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MONSTER

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

The Story of Broken Roads delivers sharp moral dilemmas and philosophical depth but stumbles on chaotic storytelling, clichéd tropes, and shallow characters, splitting critics between admiration for its ambition and frustration over its execution.

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 critical reception of The Story of Broken Roads highlights its strengths in philosophical depth and moral complexity. Many reviewers praised its intricate narrative, emphasizing the ethical dilemmas and intellectual engagement offered through dialogues and decision-making. CD-Action and Checkpoint Gaming lauded the post-apocalyptic setting for its focus on moral choices and character development, while Digitally Downloaded and God is a Geek highlighted the impactful decisions and well-crafted morality system. IGN Italia and Multiplayer.it noted the game’s engaging moral dilemmas and classic RPG influences, and Try Hard Guides commended its morally nuanced storytelling, where choices reflect shades of gray rather than simplistic good-or-evil binaries. The game’s exploration of humanity and survival in a fractured world resonated with critics who appreciated its thematic ambition and immersive writing. However, several critics pointed to significant flaws in execution. Gamepressure and GRYOnline.pl criticized the narrative for lacking coherent cause-and-effect sequences, with characters behaving inconsistently and the plot feeling chaotic. PCGamesN and RPG Site dismissed the story as derivative, with archetypal characters and unoriginal post-apocalyptic tropes, while Shacknews and WellPlayed faulted the dialogue as wooden and the characters as unengaging. XboxAddict and Xbox Tavern noted pacing issues, describing the story as slow and limited in progression, while New Game Network and PC Gamer called the narrative rushed and underdeveloped. Additionally, some reviewers, like Eurogamer Germany and GamingBolt, pointed to limitations in the dialogue system and the player character’s central role, which they felt constrained the story’s depth. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed, with the game’s philosophical ambition and moral systems earning praise but its storytelling and execution drawing criticism. While many celebrated its intellectual depth and choice-driven narrative, others found it lacking in coherence, character development, and emotional engagement. The divide reflects a game that prioritizes thematic exploration over traditional storytelling, appealing to fans of moral complexity but frustrating those seeking a more polished or immersive experience. Critics like CD-Action and Try Hard Guides championed its strengths, while Gamepressure and PCGamesN underscored its shortcomings, resulting in a polarizing yet thought-provoking reception.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Broken Roads dazzles with immersive exploration, moral-driven choices, and XCOM-like combat, but is bogged down by repetitive battles, clunky mechanics, and shallow consequences, delivering a polarizing mix of nostalgic charm and underdeveloped RPG elements.

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 receives praise for its exploration, dialogue-driven decision-making, and narrative focus, which are highlighted as its strongest elements. Critics like CD-Action and IGN Italia commend the moral compass mechanic, noting how it adds depth to character interactions and choices, while GamesHub and GamingTrend appreciate the turn-based combat system’s strategic parallels to XCOM and its potential for tactical engagement. The game’s emphasis on world-building and branching storylines, as mentioned by IGN Italia, resonates with fans of classic RPGs, and some reviewers, such as GamingBolt, acknowledge its modern take on traditional mechanics, including a morality system that influences character development. Additionally, the character customization options and skill allocation systems, mentioned by GamesHub and Multiplayer.it, offer players flexibility in shaping their playstyle, even if they are limited to the main character. These aspects suggest a foundation of engaging RPG elements that cater to fans of narrative-driven experiences. However, the gameplay is frequently criticized for its combat system, which many describe as unbalanced, simplistic, and repetitive. CD-Action, Checkpoint Gaming, and Eurogamer Germany all point to combat lacking depth and tactical engagement, with some calling it "forced" or "annoying" due to UI limitations and flawed mechanics. Critics like PC Gamer and PCGamesN highlight the turn-based combat as "bland" and "clunky," with fights becoming rote and unexciting after repeated encounters. XboxAddict and Xbox Tavern specifically criticize the combat’s slowness and frustration, comparing it unfavorably to older Fallout titles, while GRYOnline.pl and Gamepressure note technical glitches and tedious exploration that detract from immersion. The lack of meaningful consequences for choices, as pointed out by Eurogamer Germany and GRYOnline.pl, further undermines the game’s potential, leaving players with a sense of emptiness in both narrative and gameplay progression. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Broken Roads struggles to deliver a cohesive RPG experience, despite its ambitious design. While it retains nostalgic charm through its turn-based combat and moral decision-making systems, these elements are often overshadowed by repetitive mechanics, unbalanced difficulty, and a lack of innovation. The game’s focus on exploration and dialogue is appreciated by some, but the technical flaws, clunky UI, and disjointed quest design—cited by Gamepressure, GRYOnline.pl, and WellPlayed—create a frustrating experience. Though a few reviewers, like GamesHub and RPG Fan, find redeeming strategic depth and customization, the majority view the gameplay as underdeveloped, with combat feeling more like a chore than a core mechanic. This mixed reception underscores a disconnect between the game’s traditional RPG inspirations and its execution, leaving it as a polarizing title that prioritizes style over substance.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Broken Roads shines with its authentic, hand-drawn Australian aesthetic and rich environmental detail, but repetitive visuals, static design, and technical limitations drag down its overall polish and replayability.

