The trend of independent productions enlisting Hollywood talent continues with “Open Roads,” a three-hour narrative adventure by Annapurna Interactive. This publisher, known for bridging the worlds of film and gaming, has a history of incorporating voice-acted elements in its projects, including both acclaimed and less favorably received titles.
Developed by the Open Roads Team, comprised of former Fullbright employees, the game initially started under Fullbright but underwent a transformation following allegations of workplace issues involving creative lead Steve Gaynor. Despite setbacks and delays, the project persevered with much of the original team intact under a new identity.
In terms of gameplay, “Open Roads” caters to enthusiasts of the narrative-adventure genre, offering a first-person perspective with limited interactivity akin to similar titles. While the primary focus revolves around advancing the plot by discovering key elements, the gameplay lacks substantial action, primarily relying on dialogue choices with seemingly minimal impact.
Starring Keri Russell (known for “Felicity” and a less well-received “Star Wars” installment) and Kaitlyn Dever (recognized for “Last of Us Season 2” and the acclaimed “Booksmart”), the game follows the journey of a mother and daughter unraveling a family mystery triggered by uncovering hidden letters in their late grandmother’s house. This discovery sets them on a road trip across Canada, exploring locations tied to their intriguing ancestral past.
With a strong emphasis on storytelling, “Open Roads” excels in weaving an intimate narrative centered around the mother-daughter duo of Opal and Tess. The game’s immersive world-building captivates players from the outset, incorporating environmental storytelling as a foundational element crucial to narrative adventures.
Character interactions are visually presented through hand-drawn animations, adding a charming layer to the storytelling experience. Despite the partially animated nature of the game, these sequences effectively enhance the emotional depth of the narrative, drawing players into the unfolding story.
The meticulous attention to detail extends to the meticulously crafted environments, such as bedrooms, cellars, and motel rooms, each brimming with personality and contributing to the overall world-building. The authenticity of the characters is further accentuated by the quality voice acting, breathing life into the complex dynamics and emotions portrayed throughout the game.
While “Open Roads” shines in its narrative delivery, some minor flaws, like repetitive gameplay mechanics and clunky character movement, may be noticeable. However, these issues do not detract significantly from the overall experience, especially on the Nintendo Switch platform where the game runs smoothly with only occasional minor glitches.
In conclusion, “Open Roads” offers a compelling three-hour narrative journey reminiscent of titles like “Gone Home” and “Tacoma.” The game’s attention to detail and skillful storytelling make it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre, despite its limited gameplay mechanics. The heartfelt originality and surprising twists woven into the narrative make “Open Roads” a memorable adventure worth embarking on, provided players appreciate the genre’s nuances and storytelling focus.