Road 96

85%
Game Brain Score Based on 15,271 reviews
  • story
  • music
  • graphics
Road 96 Game Cover
Road 96 tells a poignant story of those trying to escape a corrupt and dangerous country through great gameplay and multiple playthroughs.
Starting at $2.15Buy now
Get on Steam Get on Xbox Games Store Get on Epic Games Store Get on PS Store

"Road 96" is an award-winning story-driven adventure game taking place in an authoritarian nation. As a teenager on a journey to freedom, you'll encounter various characters and make choices that affect the outcome of your trip and the world around you. The game is inspired by filmmakers such as Tarantino, the Coen Brothers, and Bong Joon-ho.

  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Phone
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Play​Station
  • Tablet
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

85%
Audience ScoreBased on 15,271 reviews
story3,928 positive mentions
grinding32 negative mentions
  • story8,895 mentions

    The story of "Road 96" is widely praised for its engaging narrative and unique storytelling approach, where players experience the journeys of various teenagers attempting to escape a politically oppressive country. Many reviewers highlight the emotional depth of the characters and the intertwining storylines that unfold with each playthrough, creating a sense of investment in their fates. However, some critiques point to a lack of meaningful choices that significantly alter the overall narrative, leading to a perception of a somewhat linear experience despite the game's claims of procedural generation. Overall, the game is recommended for its compelling story, memorable characters, and captivating soundtrack, making it a standout in the story-driven genre.

    • “Lovable, and interesting characters, and a unique way of telling a great story.”
    • “The story changes with every playthrough, keeping things fresh, and the characters and road-trip vibe make it an unforgettable journey.”
    • “The game's narrative is both compelling and immersive, with each decision you make shaping the story in profound and unexpected ways.”
    • “My biggest problem is the complete lack of coherence between story and gameplay, and how each of those aren't even especially good in their own right.”
    • “Despite the story seemingly offering three 'choices' (which boil down to picking a dialogue option once or twice per cutscene) you can really tell the creators are heavily biased towards the 'moderate' approach.”
    • “I couldn't get invested in my own character's story or the stories of anyone I met, and the gameplay loop of walking forward, pushing buttons semi-randomly, and then moving on isn't compelling either.”
  • music3,126 mentions

    The music in *Road 96* has received widespread acclaim, with many players praising its ability to enhance the game's emotional depth and atmosphere. The soundtrack features a diverse range of tracks, often described as nostalgic and fitting for the game's themes, contributing significantly to the overall experience. However, some players noted that certain songs can become repetitive, and there were instances where the music overshadowed dialogue, leading to mixed feelings about its integration within the gameplay.

    • “Road 96 is a creative, choice-driven adventure with an amazing soundtrack.”
    • “The music is excellent and really sets the mood, and there are multiple options/routes to take which means every time you play is different.”
    • “The soundtrack, again, I can't reiterate enough, is wonderful to listen to and perfectly complements the journey.”
    • “The music feels out of place, kinda cringy (yeah I get it, I am on the road) and covers conversations.”
    • “People rave about the soundtrack but I found it very lacking.”
    • “The focus on weird synth 80s music is an odd choice.”
  • graphics1,755 mentions

    The graphics of "Road 96" are characterized by a vibrant, cartoonish art style that many players find charming and fitting for the game's narrative. While some reviews note that the visuals may not be cutting-edge and can exhibit occasional glitches, the overall aesthetic is praised for its ability to create an engaging atmosphere that complements the storytelling. Despite mixed opinions on the graphical fidelity, the art style is often compared to titles like "Firewatch" and "Life is Strange," with many players appreciating its unique and nostalgic appeal.

