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Open Roads

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

2024

GenresAdventure, Indie, Drama, Single Player, First Person Perspective

AvailableMar 28, 2024

PlatformXbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PC

DeveloperOpen Roads Team

Overview

Long-lost family secrets. Hints of a hidden fortune. And miles to go before they sleep. Tess Devine’s relationship with her mom has never been easy, but they’re about to set out together on a journey into the past that they’ll never forget.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

"Open Roads" receives mixed reviews for its mother-daughter story, praised for emotional depth and relatable themes of grief and family dynamics. Critics highlight engaging storytelling and character conversations, but many lament its lack of meaningful choices, underwhelming resolution, and pacing issues. While the premise captivates, the execution falters, leaving the narrative feeling compelling yet flawed.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

63%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

28%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The story of Open Roads has garnered praise from several critics for its exploration of the mother-daughter relationship between Tess and Opal. Reviewers such as IGN and God is a Geek highlight the emotional depth and relatable themes of grief, family dynamics, and personal growth that permeate the narrative. Critics like WellPlayed and The Indie Informer commend the game for its engaging storytelling and the natural, relatable conversations that unfold between the characters. The narrative's focus on uncovering family secrets during a road trip is often described as a compelling premise, with critics like Eurogamer and Forbes appreciating the intimate details and character development that enrich the experience. However, despite the positive aspects, many critics have pointed out significant shortcomings in the story's execution. Metro GameCentral and PlayStation Universe express disappointment over the lack of depth and meaningful choices, suggesting that the overarching mystery sometimes overshadows the more relatable elements of the narrative. Critics like Game Informer and New Game Network note that while the premise is intriguing, the resolution feels underwhelming and lacks emotional coherence. Additionally, several reviewers, including Cubed3 and COGconnected, criticize the pacing and superficiality of the story, which leads to a sense of unresolved tension and emotional disconnect. Overall, the consensus among critics reflects a mixed sentiment towards Open Roads' narrative. While many appreciate the emotional resonance and engaging premise, there is a recurring theme of dissatisfaction regarding the depth and resolution of the story. Critics like Shacknews and GamingBolt acknowledge the strong thematic elements but also note that the execution leaves much to be desired. Ultimately, Open Roads is seen as a game with a heartfelt foundation that struggles to fully realize its potential, resulting in a narrative that is both compelling yet flawed.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Open Roads shines with its narrative-driven gameplay and immersive character interactions, earning praise for environmental storytelling and exploration. However, critics slam its repetitive and linear mechanics, calling it "barely interactive" and outdated. While the story appeals to narrative enthusiasts, the lack of meaningful gameplay depth may frustrate those seeking engagement, making it best for players prioritizing story over challenge.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

13%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

71%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

16%

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

The gameplay of Open Roads has garnered some positive remarks from various critics, particularly regarding its narrative-driven approach and environmental storytelling. Reviewers like Push Square and God is a Geek appreciate the focus on exploration and character interactions, highlighting how the game encourages players to engage with detailed environments and dialogue choices that impact character relationships. IGN Italia also notes the classic first-person exploration format, which allows for personal interpretation of the protagonist, Tess. Critics such as Game Informer and CGMagazine commend the game's ability to weave storytelling through object interactions and light puzzle elements, creating an immersive experience that resonates with fans of narrative-driven games. However, a significant number of critics have pointed out the drawbacks of the gameplay in Open Roads. Metro GameCentral and Pure Xbox criticize the game for its lack of meaningful player engagement, describing it as "barely interactive" and reliant on repetitive tasks. Many reviewers, including Digital Chumps and COGconnected, echo sentiments about the linearity of gameplay, with limited interactions and predictable progression. Critics like Vandal and Nintendo Life highlight the outdated mechanics that fail to innovate compared to previous titles from the same developers, emphasizing that the dialogue choices do not significantly alter the story, leading to a sense of frustration and disconnection from the gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Open Roads excels in narrative and character-driven exploration, it suffers from a lack of depth and interactivity in its gameplay mechanics. Many reviewers, including GameSpot and Worth Playing, note the repetitive nature of the gameplay and the minimal challenge it presents, which may deter players seeking a more engaging experience. Critics agree that the game is best suited for those who appreciate a story-led adventure rather than traditional gameplay challenges, with the potential for a more fulfilling experience if expectations are aligned with its narrative focus.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Open Roads impresses with its hand-drawn art and nostalgic environments, winning praise for its charm and aesthetic from critics like IGN and GameSpot. However, it faces backlash for limited character animations and a lack of visual variety, leaving many to feel that its potential is hindered. The blend of 2D and 3D elements can be jarring, suggesting the visuals are charming yet underwhelming compared to initial expectations.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

