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No Straight Roads

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of No Straight Roads
Item: No Straight Roads
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2020

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Comedy, Open World, RPG, Music and Dance, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableAug 25, 2020

PlatformNintendo Switch, PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4

DeveloperMetronomik

Overview

Welcome to Vinyl City! Play with Mayday and Zuke for the Musical Revolution in this action adventure game created by Wan Hazmer, one of the lead game designer of FF XV and Daim Dziauddin, SFV's concept artist.

Elsewhere

7.6

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

60%

Mixed (50-79)

40%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of No Straight Roads are generally positive. Many critics praise the game for its well-developed protagonists and interesting twists and turns. Nintendo Insider, for example, highlights the story and characters as the game's highlights. They describe the protagonists as well-developed and the story as full of fun surprises. TheGamer also commends the game for its heartwarming tale of punk rock defiance, likable characters, and adorable Saturday morning cartoon flair. TheXboxHub praises the story as a love letter to the old school, with rock versus electronic themes and charming characters. They mention that the story's charm is able to satiate the longing for old-school games. These positive opinions indicate that the story of No Straight Roads is engaging, entertaining, and appealing to players. However, there are some critics who have mixed opinions about the story. GameCritics, for instance, feels that the narrative has flashes of promise but overall feels like the duo are just on a rampage and possibly even the bad guys, despite being portrayed as heroes. Stevivor also notes that the story has some big allegories that fall flat and a disconnect from the overarching messaging. These mixed opinions suggest that while the story may have its moments, it may not fully deliver on its potential or resonate with all players. Overall, the general consensus among the critics is that the story of No Straight Roads is engaging and enjoyable. The positive aspects mentioned by multiple critics, such as well-developed protagonists, interesting twists and turns, likable characters, and a sense of charm and nostalgia, contribute to the overall positive reception of the story. While there are some mixed opinions and criticisms regarding certain aspects of the story, the majority of critics appreciate the game's narrative and find it to be a highlight of the experience. The positive reception of the story indicates that No Straight Roads successfully delivers an engaging and entertaining narrative that complements the gameplay and appeals to players.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics generally praise No Straight Roads for its engaging story with well-developed protagonists, interesting twists, and charming characters. Positive reviews highlight the game's heartwarming punk rock tale and nostalgic charm, making it appealing to players. Some critics express mixed opinions, citing narrative inconsistencies and disconnects in messaging. Despite this, the majority agree that the story adds depth and enjoyment to the overall gameplay experience.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

23%

Mixed (50-79)

73%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of No Straight Roads are varied, with both positive and negative aspects being highlighted. One of the positive aspects mentioned by multiple critics is the ability to control two characters with different playstyles, Mayday and Zuke, each with their own unique moves and abilities. COGconnected praises the easy-to-pick-up controls and the fun of playing as either character. The combat is described as a mix of hack-and-slash attacking and rhythm-based evasion, adding an exhilarating element to the battles (PC Gamer). The boss battles, in particular, are highlighted as the most enjoyable part of the gameplay experience (TheSixthAxis). The game incorporates rhythm-based mechanics, with attacks and enemies timed with the beat of the music, requiring players to pay attention not only to the visuals but also to the audio cues (Vooks). However, there are also negative aspects mentioned by the critics. Some critics criticize the combat and movement mechanics, describing them as simplistic, underdeveloped, and lacking depth (Nintendo Insider, Noisy Pixel). The platforming sections are criticized for feeling imprecise and frustrating, with floaty combos and poor hit detection (Nintendo Insider). The platforming mechanics are also described as mediocre (TheXboxHub). The need to parry in combat is emphasized by Stevivor, stating that it is more important than the game suggests. The combat mechanics are also criticized for being forgettable and unengaging (GameCritics, Gamers' Temple). Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of No Straight Roads has its strengths and weaknesses. The boss battles, with their rhythm-based combat and multi-stage epic encounters, are often highlighted as the highlight of the game (Player 2, Push Square). The ability to control two characters with different playstyles and the incorporation of music-based gameplay elements are also praised. However, there are criticisms regarding the simplicity and lack of depth in the combat mechanics, as well as issues with the platforming sections. Some critics feel that the gameplay can become repetitive after a while (Screen Rant). Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment seems to be that No Straight Roads offers a unique and enjoyable gameplay experience, particularly for those who appreciate rhythm-based combat and epic boss battles.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics have mixed opinions on the gameplay of No Straight Roads. They praise the dual character control, exhilarating boss battles, and music-based mechanics. However, some criticize simplistic combat, imprecise platforming, and lack of depth. Overall, the game offers a unique experience with strengths in rhythm-based combat but weaknesses in mechanics and repetitiveness.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

85%

Mixed (50-79)