    • “The graphics and visuals are stunning, and I really like the 'your actions have consequences' angle in terms of their impact on the world and characters around you, even down to having conversations about the fates of your previous characters.”
    • “The game boasts a stunning art style that perfectly captures the diverse landscapes and moods of the journey.”
    • “The graphics are beautiful, the maps feel different every time, the controls are well-designed, the story is richly crafted with every character feeling alive, and overall it's just feels like a lot of love went into the development of this game.”
    • “The game is also somehow 15GB despite being mostly a dialogue-based game with cartoonish graphics.”
    • “Overall I really did not enjoy this game, the visuals aren't for me, the story is cliché and not thematically satisfying, the characters are uninteresting at best and annoying at worst, and the gameplay is boring.”
    • “What irked me the most, in an otherwise fun game despite it not being as narrative and choice-based as the developer makes it to be, was the graphics.”
  • gameplay1,405 mentions

    The gameplay of "Road 96" is primarily narrative-driven, featuring a mix of walking, dialogue choices, and simple mini-games that contribute to its overall experience. While some players appreciate the engaging story and character interactions, many criticize the gameplay for being repetitive and lacking depth, with choices often feeling inconsequential. Overall, the game is seen as a blend of storytelling and light mechanics, appealing to those who enjoy narrative-focused adventures rather than traditional gameplay challenges.

    • “This game stands out for its innovative mechanics and compelling storytelling, making it a must-play for fans of immersive, choice-driven adventures.”
    • “The gameplay is simple but keeps itself fresh with the various minigames and puzzles.”
    • “The intuitive controls and clever integration of mechanics into the narrative make every encounter feel purposeful and immersive.”
    • “My biggest problem is the complete lack of coherence between story and gameplay, and how each of those aren't even especially good in their own right.”
    • “For a game supposedly about freedom, choices and affecting people around us, you don't enjoy any freedom as the player; there are only three virtually identical endings, the cutscenes almost don't allow for any deviation, and there is no gameplay besides walking and interacting with a few objects in very railroaded and enclosed levels.”
    • “Overall, I really did not enjoy this game; the visuals aren't for me, the story is cliché and not thematically satisfying, the characters are uninteresting at best and annoying at worst, and the gameplay is boring.”
  • emotional641 mentions

    The emotional aspect of "Road 96" is widely praised, with players reporting a profound connection to the characters and their stories, often leading to tears and heartfelt moments. The game's narrative, combined with a compelling soundtrack, creates an immersive experience that evokes a range of emotions, from joy to sadness, making each playthrough feel unique and impactful. However, some critiques mention that certain emotional moments can feel forced or undermined by clunky dialogue and animations, which may detract from the overall emotional resonance.

    • “Road 96 is a masterfully crafted narrative-driven adventure game that takes players on a compelling, emotional, and often exhilarating road trip.”
    • “I usually do not get emotional from games but this game really left me with tears in my eyes, what a beautiful journey with relaxing, emotional and very tense moments where every choice you make really matters.”
    • “This game is an emotional rollercoaster with a very powerful soundtrack and brilliant characters with a great story.”
    • “0 immersion, ultimately boring storyline, absolutely soulless world.”
    • “0 immersion, ultimately boring storyline, absolutely soulless world.”
  • replayability615 mentions

    The game's replayability is a contentious topic among players, with opinions ranging from high praise for its multiple endings and character interactions to criticism for its repetitive nature and limited variation in outcomes. While some players appreciate the potential for different experiences through choices and a new game plus mode, many express disappointment that the game does not live up to its advertised replay value, often feeling that once completed, there is little incentive to replay. Overall, the consensus suggests that while there is some replayability, it may not be as extensive or engaging as initially promised.

    • “The replayability is high, and the characters are lovable.”
    • “This inherent replayability makes uncovering the hidden depths of the story and characters endlessly rewarding.”
    • “The game’s procedurally generated nature ensures that no two journeys are the same, adding immense replay value.”
    • “Great game, wish it was longer but incredible story and fun to play, but there is no replayability.”
    • “Replayability is out the window; after beating the game once, I have no desire to try again with there being three endings that are very similar.”
    • “For a game that has a description that strongly indicates replayability, it leaves you really unmotivated to play again after you complete it once.”
  • atmosphere406 mentions

    The atmosphere of "Road 96" is widely praised for its immersive quality, enhanced by a captivating soundtrack and visually stunning environments that evoke a sense of wonder and nostalgia. Players appreciate the game's ability to create emotional depth through its interactions and music, making it a standout experience in the walking simulator genre. Despite some critiques regarding writing and character depth, the overall atmosphere remains a highlight, drawing players into its unique world and narrative.

