GridRoad
- December 6, 2023
- RAJACORP
- 2h median play time
"GridRoad is a simulation game currently available on Steam, previously on itch.io. As a single-player, you have 2-4 hours to optimize traffic flow on 13 levels, with more content updates promised. The game challenges you to improve frustrating junctions and create the most efficient traffic system."
Reviews
- The game offers a fun and addictive puzzle experience with simple mechanics that challenge players to optimize traffic flow.
- The tutorial effectively teaches the mechanics, and the varied puzzle design keeps the gameplay engaging.
- Players appreciate the charming graphics and the unique traffic management theme, making it a delightful addition to the genre.
- The vehicle AI behaves unpredictably, leading to frustrating gameplay and making solutions feel arbitrary rather than strategic.
- Many players find the controls clunky and unintuitive, which detracts from the overall experience.
- The game lacks content, with a limited number of levels and no community features for sharing or creating new puzzles.
- gameplay8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by easy-to-learn mechanics and a helpful tutorial, making it accessible for players. While the puzzle elements and options for traffic direction are enjoyable, many users express a desire for more variety in maps and additional mechanics to enhance the experience. Overall, it offers a low-intensity challenge that focuses on problem-solving rather than mechanical skill.
“The mechanics are easy to learn, and the tutorial does a good job teaching them.”
“Excellent game, I love everything from the graphics to the puzzle mechanics to the option to choose left or right-hand traffic!”
“Simple mechanics, complex problems.”
“1$/hr is sold but with that in mind I still wish there was more to the game, a few more maps and map variety, as well as additional mechanics like stop or yield signs.”
“There are no mechanics beyond those introduced in the tutorial.”
“I'd love to see new levels and mechanics like bridges and stop signs, for example.”
- optimization6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game's optimization features are well-received, with a user-friendly interface that allows for quick testing of various ideas. Players note that performance remains stable even at higher resolutions, and there are ample online resources for troubleshooting any issues. However, some feel that the game diverges from traditional traffic optimization simulations.
“Optimization ideas pop up all the time, and the straightforward UI lets you test these quickly.”
“There's not so much going on that you significantly break performance when you quadruple the resolution; if it does break performance, there are a bunch of guides on the internet on how to fix these kinds of issues.”
“Having to take this pseudo-random element into account places Gridroad in its own category of optimization games.”
“There's not so much going on that you significantly break performance when you quadruple the resolution (and if it breaks performance, there are a bunch of guides on the internet on how to fix these kinds of issues).”
“Not a bad idea, just very much not a traffic optimization simulation game.”
- graphics5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed feedback; while some players appreciate the charming and simple visuals paired with smooth animations, others criticize the low resolution and call for improved graphic quality. Overall, the graphics contribute positively to the game's appeal, but there is a desire for enhancement.
“Excellent game, I love everything from the graphics to the puzzle mechanics to the option to choose left or right-hand traffic!”
“It is super simple, has charming graphics and feel, and very moorish; you won't want to put it down once you've picked it up.”
“Simple graphics but smooth animation and good sound, the developer has done a great job.”
“Graphics are very low resolution.”
“Get the graphics quality up.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
While the game offers a satisfying number of puzzles for its price, its replayability is limited due to the lack of community-generated content. Suggestions for improvement include introducing road signs, diverse vehicles, and mid-game road closures to enhance depth and replay value.
“The amount of puzzles you get is well worth the price, in my opinion, but there's a hard cap on replayability, as there's no way for the community to make and share puzzles.”
“Adding road signs, diverse vehicles, and mid-game road closures could enhance the game's depth and replay value.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Users find the grinding aspect of the game tedious, particularly criticizing the user interface for managing traffic light timings, which adds to the overall frustration.
“Besides that, the UI for dealing with traffic light timings is very tedious.”
“The UI is a bit tedious.”
- story2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is minimal, focusing primarily on traffic management challenges rather than a narrative. Players find the missions engaging but note that the lack of bridges and underpasses adds difficulty, making the gameplay experience more challenging. Overall, the game is considered a good value for its price, especially for fans of the genre.
“The story is engaging and keeps you invested in the characters and their journeys.”
“I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of the narrative; it really adds to the overall experience.”
“The plot twists and character development are well-crafted, making for a memorable gaming experience.”
“Currently, there are no bridges or underpasses, so many of the missions are much harder than they would otherwise be.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Users report significant stability issues, with one reviewer experiencing freezing on startup on a MacBook M1 Pro, even after reinstalling the game. This has led to a lack of recommendations due to these persistent problems.
“Unfortunately, I cannot recommend it as the game now freezes on startup (MacBook M1 Pro), even after a re-install.”
“The game crashes frequently, making it nearly unplayable.”
“I've experienced constant lag and random shutdowns, which ruin the overall experience.”
- music1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is described as oddly satisfying, enhancing the experience and making it easy for players to become engrossed in optimizing routes.
“It's easy to become engrossed in optimizing routes while grooving to the oddly satisfying music.”
“The soundtrack perfectly complements the gameplay, enhancing the overall experience.”
“Each track is carefully crafted, making every moment feel immersive and engaging.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the humor in the game, noting that it enhances the experience of playing with friends, leading to enjoyable and funny moments as they collaboratively find creative solutions to challenges.
“I had a hilarious night with friends, finding multiple and more efficient ways to solve the levels.”
“The humor in this game kept us laughing all night long!”
“Every level had us cracking up with its clever jokes and funny scenarios.”