50%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

47%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The graphics and visual design of Open Roads have garnered a range of positive remarks from various critics, highlighting the game's unique aesthetic and attention to detail. Many reviewers appreciate the hand-drawn art style, which is noted for its consistency and charm. For instance, IGN praises the "pleasing aesthetic" and "pastel color palette," while COGconnected commends the "lovely visual art style" and whimsical charm in the 2D animated conversations. Critics like GameSpot and Nintendo Life also emphasize the nostalgic and immersive environments, with GameSpot noting the strong attention to detail that captures the essence of early 2000s settings. Furthermore, the combination of 2D characters with 3D environments is often described as visually striking, with Shacknews highlighting this blend as unique and appealing. Despite the positive aspects, several critics point out significant drawbacks, particularly regarding animation and visual variety. IGN Italia mentions that some animation choices detract from the overall experience, while Metro GameCentral criticizes the lack of visual depth and variety. PlayStation Universe and WellPlayed echo similar sentiments, noting that character animations can feel jarring and limited. Critics like Pure Xbox and Vandal highlight specific issues, such as the lack of mouth movement during conversations, which diminishes engagement with the characters. Overall, many reviewers express that while the artistic style is interesting, it suffers from underutilization and technical rough patches that detract from the game's visual experience. The overall consensus among critics suggests a mixed reception towards the graphics and visual design of Open Roads. While the hand-drawn aesthetic and detailed environments are widely appreciated, many reviewers agree that the limited character animations and lack of visual variety hinder the game's potential. Critics such as Dexerto and New Game Network point out that the mix of 2D and 3D elements can be jarring, impacting the overall visual cohesion. Ultimately, while Open Roads is praised for its artistic direction and nostalgic atmosphere, the shortcomings in animation and depth leave room for improvement, indicating that the visual design, though charming, may not fully meet the expectations set by its initial trailers and promotional materials.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

"Open Roads" shines with outstanding voice performances from Kaitlyn Dever and Keri Russell, praised for their emotional depth. However, critics note a significant shortfall in sound design and music, with sparse audio elements leading to a feeling of emptiness that undermines the game's overall atmosphere. While the narrative and character development are strong, the lack of a cohesive auditory landscape detracts from the experience, leaving a gap that the exceptional voice talent can't fully bridge.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

72%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

17%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

11%

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

The sound design and music of "Open Roads" have garnered significant praise, particularly for the exceptional voice performances by Kaitlyn Dever and Keri Russell. Critics from various platforms, including Push Square, WellPlayed, and TheXboxHub, highlight the emotional depth and authenticity that these actors bring to their roles. This sentiment is echoed across multiple reviews, with GameSpew noting the natural and emotional quality of their performances, which effectively brings the characters to life. Additionally, some critics, such as Shacknews and God is a Geek, commend the game's use of diegetic and non-diegetic sounds, with Shacknews specifically mentioning the seamless integration of catchy tunes and an original score that complements quieter moments in the narrative. However, despite the strong vocal performances, there are notable criticisms regarding the overall sound design and music. Metro GameCentral and GameSpot express disappointment in the lack of music and sound effects throughout much of the game, contributing to a sense of emptiness and incompleteness. This sentiment is shared by multiple reviewers, including Eurogamer and GamesRadar+, who mention the minimal audio and music, which detracts from the overall atmosphere. Furthermore, while some critics acknowledge the engaging sound design, others like Pure Xbox and Cubed3 argue that the impact and stakes of the sound elements feel low, indicating a missed opportunity to enhance the gaming experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that "Open Roads" excels in voice acting but falls short in its sound design and musical composition. While the performances by Dever and Russell are universally praised for their emotional resonance, the lack of a robust musical score and sound effects leaves a significant gap in the game's auditory experience. Critics like GameSpot and Metro GameCentral highlight this deficiency, suggesting that while the narrative and character development are strong, the sound design does not fully support the storytelling, resulting in a somewhat disjointed experience. As such, while "Open Roads" showcases remarkable vocal talent, it struggles to create a cohesive auditory landscape that matches the depth of its characters.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

