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Broken Roads

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

2024

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

AvailableApr 10, 2024

PlatformNintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PlayStation 5

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 receives mixed reviews from critics: praised for engaging writing and moral choices, but criticized for lack of consequences and character development. Offers a thought-provoking experience with moral dilemmas, but falls short in delivering a cohesive and immersive narrative for all players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

52%

Mixed (50-79)

20%

Negative (0-49)

28%

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

The Story of Broken Roads has received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics regarding its narrative. Several reviewers praised the game for its engaging writing, complex moral choices, and impactful decisions. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming and Vandal appreciated the focus on philosophical themes, moral dilemmas, and character interactions, which added depth and complexity to the storytelling. The game's emphasis on ethical exploration, as highlighted by COGconnected, was also commended for impacting various aspects such as events, quests, characters, and dialogue. Additionally, the inclusion of a morality compass system, as noted by Xbox Tavern and God is a Geek, was seen as a unique and immersive element that enhanced the player's decision-making experience. On the other hand, some critics pointed out several shortcomings in the story of Broken Roads. Reviewers such as New Game Network and PCGamesN criticized the narrative for being clumsy, lacking clear direction, and struggling to maintain player engagement. The lack of meaningful consequences and impact from companions, as mentioned by Eurogamer Germany, was also a drawback that hindered the overall storytelling experience. RPG Site highlighted that while the story started strong with moral dilemmas, it failed to deliver meaningful choices or impactful consequences, leading to a lack of character development and limited interactions. Additionally, Shacknews criticized the wooden dialogue, middling plot, and disruptive narrator, which detracted from the seriousness of the narrative. Overall, the opinions of the critics regarding the Story of Broken Roads are divided. While some reviewers appreciated the game's complex narrative, philosophical themes, and moral decision-making aspects, others found issues with the lack of meaningful consequences, character development, and engaging storytelling. The consensus suggests that Broken Roads offers a thought-provoking experience with its emphasis on morality and ethical dilemmas, but it falls short in delivering a cohesive and immersive narrative for all players. As noted by Try Hard Guides, the storytelling reflects shades of grey in decision-making, which can be engaging for those seeking morally complex choices. However, as highlighted by PC Gamer and RPG Site, the narrative may feel rushed, underdeveloped, and lacking in impactful storytelling elements for a more immersive experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

The gameplay of Broken Roads has received mixed reviews. Critics praised player freedom and unique character builds, but criticized the lack of depth in combat mechanics, tedious exploration, and repetitive quests. While some appreciated the narrative and moral compass system, many found combat boring and unengaging. Overall, the consensus leans towards the negative side, with the game struggling to balance engaging choices with unexciting gameplay elements.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

68%

Negative (0-49)

24%

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

The gameplay of Broken Roads has received mixed reviews from critics. Some positive aspects highlighted by reviewers include the emphasis on player freedom in character builds and quest resolutions, as noted by Checkpoint Gaming. GamingTrend also praised the variety of archetypes with unique attributes and skills, offering players interesting choices for problem-solving through combat and dialogue options. Additionally, IGN Italia commended the focus on narrative, dialogue, and world-building, particularly the implementation of a unique moral compass system that influences gameplay and character interactions. On the other hand, several critics pointed out various negatives in the gameplay of Broken Roads. Common criticisms include the lack of depth in combat mechanics, with issues such as unbalanced encounters, lack of tactical depth, and repetitive nature of fights, as highlighted by multiple critics like CD-Action, Eurogamer Germany, and New Game Network. Furthermore, the gameplay was criticized for being tedious and repetitive due to meticulous exploration, unengaging combat mechanics, and lack of enjoyable quests, as mentioned by GRYOnline.pl and PCGamesN. Combat was a major point of contention, with critics like Shacknews and WellPlayed describing it as boring, lacking interesting elements, and sometimes feeling like a chore. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the gameplay of Broken Roads leans towards the negative side. While some appreciated certain aspects such as player freedom, character development choices, and narrative focus, the prevalent issues with combat mechanics, lack of depth in gameplay systems, and repetitive nature of quests were commonly highlighted. The game seems to struggle with balancing engaging player choices and meaningful consequences with tedious and unexciting gameplay elements. As GamingBolt mentioned, the game offers a modern take on classical RPG concepts, but the execution falls short in providing a consistently engaging and satisfying gameplay experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Critics rave about Broken Roads' unique visual design, praising its authentic post-apocalyptic Australian setting, hand-drawn art style, and attention to detail. The game's depiction of the Australian landscape shines, immersing players in a visually rich environment. However, some critics feel the storytelling falls short of being immersive, character models lack variety, and visuals may feel repetitive with static backgrounds. Overall, while Broken Roads excels in capturing the essence of its setting, there are concerns about visual variety and storytelling depth.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