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 been largely praised for their authentic and immersive portrayal of the Australian post-apocalyptic setting. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming and Digitally Downloaded highlighted the game’s "authentically Australian art style" and "unique depiction of the Australian landscape," emphasizing how it distinguishes itself from other RPGs by capturing the Outback’s desolation and cultural nuances. Gamepressure and RPG Site commended the blend of post-apocalyptic realism with fantasy elements, noting visually striking locations such as Lake Deborah and the "gorgeous painterly style" that effectively conveys the environment’s essence. Shacknews and XboxAddict also celebrated the hand-drawn visuals, which add a "well-worn" texture and a "painting-like" quality to the world, while PC Gamer and WellPlayed appreciated the "rich detail" and "attention to local flora and fauna," creating a "visually rich and expressive environment." These positives collectively underscore the game’s commitment to a distinct, culturally rooted aesthetic that resonates strongly with its setting. However, several critics pointed out limitations in the visual execution. God is a Geek and PCGamesN criticized the environments as "bland" and "static," with repetitive color palettes and minimal visual variety in desert vistas. GamingTrend noted that the isometric graphics, while "clean," lack dynamic changes based on character equipment, and Multiplayer.it mentioned budget constraints evident in "recycled icons" and "minimalistic menus." Xbox Tavern pointed to repetitive combat environments, while CD-Action and GamingBolt argued that the quest design and exploration fail to surprise, despite the game’s atmospheric strengths. Additionally, Softpedia noted that while character portraits are varied, "animations lacking" and "familiar interface design" detract from the overall experience. These critiques suggest that while the art style is commendable, technical and creative shortcomings in visual variety and polish are apparent. Overall, the consensus among critics leans toward admiration for Broken Roads’s artistic direction and its dedication to capturing the Australian outback’s unique identity, but there is a shared concern about its technical limitations and repetitive elements. The game’s hand-drawn visuals and cultural authenticity are seen as standout features, with RPG Site and Shacknews praising its painterly style and environmental storytelling. Yet, the lack of dynamic visual changes, recycled assets, and repetitive color schemes—highlighted by PCGamesN and God is a Geek—create a sense of stagnation. While Gamepressure and Eurogamer Germany acknowledged the blend of realism and fantasy, they also noted gaps in immersion and creativity. The visual design is thus a mixed bag: it succeeds in evoking a vivid, culturally rich world but struggles to maintain engagement through technical polish and variety, leaving room for improvement in future iterations.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Broken Roads' sound design and music earn praise for their atmospheric mood, authentic Australian accents, and immersive slang, but suffer from inconsistent voice acting, confusing effects, translation errors, and a lack of memorability, creating a mixed reception where strengths clash with technical flaws.

