Indie adventure game Open Roads embraces the power of curiosity as it immerses players in a brief yet captivating mystery featuring acclaimed actors Keri Russell and Kaitlyn Dever.
Long-lost family secrets. Hints of a hidden fortune. And miles to go before they sleep. Tess Devine’s relationship with her mom has never been easy, but they’re about to set out together on a journey into the past that they’ll never forget. (Photo : Annapurna Interactive)
Open Roads' Immersive Exploration, Narrative Unfolding
Unlike traditional games with intricate puzzles or daunting obstacles, Open Roads offers a relaxed two-hour journey where players gradually uncover long-buried family secrets during a mother-daughter road trip.
The Verge reported that executive producer Amy Fincher emphasizes the game's focus on exploration, encouraging players to delve into its richly detailed world to uncover hidden gems and unravel mysteries.
With no pressure to solve complex puzzles, players are free to immerse themselves in the narrative-driven experience. Open Roads falls under the category often labeled as a "walking simulator," akin to acclaimed titles.
Players assume the role of Tess, portrayed by Kaitlyn Dever, a 16-year-old navigating the aftermath of her grandmother's passing while assisting her mother Opal, voiced by Keri Russell, in packing up the family home.
Right from the start, players are prompted to interact with objects in Tess' room, which is brimming with nostalgic items like rented VHS tapes awaiting return and a tucked-away Tamagotchi. Set in the early 2000s, the game immerses players in the era's ambiance.
Nearly every object is interactive, allowing players to pick them up and inspect them, often triggering dialogue. Moreover, there's a designated "Hey Mom!" button for items that Opal might have insights or comments about.
As the narrative unfolds, the setting transitions from the family residence to various locales where Tess and Opal delve into their family's hidden past. Each location, whether it's a hotel room or an abandoned summer house, offers a compact yet intricately detailed environment to explore.
In-between these settings are car scenes, limiting interaction to adjusting the radio and checking messages on a flip phone. To progress through the game, players must locate certain items, typically keys or similar objects to unlock new areas.
However, the inclusion of such tasks is deliberately kept minimal, with emphasis placed on encouraging players to explore out of curiosity rather than relying heavily on item-hunting mechanics, as highlighted by Fincher.
Nostalgia, Satisfaction Through Exploration
Exploring Open Roads offers both nostalgia and satisfaction as players interact with era-specific items, from coffee cans to snap hair clips, evoking a sense of the early 2000s.
The game's graphic design captures the essence of the era, allowing players to inspect each item closely and engage in playful interactions like popping bubble wrap or eating burgers for achievements.
Despite its brevity, the game's compact yet richly detailed environments ensure exploration never feels tedious or overwhelming. Subtle cues guide players without imposing pressure, fostering a relaxed and immersive experience, even in the constant presence of the character Opal.