35%

Mixed (50-79)

65%

Negative (0-49)

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

The critics generally praise Broken Roads for its unique and authentic visual design that effectively captures the post-apocalyptic Australian setting. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming, RPG Site, and WellPlayed commend the hand-drawn art style for bringing warmth and texture to the world, with attention to detail for local flora and fauna, creating a visually rich and expressive environment. The game's depiction of the Australian landscape is highlighted as a standout feature, with locations like Lake Deborah being visually stunning, as noted by RPG Site. The game's art direction is also commended for its impressive rendition of the post-apocalyptic Outback, with an authentically Australian aesthetic that immerses players in the setting, according to Checkpoint Gaming. On the negative side, some critics express concerns about certain aspects of the visual design in Broken Roads. Eurogamer Germany mentions that while the game feels like a graphic novel and offers a diverse world to explore, it fails to engage players in immersive storytelling. This sentiment is echoed by God is a Geek, who finds the environments a little bland and criticizes the lack of character model changes based on equipped clothing. PCGamesN notes that the visuals, while serviceable, lack distinction and variety, featuring static hand-drawn backgrounds with polygonal models and environments that may feel repetitive. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Broken Roads excels in capturing the essence of the post-apocalyptic Australian wasteland through its unique visual design and art style. The game's hand-drawn visuals, attention to detail in depicting the setting, and immersive atmosphere are widely appreciated. However, there are concerns raised about the lack of visual variety, repetitive environments, and limitations in character customization and storytelling immersion. Despite these criticisms, the majority of reviewers acknowledge the game's strengths in creating a visually engaging world that stands out for its authenticity and artistic direction.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed feelings about the sound design and music of Broken Roads. Positive feedback praises the music's mood-setting and narrator's voice work, while some criticize inconsistencies in voice acting and music tracks. Australian accents add authenticity, but issues like inconsistent cadence impact immersion. Overall, there are strengths but also areas for improvement to enhance the game's audio experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

15%

Mixed (50-79)

77%

Negative (0-49)

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

The Sound Design and Music of Broken Roads have received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Several reviewers highlighted the positive aspects of the game's sound design and music. RPG Fan appreciated the music for setting a chilled and reflective mood, while Softpedia praised the narrator's voice work as a highlight. Additionally, COGconnected specifically praised the excellent music of the game, noting that it enhances the overall experience. These positive comments indicate that the music and certain aspects of the sound design were well-received by some critics, contributing positively to the game's atmosphere and immersion. On the other hand, there were some criticisms regarding the sound design and music of Broken Roads. GamingTrend mentioned that the voice acting was inconsistent, while RPG Site pointed out inconsistencies in the music tracks. WellPlayed noted that the voice acting lacked consistency in cadence and authenticity, impacting the overall experience. Shacknews also highlighted that the narrator didn't always match the tone of the scenario, which affected the immersion. These critiques suggest that while there were some strong elements in the sound design and music, there were also areas where improvements could be made to enhance the overall quality of the audio experience in the game. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Broken Roads leans towards a mixed reception. While some critics appreciated aspects such as the music enhancing the atmosphere and the narrator's voice work, others pointed out inconsistencies in voice acting, music tracks, and narration that detracted from the overall experience. The inclusion of Australian accents in voice acting was generally seen as adding authenticity to the setting, as highlighted by Hooked Gamers and Xbox Tavern. However, issues such as inconsistency in voice acting and music tracks were noted by reviewers like GamingTrend and RPG Site. In conclusion, while Broken Roads received praise for certain audio elements, there is room for improvement to ensure a more cohesive and immersive sound design and music experience for players.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