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 sound design and music of Broken Roads received several positive remarks from critics, highlighting their ability to enhance the game’s atmosphere and thematic elements. RPG Fan praised the soundtrack for its "chilled and reflective mood," while Shacknews noted that the voiceover work and environmental sounds contributed to a "distinct energy," aligning with the game’s unique tone. Softpedia commended the narrator’s voice work as a "highlight" and the soundtrack for fitting the universe, and COGconnected specifically lauded the "excellent music" that complements the experience. Additionally, Hooked Gamers appreciated the authenticity of Australian accents in dialogue, emphasizing the developers’ inclusion of an "encyclopedia of Australian slang terms" to enrich immersion. Critics like GamingBolt and RPG Site also acknowledged the voice acting as "decent" or "mostly good," with the latter noting that the soundtrack "is appreciated, especially in combat," suggesting it effectively supports the game’s narrative and gameplay. However, several critics pointed out inconsistencies and shortcomings in the audio elements. GamingTrend described the voice acting as "inconsistent" but acknowledged its role in adding immersion through Australian accents, while WellPlayed criticized the sound design as "somewhat confusing" and the voice acting for lacking "consistency in cadence and authenticity." Shacknews noted that the narrator's tone "doesn’t match the scenario," disrupting the experience, and RPG Site mentioned "inconsistencies in music tracks." XboxAddict found the sound design and music "not memorable," and Vandal highlighted issues with the English voice acting and errors in the Spanish translation. Xbox Tavern also expressed that while the limited voice acting with Australian accents was praised, more dialogue would have been welcomed. These critiques suggest that while the audio elements have strengths, they also suffer from uneven execution and technical flaws that detract from their impact. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed, with the music and Australian accents being the most celebrated aspects, but the sound design and voice acting facing significant criticism. The soundtrack is frequently praised for its mood-setting qualities and thematic relevance, though some note its lack of memorability. Voice acting, while adding authenticity through Australian accents, is often deemed inconsistent or underutilized, with issues like translation errors and uneven delivery. Sound design receives a split response, with some appreciating its atmospheric contributions and others finding it jarring or confusing. Despite these flaws, the audio elements are seen as integral to the game’s identity, with many agreeing that the music and accents effectively reinforce its setting, even if not all aspects are flawless. The review by RPG Site and WellPlayed encapsulate this duality, acknowledging the soundtrack’s strengths while critiquing its technical shortcomings.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Broken Roads' voice acting shines with authentic, culturally rich Australian accents and a gripping narrator, crafting an immersive post-apocalyptic vibe—but inconsistent performances, outdated dialects, and sparse dialogue leave many frustrated, making it a polarizing, fragmented audio experience that hints at potential but falls short of brilliance.

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 receives praise for its unique and immersive use of Australian accents, which many critics highlight as a standout feature. Checkpoint Gaming and GamingBolt both commend the authentic dialogue, noting that it enhances the game’s world-building and adds to the overall atmosphere, even with limited voice work. GamingTrend acknowledges the effort in gradually expanding the voice acting through patches, suggesting a positive trajectory for the game’s audio design. Hooked Gamers and Multiplayer.it emphasize the strong Australian accent as a defining characteristic, with the latter pointing out that the developers included an encyclopedia of slang to aid player understanding. Softpedia also praises the narrator’s performance, describing it as a strong and memorable element despite the constraints of limited dialogue. These critiques underscore the voice acting’s role in reinforcing the game’s apocalyptic Australian setting, creating a distinctive and culturally rooted experience. However, several critics express concerns about the inconsistency and quality of the voice acting. GamingTrend and WellPlayed both note that some performances feel forced or lack authenticity, with the latter criticizing the portrayal of Australian dialects as outdated and lacking nuance. RPG Site and Shacknews point to the limited scope of voice work, with only a few lines beyond narration and uneven quality among characters. Vandal’s observation of “inconsistent English voice acting” and XboxAddict’s dismissal of the minimal dialogue as unimpressive further highlight these shortcomings. While some reviewers appreciate the effort, others feel that the voice acting fails to fully realize its potential, with certain characters’ performances detracting from immersion rather than enhancing it. These critiques suggest that the voice acting, though thematically fitting, struggles with technical execution and depth. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed, with the Australian accents and narrator’s performance serving as key positives, but the limited scope and uneven quality of voice acting acting as notable drawbacks. While some praise the authenticity and cultural specificity, others argue that the inconsistency and lack of nuance undermine the experience. GamingTrend and Softpedia acknowledge the gradual improvements, but the broader sentiment leans toward the voice acting being a polarizing element—effective in creating atmosphere for some, but underwhelming or jarring for others. The game’s reliance on minimal dialogue and patch-based updates indicates a foundation that could evolve, yet current reviews suggest it falls short of being a defining strength, leaving players with a fragmented impression of its audio design.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Broken Roads is a technical disaster, with PC plagued by game-breaking bugs, illogical NPCs, and sluggish performance that render it frustrating and unplayable. While minor positives like hand-drawn art and autosaves exist, they’re drowned out by systemic instability across all platforms, making it a major barrier to enjoyment.

