The relationship between Tess and Opal is central to the narrative of Open Roads, a captivating game developed by Open Roads Team and published by Annapurna Interactive. The story follows 16-year-old Tess as she prepares to move with her mother Opal after a family tragedy. The game beautifully explores their relationship and interactions with other family members, weaving a compelling family mystery that keeps players engaged.
As players delve into the story, they uncover clues by exploring various environments and collecting items like photos, trinkets, postcards, and letters. The game's narrative style draws comparisons to Gone Home, with Opal providing insights into the family's history and connections, adding depth to the storytelling experience.
Open Roads features renowned actors Keri Russell and Kaitlyn Dever, who deliver stellar performances as Opal and Tess, respectively. Their portrayal of the characters' complex emotions and hidden secrets adds a layer of authenticity to the game, enhancing the overall narrative.
Visually, Open Roads impresses with its hand-drawn character animations set against 3D backgrounds, creating a unique and immersive aesthetic. The game's attention to detail in capturing the early 2000s setting, from technology like flip phones to nostalgic music and MapQuest directions, adds to its charm and authenticity.
While the game's lip sync animations may feel slightly abrupt, the overall presentation and storytelling more than make up for this minor flaw. Open Roads offers a captivating 90-minute experience that seamlessly blends gameplay elements with a compelling narrative, leaving players engrossed till the end.
With a rating of 8/10, Open Roads is set to release on March 28 across various platforms, including PC, Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Game Pass subscribers can enjoy the game on day one across cloud, console, and PC platforms, offering a convenient way to dive into this heartfelt family mystery adventure.
For gaming enthusiasts seeking a poignant and immersive storytelling experience, Open Roads promises a memorable journey filled with emotion, mystery, and exceptional performances that elevate the game to a must-play title in the indie gaming scene.