15%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of the critics praised the graphics and visual design of No Straight Roads, with many highlighting its vibrant and colorful aesthetic. Critics such as God is a Geek, Nintendo Insider, Switch Player, TheGamer, PC Gamer, Press Start Australia, Gaming Age, GamingTrend, Impulsegamer, Noisy Pixel, Player 2, Push Square, Screen Rant, and The Digital Fix all commended the game's visuals for their stylishness, vibrancy, and unique art direction. They appreciated the neon-soaked world of Vinyl City, the expressive character designs, and the attention to detail in the environments. The graphics were described as clean, attractive, and reminiscent of a Saturday morning cartoon, creating a visually appealing and immersive experience. However, there were a few criticisms regarding the graphics and visual design of No Straight Roads. COGconnected noted that while the art style was bright and unique, the NPCs lacked color and appeared drab, which detracted from the overall visual experience. NintendoWorldReport mentioned that the excessive attacks and scenery changes during boss fights sometimes made it difficult to see what was happening. Vooks also pointed out that the game's visuals were not done any favors by the Switch's lackluster visual prowess, with jaggies and soft edges present in both handheld and docked modes. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the graphics and visual design of No Straight Roads are a major strength of the game. The majority of the critics praised the game's stylish and vibrant visuals, its unique art direction, and the attention to detail in character designs and environments. The positive aspects mentioned by the critics outweighed the few criticisms raised, indicating that the graphics and visual design of No Straight Roads were highly regarded by the reviewers.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics lauded the striking graphics and vibrant design of No Straight Roads, praising its stylish aesthetic inspired by Saturday morning cartoons. While some noted issues like dull NPCs and visual clutter during boss fights, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with critics highlighting the game's immersive world of Vinyl City and expressive character designs. Despite minor flaws, the game's visuals are a standout feature that enhances the overall experience.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

87%

Mixed (50-79)

13%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of the critics praised the sound design and music of No Straight Roads, considering it a standout feature of the game. They commended the diverse soundtrack, which covers a range of genres including EDM and rock. Critics like God is a Geek and Nintendo Insider specifically mentioned the excellent soundtrack, with each boss having a specific track that adds to the overall experience. TheGamer described the game's discography as a "bouncy bubblegum earworm," highlighting the catchiness of the music. The music was also praised for its seamless transitions between different musical styles, with GamingTrend noting that it transitions between rock and EDM depending on who has the advantage in a fight. The dynamic nature of the music, which changes based on the boss's health and player actions, was also appreciated by critics like GameSpace and PC Gamer. The inclusion of fully voiced dialogue with excellent sound quality, as mentioned by Switch Player, added to the overall positive reception of the sound design. However, there were some criticisms regarding the sound design and music of No Straight Roads. COGconnected mentioned that the rhythm matching mechanics can be underwhelming and sometimes don't align with the beat, which could potentially affect the overall experience. Pure Nintendo also mentioned that the music-based combat may be meh, suggesting that it might not be as engaging as expected. Stevivor pointed out that while the music is catchy and enjoyable, some songs can be frustrating in solo play, indicating a potential lack of balance or difficulty spikes in certain sections. The voice acting, although generally praised, was criticized by The Digital Fix for the sometimes annoying voice of Mayday. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the sound design and music of No Straight Roads are very good. The majority of the reviewers expressed their admiration for the game's soundtrack, with many considering it a standout feature. The diverse range of musical styles, the seamless transitions between genres, and the dynamic nature of the music were all highly appreciated. The positive reception of the sound design was further supported by the inclusion of fully voiced dialogue and the ability to interact with the music during boss battles. While there were some criticisms regarding the rhythm matching mechanics and certain aspects of the voice acting, these were overshadowed by the overall positive sentiment towards the sound design and music of No Straight Roads.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics love the diverse and catchy soundtrack of No Straight Roads, praising its seamless transitions between genres and dynamic nature. While some had minor issues with rhythm mechanics and voice acting, the majority agree that the sound design is a standout feature of the game, enhancing the overall experience significantly.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

70%

Mixed (50-79)

20%

Negative (0-49)

10%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in No Straight Roads has received a generally positive reception from the critics. Multiple reviewers praised the voice work for bringing personality and depth to the characters, with Pure Nintendo stating that the vocals succeed in creating larger-than-life auras. PC Gamer also commended the voice acting for bringing the zany characters to life and creating a vibrant Saturday morning cartoon vibe in the cutscenes. The diverse cast of characters was well-voiced, according to Press Start Australia, with Mayday being full of energy and Zuke being relaxed and vague. GameSpew and Xbox Achievements both highlighted the energy and fun that the voice work brought to the game, creating an attachment to the protagonists. App Trigger also mentioned the entertaining voice acting with strong and brassy lead characters. However, not all critics were completely satisfied with the voice acting in No Straight Roads. God is a Geek found Mayday's shrill voice to be irritating and cringe-worthy, which detracted from the overall experience. While this was a negative point raised by one critic, it is important to note that it was not a sentiment shared by the majority of reviewers. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in No Straight Roads is a strong aspect of the game. The well-delivered lines and expertly-presented voice work, as mentioned by TheGamer, contribute to the endearing nature of the characters. The inclusion of Malaysian accents and local language, as noted by Stevivor, adds to the unique DNA of the game. The positive feedback from various critics, such as Switch Player, PC Gamer, Press Start Australia, GameSpew, Xbox Achievements, and App Trigger, further supports the overall sentiment that the voice acting in No Straight Roads is well-executed and enhances the overall experience of the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics praise No Straight Roads' voice acting for bringing vibrant personalities to the characters and creating a larger-than-life aura. While some found Mayday's voice irritating, the majority appreciated the energy and fun the voice work added to the game. Overall, the diverse cast and well-delivered lines make the voice acting a standout feature, adding to the endearing nature of the characters and enhancing the overall gaming experience.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