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 receives mixed feedback across platforms, with some positives noted despite widespread criticism. On PC, IGN Italia highlights "solid technical aspects with some minor glitches," while Multiplayer.it praises the "standout hand-drawn maps" and acknowledges the game’s artistic strengths despite budget constraints. Xbox Series X reviewers, like XboxAddict, note that frequent autosaves help mitigate the impact of bugs and crashes, offering a degree of stability. These positives suggest that while technical flaws are prevalent, certain elements—such as visual design and save mechanics—provide some relief to players. However, these strengths are overshadowed by more significant issues, particularly on PC, where the game’s technical shortcomings are most pronounced. The negatives for Broken Roads are overwhelmingly severe, especially on PC, where critics consistently report critical bugs, glitches, and performance issues. CD-Action and Checkpoint Gaming criticize the game for "bugs that hinder progress" and "game-breaking bugs," while Eurogamer Germany details "illogical NPC behaviors" and "nonsensical looting opportunities." GamesHub and PC Gamer highlight "long loading times," "freezes," and "broken combat mechanics," with PCGamesN noting that glitches disrupt the story’s flow and make the game "too dull to warrant a playthrough." On Xbox Series X, Xbox Tavern criticizes "long and unnecessary loading times," and COGconnected on PS5 mentions "some bugs and broken quests," indicating that technical issues are not exclusive to PC. These problems collectively paint a picture of a game struggling with stability and polish, regardless of platform. The overall consensus among critics is that Broken Roads suffers from significant technical flaws that detract from its core experience. While some positives—like IGN Italia’s "solid technical aspects" or Multiplayer.it’s hand-drawn maps—exist, they are frequently undermined by recurring issues such as bugs, glitches, and performance hiccups. WellPlayed and Softpedia emphasize that developers are addressing problems, but the game’s instability and lack of polish, as noted by RPG Site and New Game Network, make it difficult to recommend. The PC version, in particular, faces the harshest criticism, with multiple outlets like Eurogamer Germany and PCGamesN describing it as frustrating and unplayable in its current state. While Xbox and PS5 versions have fewer but still notable issues, the game’s technical performance remains a major barrier to enjoyment across all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Broken Roads is a double-edged sword—its branching narrative, moral choices, and player agency promise rich replayability, but underdeveloped gameplay, superficial systems, and technical flaws undermine its potential, leaving its longevity dependent on whether you prioritize ambition over execution.