In Broken Roads, critics have mixed feelings about the voice acting. Some laud the authentic Australian dialogue for its immersive quality, while others criticize inconsistencies and lack of quality. The strong Australian accents were praised by some, but others felt that performances were forced and lacked authenticity. Overall, reviewers have varying opinions on the voice work, with some improvements being made through patches.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

82%

Negative (0-49)

18%

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

The voice acting in Broken Roads has received mixed reviews from critics. Many reviewers appreciated the authentic Australian dialogue present in the game, which added to the immersive experience. Checkpoint Gaming noted that the limited voice acting was enhanced by the Australian dialect, creating a unique atmosphere. Similarly, Multiplayer.it highlighted the strong Australian accent in the voice acting, contributing to the game's setting. Additionally, Softpedia praised the narrator for standing out with a strong Australian accent, despite the limited voice work. On the other hand, several critics pointed out the inconsistencies and shortcomings in the voice acting of Broken Roads. GamingTrend and RPG Site both mentioned issues with certain performances feeling forced or lacking quality, which broke immersion for players. WellPlayed criticized the lack of consistency and authenticity in portraying the Australian dialect, with some language feeling outdated and lacking nuance. Shacknews also noted that the narrator did not always match the tone of the scenario, highlighting a disconnect in the voice acting delivery. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the voice acting in Broken Roads is a mixed bag. While some appreciated the authentic Australian dialogue and strong accents, others found the performances to be inconsistent and immersion-breaking. The limited voice work, coupled with varying levels of quality in the delivery, led to a divisive reception among reviewers. However, it seems that the voice acting is being improved upon with patches, as mentioned by GamingTrend, indicating that the developers are actively addressing some of the issues raised by critics.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Critics praised Broken Roads on PC for its solid technical aspects and standout hand-drawn maps, but these positives were overshadowed by a multitude of technical issues. Critics highlighted game-breaking bugs, inconsistencies, and sluggish movement that significantly impacted gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus leans heavily towards the negative side due to prevalent technical performance issues, with glitches and bugs disrupting gameplay flow and causing frustration for players across different platforms. Despite some positives, such as hand-drawn maps, the game's technical issues were a major point of criticism among reviewers, with the developers' perceived lack of effective addressing further adding to the negative sentiment.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

25%

Negative (0-49)

75%

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

In terms of positives for Broken Roads on PC, some critics like IGN Italia and Multiplayer.it noted solid technical aspects, with IGN Italia specifically mentioning minor glitches. Multiplayer.it highlighted standout hand-drawn maps as a positive aspect of the game. However, these positives were overshadowed by the negatives reported by other critics. On the negative side, the PC version of Broken Roads faced a plethora of technical issues according to various critics. Checkpoint Gaming and PC Gamer both highlighted game-breaking bugs that impacted progress and overall experience. Eurogamer Germany pointed out numerous inconsistencies, bugs, and issues within the game, affecting quest descriptions, NPC behaviors, and more. RPG Site also mentioned bugs, progression blocks, and sluggish movement between locations, impacting gameplay experience significantly. Overall, the consensus among critics for Broken Roads across different gaming platforms leans heavily towards the negative side due to the technical performance issues. Critics like PCGamesN and WellPlayed emphasized how glitches and bugs disrupted the gameplay flow and impacted the overall experience negatively. Additionally, Xbox Tavern's experience on Xbox Series X was marred by long loading times, causing frustration for players. Despite some positive aspects like hand-drawn maps and solid technical elements mentioned by a few critics, the prevalent technical issues reported by the majority of reviewers significantly detracted from the game's overall reception. The developers' acknowledgment of the issues but lack of effective addressing, as pointed out by CD-Action, further compounds the negative sentiment surrounding Broken Roads' technical performance.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed views on the replay value of Broken Roads. Positives include impactful player choices, morally ambiguous decisions, and diverse character paths enhancing multiple playthroughs. However, drawbacks like limited content, linear narrative, and underdeveloped gameplay may deter replaying. While some appreciate the narrative depth and decision impact, others find technical issues and lackluster gameplay concerning. Ultimately, whether Broken Roads offers good replay value depends on individual preferences for narrative depth, gameplay mechanics, and the importance of player choices.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

