61
MONSTER
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.
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
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67
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
67
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.
TL;DR
story and narrative
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.
Gameplay Mechanics
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55
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
55
Positive (80-100)
8%
Mixed (50-79)
68%
Negative (0-49)
24%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
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.
Graphics and Visual Design
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72
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
72
Positive (80-100)
35%
Mixed (50-79)
65%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
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.
Music and Sound Design
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64
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
64
Positive (80-100)
15%
Mixed (50-79)
77%
Negative (0-49)
8%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
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.
Voice Acting
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59
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
59
Positive (80-100)
0%
Mixed (50-79)
82%
Negative (0-49)
18%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.
TL;DR
voice acting
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.
Technical Performance
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41
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
41
Positive (80-100)
0%
Mixed (50-79)
25%
Negative (0-49)
75%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
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.
Replay Value
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63
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
63
Positive (80-100)
20%
Mixed (50-79)
65%
Negative (0-49)
15%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
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.
Overall Verdict
61
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
61
Positive (80-100)
19%
Mixed (50-79)
59%
Negative (0-49)
22%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
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.
61
MONSTER
Reviews
56 reviews found90
Try Hard Guides
Apr 10, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Broken Roads is a charming and engaging RPG with phenomenal writing and character development, offering a mix of heartbreak and humor in a post-apocalyptic setting. It stays true to classic RPG inspirations while delivering a unique storytelling experience.
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90
Digitally Downloaded
Apr 22, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Broken Roads offers a unique RPG experience with engaging writing, complex morality system, and authentic Australian setting, despite some gameplay and balance issues.
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80
GamingBolt
Apr 15, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Broken Roads is a fantastic debut for Drop Bear Bytes, blending classical RPG vibes with modern gameplay mechanics, focusing on choice mechanics and a beautifully realized setting.
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80
GamesHub
Apr 10, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Deep storytelling, impactful choices, and engaging exploration of Australian culture, marred by technical issues.
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80
Softpedia
Apr 25, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Broken Roads has heart and good systems, recommended for players who enjoy the setting and RPG genre despite some technical issues, others advised to wait for patches
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79
Hooked Gamers
Apr 22, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Broken Roads offers a personalized experience with a strong atmosphere and story, despite some laborious questing and abrupt citizen interactions. The game provides hope in a post-apocalyptic setting, making it a refreshing tribute to Outback Australia and role-playing games.
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76
RPG Fan
Apr 10, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Broken Roads presents a polarizing experience that challenges players with its philosophical elements and gameplay mechanics, likely to appeal more to reflective players.
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75
Multiplayer.it
Apr 10, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Classic RPG inspired by iconic titles with strengths in dialogue system, artistic direction, and replayability, but weaknesses in combat mechanics and technical limitations.
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75
COGconnected
Apr 12, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Broken Roads delivers a unique and engaging exploration of ethical systems in a CRPG, with a strong setting and music, but is let down by basic RPG systems and technical issues.
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75
God is a Geek
Apr 10, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Broken Roads is described as a game that feels out of its time, lacking the progression seen in the genre over the last decade, but still offering enough CRPG content for genre fans to enjoy, making it not a bad game overall.
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