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 reviewers generally acknowledge that Broken Roads has elements that contribute positively to its replay value, particularly its branching narrative and moral decision-making systems. Critics like GamesHub and Checkpoint Gaming highlight the game’s ability to offer high replayability through player choices that significantly impact the story and outcomes, with GamesHub emphasizing the narrative’s responsiveness to decisions and Checkpoint Gaming noting the variety of character builds and quest resolutions. Digitally Downloaded and IGN Italia praise the complexity of choices, pointing to how decisions shape character interactions and pathways, while Softpedia and Try Hard Guides commend the game’s encouragement of exploration and morally ambiguous scenarios. Additionally, COGconnected and Multiplayer.it stress the appeal of branching quests and multiple-choice dialogues, suggesting that the game’s focus on player agency creates opportunities for varied experiences across playthroughs. These positives indicate that the game’s design intentionally rewards repeated engagement for those invested in its themes and mechanics. However, several critics express concerns that undermine the game’s replay value. Gamepressure and PC Gamer argue that underdeveloped gameplay and a rushed story limit depth, making subsequent playthroughs feel less rewarding. PCGamesN and RPG Fan criticize the moral compass system for being superficial, with PCGamesN stating it has negligible influence in practice and RPG Fan pointing to anti-quality-of-life features like the journal. Xbox Tavern and Checkpoint Gaming highlight technical flaws, such as repetitive combat and unbalanced mechanics, while Shacknews notes that modular dialogue can reduce engagement. WellPlayed and CD-Action also mention linear narrative structures and lackluster gameplay, which may deter players from revisiting the game. These critiques suggest that while the game’s core ideas are promising, its execution and polish often fail to sustain long-term interest. The overall consensus among critics is mixed, with the game’s replay value hinging on individual player preferences. While several reviewers, including GamesHub and COGconnected, celebrate its narrative depth and choice-driven mechanics, others like PCGamesN and Gamepressure find the limited content and technical issues restrictive. The moral system is a polarizing point: Digitally Downloaded and IGN Italia see it as a strength, but PCGamesN and Shacknews argue it lacks meaningful impact. Similarly, Softpedia and Try Hard Guides suggest that exploration and varied outcomes justify multiple playthroughs, yet Xbox Tavern and WellPlayed counter that repetitive combat and linear design hinder this. Ultimately, the game’s replayability is seen as a double-edged sword—its thematic ambition and branching paths appeal to some, but its technical flaws and underdeveloped systems prevent it from fully realizing its potential for broader audiences.

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 verdict on Broken Roads highlights its strengths in narrative and thematic depth, with multiple critics praising its philosophical undertones and unique Australian setting. CD-Action and GamesHub both commend the game’s "narrative depth" and "engaging exploration of Australian culture," while GamingBolt and Try Hard Guides emphasize its "beautifully realized setting" and "phenomenal writing," noting its blend of classical RPG vibes with modern mechanics. The moral compass system is frequently lauded as a standout feature, with critics like Checkpoint Gaming and IGN Italia acknowledging its "complex moral choices" and "impactful decisions" that shape gameplay. Additionally, the game’s atmospheric storytelling and culturally rich world-building are seen as its most compelling aspects, offering a refreshing take on post-apocalyptic themes and resonating with fans of traditional CRPGs. These elements collectively position Broken Roads as a title with ambitious ideas and a strong foundation in its narrative design. However, the negatives are equally prominent, with technical flaws, gameplay shortcomings, and repetitive mechanics overshadowing its potential. Eurogamer Germany and Gamepressure describe the game as "underdeveloped," "thoughtless," and "messy," while PCGamesN criticizes its "dull gameplay" and "lack of visual distinctiveness." Issues like "clunky combat," "game-breaking bugs," and "underwhelming combat" are recurring complaints, with GamingTrend and Xbox Tavern pointing to a "rushed story" and "slow combat" as major drawbacks. Critics such as PC Gamer and RPG Site highlight "technical issues" and "limited replayability," while Shacknews and WellPlayed note that the "Moral Compass system" feels "clumsy" and the "quest design" is "laborious." These criticisms suggest that the game’s execution struggles to match its aspirations, leaving many reviewers frustrated by its polish and design choices. Despite these mixed reactions, the consensus among critics leans toward a cautious recommendation, acknowledging Broken Roads as a promising but imperfect debut. While some, like CD-Action and Checkpoint Gaming, describe it as a "tentative recommendation" due to its flaws, others, such as Softpedia and GamingBolt, see it as a "solid effort" or "fantastic debut" that could improve with patches and community engagement. The game’s cultural authenticity and storytelling resonate with niche audiences, but its technical and gameplay issues create a barrier for broader appeal. Overall, the reviews reflect a divide between those who appreciate its bold narrative and setting and those who find its execution too flawed to fully recommend, resulting in a mixed experience that hinges on player tolerance for imperfections.

TL;DR

Broken Roads is a bold, narrative-rich RPG with philosophical depth and a vibrant Australian setting, but clunky combat, technical bugs, and repetitive mechanics undermine its ambition. While its moral choices and atmospheric storytelling dazzle, flawed execution splits critics—celebrated for vision, hindered by polish issues that test player patience.

MONSTER

Reviews

56 reviews found

Try Hard Guides

Apr 10, 2024