    • “I wholeheartedly recommend [i]road 96[/i] for anyone looking for a story-driven road trip adventure that combines great music, atmosphere, and compelling storytelling.”
    • “The atmosphere created by the music, your choices and the events is on point.”
    • “The atmosphere and the soundtrack are amazing together in which it actually makes you feel like you are there.”
    • “It does such an amazing job creating its atmosphere and sucking you into its world, and then a character will start speaking and just rip you out of the game entirely.”
    • “Bought this on a whim because I'm a big fan of choice-based games, I really loved it in the beginning, but everything starts to feel obvious on what to do or say, some characters really try too hard to fit the atmosphere and it comes off hard to watch and cringey, it just didn't work for me, if you're a fan of Life is Strange I'm sure you'll enjoy this, everything just felt dry for me, a little too much of a lighthearted take on politics, meh.”
    • “The art style and atmosphere are alright, but the writing is not good.”
  • humor301 mentions

    The humor in "Road 96" is described as a mix of sharp, witty dialogue and quirky character interactions that often lighten the weight of its serious themes. While many players find the humor charming and engaging, some critique it as inconsistent, with certain jokes landing well while others fall flat or feel cringeworthy. Overall, the game balances moments of genuine laughter with deeper emotional experiences, creating a unique blend of humor and narrative depth.

    • “The dialogue is sharp, witty, and sprinkled with humor that makes even the heaviest themes feel light as a feather.”
    • “In summary, Road 96 is a wild, humorous, and heartwarming adventure that keeps you guessing at every turn.”
    • “It's an exciting and funny game as you meet some crazy characters while on the road, and sometimes the scariest looking ones are the ones that help you the most.”
    • “It's a decent game, but the developers overdid it on cringey humor and buzzwords that some characters love to repeat every other sentence.”
    • “I mean for one it’s not funny…it’s just sad. The central plot of the game is that a mass exodus of teenagers is attempting to flee the country after a brutal dictatorship has taken over, and the dictatorship is trying to round these teenagers up before they can escape and put them in concentration camps to kill them. That just doesn’t come across as a parody or satire.”
    • “The story has some moments where I started to think I might be building feelings for these characters, but then the game either immediately cuts to something that's supposed to be funny or never mentions it again.”
  • character development110 mentions

    Character development in the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising its depth and emotional impact, particularly through the interactions with various characters encountered along the journey. However, others criticize the lack of significant development for certain characters and the overall brevity of the experience, which limits the potential for deeper storytelling. While many players appreciate the unique approach of using faceless protagonists to explore character arcs, some feel that the execution falls short, leaving a desire for more substantial narrative depth.

    • “This is an absolutely fantastic game with a phenomenal story and excellent character development.”
    • “Incredible storytelling and character development.”
    • “The graphics were stunning, the character development was remarkable and deeper than people would expect, the voices and music were a delight.”
    • “There's no real character development, plot twists, or anything interesting happening here... a few NPCs explain their motivations to do something, but none of it really concurs with the main premise in a significant way.”
    • “However, the game falls short in the character development department, with characters lacking the depth needed to leave a lasting impact.”
    • “It’s just tedious and drastically cuts down on character development as each interaction with the NPCs in this game are always going to be with a new character.”
  • grinding108 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game is widely criticized, with many players noting that it can feel excessively tedious and repetitive, especially during multiple playthroughs. While some enjoy the exploration and minigames, the overall sentiment suggests that achieving 100% completion requires a significant time investment, often leading to frustration due to the lack of variety in scenes and interactions.