TL;DR: The voice acting in "Open Roads," led by Kaitlyn Dever and Keri Russell, is highly praised for its emotional depth and chemistry, enhancing the game's narrative. However, critiques highlight issues with animation and script quality that undermine the performances' impact. Overall, while the voice acting shines, it struggles to reach its full potential due to these drawbacks.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

73%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

27%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The voice acting in "Open Roads" has been widely praised by critics, particularly highlighting the performances of Kaitlyn Dever and Keri Russell. Reviewers such as PlayStation Universe and Push Square commend the lead actresses for their excellent portrayals, which significantly enhance the emotional impact of the game. Critics from WellPlayed and Digital Chumps echo this sentiment, noting that the duo's performances add depth and authenticity to their characters, Tess and Opal. The chemistry between the two actresses is frequently mentioned, with Checkpoint Gaming emphasizing their authentic and emotional delivery, which effectively brings the characters to life. Overall, the consensus is that the voice acting is a standout feature of the game, contributing positively to the narrative experience. However, not all feedback is entirely positive. Some critics have pointed out limitations that detract from the overall effectiveness of the performances. IGN Italia mentions that while the performances are strong, the animation choices hinder their emotional impact. Similarly, Pure Xbox notes that despite the talent of Dever and Russell, the overall stakes of the voice acting feel low. Cubed3 also highlights issues with the script that undermine the emotional weight of the characters, suggesting that while the performances are commendable, they are not fully supported by the material they are given. These criticisms indicate that while the voice acting is solid, there are elements in the game that prevent it from reaching its full potential. In summary, the overall consensus among critics is that the voice acting in "Open Roads" is very good, with a strong majority praising the performances of Kaitlyn Dever and Keri Russell. Critics like Shacknews and IGN affirm that their portrayals bring warmth and depth to the narrative. However, some reviewers have raised concerns about the animation and script quality, which may limit the emotional resonance of these performances. Despite these drawbacks, the prevailing sentiment is that the voice acting significantly enriches the gaming experience, making it a noteworthy aspect of "Open Roads."

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Open Roads delivers mixed technical performance across platforms. PS5 players face notable issues like animation glitches and haptic feedback problems, while Xbox Series X users encounter minor frame drops and bugs. PC offers a smoother experience, though some visual glitches persist. The Nintendo Switch version runs acceptably but suffers from minor bugs. Overall, while there are positive aspects, the game needs significant refinement to fully shine across all systems.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

13%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

63%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

25%

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

The technical performance of Open Roads varies across different gaming platforms, with some positive aspects noted by critics. On the PlayStation 5, WellPlayed highlighted a stable performance overall, suggesting that the game functions adequately despite some concerns regarding development issues. On the Xbox Series X, SomosXbox reported a generally stable experience with only minor frame rate drops, indicating that the game can perform well on this platform. Meanwhile, on the PC, Worth Playing praised the game for running "virtually flawlessly," suggesting that players on this platform may have a more polished experience. Nintendo Switch players can also find enjoyment, as Nintendo Life noted that the game runs well with only minor bugs that do not significantly detract from the overall enjoyment. However, the negatives are more pronounced in the reviews for each platform. On the PlayStation 5, critics like IGN Italia and Metro GameCentral pointed out various technical issues, including object manipulation animations and haptic feedback problems, which disrupt immersion. PlayStation Universe echoed these concerns, mentioning control problems and inconsistencies in character animations. On the Xbox Series X, Cubed3 described the game as potentially the buggiest title from the developer, with significant movement restrictions and frame rate dips. Pure Xbox also noted light stuttering and pauses, which impact the experience. For PC, while some reviews like GameSpot found no major stability issues, others pointed out significant concerns such as odd visual glitches and controller support problems, with Eurogamer mentioning distracting animation issues. On the Nintendo Switch, TouchArcade criticized sluggish camera movement, while Nintendo Life mentioned character model jerking during dialogues. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that Open Roads has a mixed technical performance across platforms. While there are some positive experiences noted, particularly on PC and Xbox Series X, the PlayStation 5 version seems to struggle with more significant issues that detract from immersion. The Nintendo Switch version, while generally acceptable, also has its share of minor bugs. Critics like Eurogamer and Vandal highlighted specific technical flaws that can impact the overall experience, suggesting that while the game has potential, it may require further refinement to reach its full potential across all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Open Roads garners mixed reviews on replay value, with critics praising its emotional depth and artistic style but largely condemning its brevity (2-3 hours) and linear narrative. While some dialogue choices hint at replayability, the lack of meaningful story alterations leads to a predictable experience. Overall, the consensus is that the game falls short in depth and engagement, offering little incentive for players to revisit it.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

