Introduction

Ah, the Australian outback-a land of kangaroos, barbecues, and now, apparently, moral dilemmas from Drop Bear Bytes in their new RPG, Broken Roads. Released on the Nintendo Switch in April 2024, this game aims to blend turn-based tactical combat with a heavy-layered narrative, reminiscent of titles like Disco Elysium, and somehow, it seems to trip over its own feet like a kangaroo on roller skates. Let's dive into the post-apocalyptic Wheatbelt and see what's cooking-or should I say burning?

Gameplay

In Broken Roads, you lead a ragtag group of characters on a quest where your decisions matter-sort of like choosing pizza toppings, but with way deeper consequences. Imagine that your dialogue choices not only affect the character's narrative arcs, but also shift your 'Moral Compass'. Yes, that's right, instead of being the classic good or evil choice, your moral alignment can swing between utilitarian, humanist, Machiavellian, and nihilist states. Spoiler alert: you'll probably find yourself at the nihilist end by the time you're done with the game. The battle system is a cocktail of turn-based tactical combat sprinkled with traditional RPG mechanics. As you progress, you will fight a mixture of typical post-apocalyptic foes while making decisions that affect your party's morale and abilities. Let's just say, choices feel important here-mainly because if you pick the wrong one, you might end up accidentally betraying your last shred of sanity. In combat, you will be navigating tactical maps that feel like they're your high school geography assignment gone wrong. The game has moments where strategy takes center stage, but oftentimes, you might find yourself mashing buttons like you're playing a rhythm game instead of engaging in tense combat. Bring your turn-based combat game face; it's going to get a bit rocky on the road ahead.

Graphics

Despite being set in a post-apocalyptic Wheatbelt, the visuals of Broken Roads sometimes appear as confused as your character's morals. The art style is reminiscent of that indie charm you see in stand-out games, but with a sprinkle of 'what happened here?' There are moments when the landscapes are stunning, capturing the harsh beauty of Australia's outback, and then there are times when the models feel like they belong in an early 2000s title. Textures vary-from super crisp and detailed to looking like they just rolled out of bed and forgot to get dressed. Also, let's not talk about character animations; they sometimes feel stiffer than a kangaroo trying yoga. There are flashy effects in combat, which might distract you from the underlying awkwardness of everything. So, it's a mixed bag, you might say-like using vegemite as pizza topping; you either love it, or you don't know what you just consumed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Broken Roads is a game that, on paper, sounded like it could jolt the RPG scene awake. However, its trip to the digital landscape is more like watching a slow-motion tumble down a steep hill. The ambitious narrative choices and rich themes on colonialism and culture are commendable, but the execution leaves much to be desired. With a mix of engaging plot elements overshadowed by technical hiccups and inconsistent graphics, it can be tough recommending this title outright. For those adventure-seeking souls still interested, just brace yourself for a quirky road trip through moral dilemmas, combat awkwardness, and hopefully, a few laughs along the way. Consider picking it up on Switch if you're up for a wild ride through a beautifully flawed wasteland-or if it's on sale, because even a broken road can lead you somewhere interesting, right?

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