    • “I enjoyed the gameplay aspects of exploring different areas of the map en route to the border, and the minigames along the way were great and not tedious at all.”
    • “A bit grindy sometimes.”
    • “Time for grinding will be required.”
    • “I really enjoyed the game on my second play-through, having different endings for key characters, but alas not the overall ending I wanted (free spirit is dull and pointless), so I will have to go through again I guess; however, with all key character interactions found at 100% and all achievements unlocked, I am certain it will be tedious.”
    • “The game has different scenes related to the different characters, so the only difference between playthroughs is the order of these scenes as you move towards your goal, which can make finding specific or all of the scenes a tad tedious on multiple playthroughs.”
    • “This honestly wasn't very tedious at first, but after a few times (and certainly after the first playthrough) it became repetitive, and the lack of a skip option became literal torture.”
  • stability82 mentions

    The game's stability has been widely criticized, with numerous players reporting frequent bugs, glitches, and crashes that hinder gameplay and immersion. While some users noted that the game runs smoothly on platforms like the Steam Deck, many experienced serious issues such as freezing during loading screens, visual glitches, and even game-breaking bugs that prevent progression. Overall, while the game offers a compelling experience, its technical shortcomings significantly detract from its overall quality.

    • “It's pretty chill, casual gameplay that runs great on a Steam Deck.”
    • “For 20 bucks, it's most definitely worth having this little adventure, and it runs great on Steam Deck.”
    • “Graphics are cartoony with some muddy textures, but the game ran well for me with no glitches or crashes.”
    • “Finally: buggy, it failed to save a few times, which as you might imagine is very annoying.”
    • “Please help me, I keep getting serious blank screen glitches in the brigade's meeting spot that prevents me from progressing the story, and all throughout the game key characters are just digital black holes.”
    • “How did this game ever get Steam Deck verified? I can’t even get past the intro; it stutters and freezes like crazy.”
  • optimization79 mentions

    The game's optimization has received significant criticism, with many players reporting issues such as frame drops, stuttering, and graphical glitches, particularly on lower-end systems. While some users experienced smooth performance on higher-end rigs, the overall consensus is that the game requires urgent optimization and polish to enhance the gameplay experience. Despite these performance challenges, the narrative and character elements have been praised, suggesting that improvements could elevate the game considerably.

    • “Didn't run into any technical or performance issues.”
    • “Performance-wise, I noticed some frame skips on Windows, but playing on my Steam Deck was silky smooth!”
    • “I didn't have any performance issues with my GTX 1660 Super TUF.”
    • “The game has graphical and performance glitches that are apparent enough that you will notice.”
    • “Game needs to be optimized better; I can run GTA V on high and DBD, but I can barely run this game at 50 FPS on low.”
    • “The biggest flaw of the game right now, in my opinion, is the performance.”
  • monetization28 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has been criticized for its misleading advertising, which presents it as an open-world experience with high replayability, while players find it to be linear and lacking in depth. Many reviewers feel that the promotional materials do not accurately reflect the game's content, leading to disappointment and a sense of dishonesty. Additionally, in-game advertisements have been noted as intrusive, further detracting from the overall experience.

    • “Feels like dishonest advertisement.”
    • “Sadly, once the story ends and you click on new game+ to get the scenes you missed, you start to notice all the flaws and half-baked things the game carries, with an advertising that straight up feels like a blatant lie, endings that are not different enough to compensate for extra playthroughs, mechanics that are in the game, but are never taken advantage of, and overall a product that feels like they shipped because they ran out of budget.”
    • “Even if we look past the broken promises by this dev team, the extremely dull replayability (in a game specifically advertising replayability), and the abysmal performance (many scenes dropped frames from 80+ to ~20)... this game is still nothing but blatant political propaganda created by serial hypocrites.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

79% average critic score

Buy Road 96

Play time

8hMedian play time
11hAverage play time
7hMain story
10hCompletionist
6-10hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 110 analyzed playthroughs

Videos

Similar Games

Game News