

Reviews

56 reviews found

Try Hard Guides

Apr 10, 2024