Road 96

 Xbox Series X
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
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  1. Hey Poor Player
    Apr 13, 2022
    70
    While many of your actions are said to have an impact on the game, in practice, that impact is fairly minimal. It all comes together in an ending that also feels far too convenient, not seriously reckoning with much of the themes the Road 96 brings up. In the end, it feels like Road 96 doesn’t have nearly as much to say about these topics as it thinks it does. It sticks the landing when it comes to its individual characters, but much less so regarding the overarching plot. Still, those character stories are engaging, the mini-games you’re thrown into are consistently fun, and Road 96 looks and sounds great. It all makes for a trip that’s worth taking, as long as you know what to expect.
  2. GameSpot
    Apr 19, 2022
    60
    It's a shame that Road 96's great character writing is stuck within such restrictive framing, even if many of its most memorable dialogue sequences only work given that the premise has allowed for this assortment of personalities to intertwine. It doesn't mean that there's no reward for seeing some of them through, but if you're hoping for an introspective look at the complexities of revolting against an oppressive regime, then Road 96 doesn't deliver on that front. It is, however, an enjoyable point-and-click adventure outside of that, with a neat procedural twist that keeps each of your escape attempts entertaining, with dialogue choices that feel purposeful and entertaining minigames to keep things varied.

Awards & Rankings

41
#41 Best Xbox Series X Game of 2022
47
#47 Most Discussed Xbox Series X Game of 2022

User Reviews

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User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 51 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 51
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 51
  3. Negative: 8 out of 51
  1. CC_Andyman
    Jul 11, 2022
    3
    The completely obnoxious, heavy-handed, over-the-top political overtones turned me off almost immediately. If I want that nonsense, I'll turnThe completely obnoxious, heavy-handed, over-the-top political overtones turned me off almost immediately. If I want that nonsense, I'll turn on the news. No, thank you. I should also note that said politics were completely omitted from the trailer. Gee, I wonder why? I'm glad I just checked it out on Game Pass... if I had bought this game, I'd be angry. 3 for its original concept. 0 for everything else.… Full Review »
  2. Kirbyisthebest
    Jul 12, 2022
    3
    i played this blind on gamepass as I like story games lately. This is a unique and cool concept for the genre, fun cartoony world andi played this blind on gamepass as I like story games lately. This is a unique and cool concept for the genre, fun cartoony world and interesting characters and decent music. Unfortunately you realize very quickly it was written by somebody suffering from a severe case of Trump Derangement Syndrome. It beats you in the brain with it with zero subtlety. To really enjoy this game and the choice aspect you have to view the world through a lens where Trump is a cartoony mustache twirling demonspawn. Every choice in the game boils down to three viewpoints of a basic stereotyped modern American leftist. Option 1: Vote for Hillary because she is not Trump. Option 2: Violently overthrow tyrannical dictator and slaver fascist Trump because he eats babies. Option 3: You are selfish and only care about yourself. Those are your only options as a human in this world and every major choice in the game is one of those three options basically. I kind of did a mix of 2 and 3 and ended up feeling like my choices didn't really matter at all for the finale. None of the themes and simplistic childish political metaphors felt like they were appropriate for this cartoony silly world, and they're definitely outdated if you're playing after 2018 or so. I still finished it because I thought the ending might be better or surprise me but I hated the quick and simple ending and should have expected it. All in all I should have never played it, wasted time. Still, there is a pretty solid game in here, and if you have TDS still you'll probably love it. I liked most of the cartoon characters and atmosphere and music and some of the dialogue. The unique and randomized layout of the game was really great too. I feel like somebody could take the basic framework of this game and make something way better. Either make the story more serious and get intelligent adults to write it, or make it more silly and over the top or just not solely about TDS. There's a way to do this same message and theme with a technique called subtlety that the developers are unfamiliar with… Full Review »
  3. Yura_zb
    Apr 15, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. The game is just incredibly beautiful and also fascinates with its pleasant races. I love to play it… Full Review »
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