20%

Mixed (50-79)

65%

Negative (0-49)

15%

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

In terms of positives, several critics highlighted the replay value of Broken Roads. Critics like GamesHub and Try Hard Guides appreciated the impact of player choices on the narrative and outcomes, with Try Hard Guides specifically mentioning morally ambiguous choices and different character paths as factors that encourage multiple playthroughs. Additionally, IGN Italia and Multiplayer.it praised the complexity offered through moral choices and multiple-choice dialogues, enhancing the replayability of the game. The variety of character builds, quest resolutions, and the moral compass system were also noted as positive aspects contributing to the replay value by critics like Checkpoint Gaming and COGconnected. On the negative side, some critics pointed out factors that could potentially hinder the replay value of Broken Roads. PC Gamer and PCGamesN highlighted the game's limited content, rushed story, and lack of depth or variety in subsequent playthroughs as drawbacks that may deter players from replaying. Similarly, WellPlayed criticized the linear narrative structure, lack of exploration opportunities, and quest design issues as limiting factors that could affect the game's replayability. Critics like Gamepressure and RPG Fan also mentioned underdeveloped gameplay, inconsistent difficulty, and anti-quality-of-life features as aspects that may hinder replay value. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the replay value of Broken Roads is mixed. While some critics appreciated the game's multiple endings, ethical dilemmas, and the impact of decisions on pathways and character responses, others expressed concerns about technical issues, lackluster gameplay, and unbalanced combat. The significant impact of player choices on the narrative and outcomes was seen as a strong point by some, while others felt that the game's limited narrative, rushed story, and modular dialogue could diminish the excitement in subsequent playthroughs. Despite the varying opinions, it seems that the game's replay value ultimately depends on individual preferences regarding narrative depth, gameplay mechanics, and the significance of player choices in shaping the overall experience.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

19%

Mixed (50-79)

59%

Negative (0-49)

22%

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

The positives of Broken Roads, as highlighted by critics such as Try Hard Guides and GamingBolt, include its engaging storytelling, strong atmosphere, and unique narrative elements. The game is commended for its deep philosophical themes, complex moral choices, and authentic setting, particularly praised for its exploration of Australian culture. Critics appreciate the game's ambition in delivering a personalized experience with impactful choices that resonate with players. Additionally, the game's visual appeal, art style, and music are noted as strengths that enhance the overall immersive experience for players. On the negative side, critics like PCGamesN and New Game Network point out issues such as technical limitations, lackluster gameplay mechanics, and underdeveloped systems that hinder the game's potential. Complaints about forced combat, game-breaking bugs, clunky combat, and repetitive gameplay elements are common among reviewers. The rushed story, poor directions, and weak character development are also mentioned as drawbacks that detract from the overall enjoyment of Broken Roads. Furthermore, the game's struggles to maintain player engagement and capitalize on its narrative potential are highlighted as significant shortcomings. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a mixed reception of Broken Roads. While the game is praised for its narrative depth, philosophical elements, and unique RPG experience by some reviewers like Try Hard Guides and Digitally Downloaded, it is critiqued for its technical issues, lackluster gameplay, and underdeveloped mechanics by others such as Gamepressure and Eurogamer Germany. The game's potential is acknowledged, with some critics suggesting that community engagement and patches may address its shortcomings over time. However, the general sentiment indicates that Broken Roads falls short of fully realizing its ambitious mechanics and fails to deliver a consistently captivating role-playing experience for all players.

TL;DR

Critics praise Broken Roads for its engaging storytelling, unique narrative elements, and exploration of Australian culture, but point out technical limitations, lackluster gameplay, and underdeveloped systems as drawbacks. While some commend its philosophical themes and personalized experience, others criticize rushed story and weak character development. Mixed reviews suggest potential for improvement through community engagement and patches, but overall, the game struggles to deliver a consistently captivating RPG experience.

MONSTER

Reviews

56 reviews found

Try Hard Guides

Apr 10, 2024