60%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

40%

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

The opinions regarding the replay value of Open Roads present a nuanced view, with some critics acknowledging certain aspects that could entice players to revisit the game. For instance, Xbox Tavern highlights the strong narrative and emotional depth, suggesting that while the game may not offer significant replay value, it provides exploration opportunities that could flesh out the story further. Additionally, SomosXbox mentions that dialogue choices might offer a glimmer of replayability, even if the overall experience is short. Critics like Worth Playing also note that the art style and voice acting could serve as reasons for players to return, albeit not as compelling as a robust gameplay experience. However, the predominant sentiment among reviewers leans towards the negative when assessing the game's replay value. A consistent theme across multiple reviews is the game's brevity, with most critics noting a playtime of around two to three hours, which IGN Italia and Push Square emphasize as limiting. The linear narrative structure and lack of significant branching paths are frequently cited as major drawbacks, with Game Informer and GamesRadar+ pointing out that the dialogue choices do not meaningfully alter the story, leading to a predictable experience. Furthermore, Dexerto and New Game Network echo the sentiment that the game's concise nature leaves players with little incentive to replay, often feeling unsatisfied with the overall depth. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Open Roads suffers from limited replay value due to its short duration and linear narrative. While there are some positive aspects, such as emotional depth and artistic presentation, the majority of reviews indicate that the game lacks compelling reasons for multiple playthroughs. Critics like GameSpot and Eurogamer encapsulate this sentiment well, noting that while the game offers a focused experience, it ultimately falls short in providing the depth and engagement necessary to encourage players to return. The game may be appreciated for its unique storytelling approach, but it seems unlikely to leave a lasting impact that would motivate players to experience it again.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

33%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

61%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding Open Roads showcases a blend of appreciation for its narrative elements and strong voice performances, alongside criticisms of its gameplay and emotional depth. Critics such as WellPlayed and The Indie Informer highlight the game's heartfelt journey, engaging storytelling, and commendable art style. Similarly, Forbes praises the well-executed narrative experience and captivating characters, while IGN emphasizes the relatable emotional themes and exceptional voice acting. Many reviewers also note the game's visual appeal, with Shacknews and God is a Geek recognizing its beautiful art style and crafted dialogue, contributing to a generally positive reception of its aesthetic qualities. However, a significant number of critics express disappointment with Open Roads, particularly regarding its brevity and lack of emotional engagement. Metro GameCentral describes it as a "barely-interactive movie" with a disappointing story, while GameSpot and Game Informer mention that the game falls short in emotional impact and character development. Critics like Cubed3 and Pure Xbox echo these sentiments, stating that the game fails to live up to the legacy of its predecessors and feels "by the numbers." Additionally, concerns about gameplay depth and replay value are prevalent, with IGN Italia and New Game Network noting that the game lacks the interactivity and lasting impact expected from a narrative adventure. The overall consensus among critics indicates that while Open Roads offers a compelling narrative experience with strong performances, it ultimately leaves players wanting more in terms of depth and engagement. Many reviews, such as those from PlayStation Universe and Vandal, suggest that the game, despite its emotional core and commendable storytelling efforts, is hindered by technical issues and outdated gameplay mechanics. As a result, while it may resonate well with fans of narrative-driven games, the game is perceived as a missed opportunity to fully realize its potential, leading to a mixed reception overall.

TL;DR

Open Roads garners praise for its heartfelt storytelling and strong voice performances, with critics highlighting its visual appeal. However, it faces backlash for its short length, lack of emotional depth, and gameplay issues, leading many to view it as a missed opportunity. Overall, while it shines in narrative, it falls short in engagement and interactivity, resulting in a mixed reception.

MONSTER

Reviews

60 reviews found

Xbox Tavern

Xbox Series X

Mar 27, 2024