56%

Negative (0-49)

44%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance of No Straight Roads, the Nintendo Switch platform seems to have mixed opinions from the critics. Nintendo Insider praises the game's performance on the Switch, highlighting good resolution and image quality. However, Switch Player mentions minor visual bugs, stability issues, frame drops, and even a crash. Vooks also points out that the game's visuals suffer from low resolution and unreadable text in handheld mode, especially on a Switch Lite. These opinions suggest that while the game performs well in some aspects on the Switch, there are noticeable technical issues that affect the overall experience. Moving on to the Xbox One platform, GameSpew criticizes the game for technical issues, including bugs and problems with story scenes and character placement. This negative feedback indicates that the technical performance on Xbox One may be subpar, impacting the gameplay and immersion. Regarding the PlayStation 4 platform, GamingTrend mentions lots of glitches, a bad camera, and attacks not syncing up with the music. PlayStation LifeStyle also highlights performance issues such as invisible walls, lack of in-game instructions, and camera perspective problems. However, The Digital Fix notes that while there were a few hiccups and graphical blips, the game ran well enough, suggesting that the technical performance on PS4 is relatively better compared to the other platforms. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that No Straight Roads suffers from various technical issues across different gaming platforms. The Switch version seems to have noticeable performance problems, including frame rate drops, glitching through walls, and stability issues. The Xbox One version is criticized for bugs and problems with story scenes. The PS4 version also experiences glitches, camera issues, and synchronization problems with music. While there are positive aspects mentioned, such as good resolution and image quality on the Switch, and the game running well enough on the PS4, the overall sentiment leans towards a subpar technical performance for No Straight Roads across all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics have mixed opinions on the technical performance of No Straight Roads across different gaming platforms. The Switch version receives praise for resolution and image quality but faces stability issues and visual bugs. Xbox One is criticized for technical problems affecting gameplay, while PS4 suffers from glitches and camera issues. Overall, the game struggles with various technical issues on all platforms, impacting the overall gaming experience.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

21%

Mixed (50-79)

79%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of No Straight Roads are varied, but there are several positive aspects that stand out. Nintendo Insider, Switch Player, TheGamer, TheSixthAxis, PC Gamer, Press Start Australia, and Impulsegamer all mention the boss battles as a highlight of the game, offering different modes, musical genres, and unlockable abilities. This variety in boss battles provides significant replayability and allows players to experience different versions of each battle. The ability to enhance abilities, unlock skills, and earn a higher score in each playthrough also adds to the replay value, as mentioned by Switch Player, PC Gamer, and Impulsegamer. Additionally, the exploration in the overworld, the zany humor, and the ability to mix-and-match bosses with different soundtracks are mentioned by PC Gamer and Press Start Australia as factors that contribute to the replay value. However, there are some negative aspects mentioned by critics regarding the replay value of No Straight Roads. Nintendo Insider points out the game's short length and lack of replay value as negatives. GameSpew mentions the repetitive gameplay and frustrating boss battles as factors that may discourage replaying. Guardian highlights the lack of substance in the actual fights and the interactively barren nature of Vinyl City as disappointing aspects. Overall, the critics seem to agree that the boss battles and the various modes and musical genres they offer contribute significantly to the replay value of No Straight Roads. The ability to enhance abilities, unlock new skills, and earn higher scores in each playthrough are also mentioned as positive aspects. However, there are some concerns raised about the game's short length, repetitive gameplay, frustrating boss battles, and lack of substance in certain areas. Despite these negatives, the overall consensus among the critics is that No Straight Roads provides enjoyable battles, a worthy purchase for lovers of beautiful and resonant games, and ample replay value for those who wish to revisit the boss battles, try different soundtracks, or achieve better scores.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics have mixed opinions on the replay value of No Straight Roads, but they agree that the boss battles, diverse modes, and musical genres offer significant replayability. Enhancing abilities, unlocking skills, and exploring the overworld add to the game's replay value. However, some critics mention the short length, repetitive gameplay, and frustrating boss battles as drawbacks. Despite the criticisms, No Straight Roads is praised for its enjoyable battles and ample replay value, making it a worthwhile purchase for fans of vibrant and engaging games.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

37%

Mixed (50-79)

59%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

No Straight Roads has received a mix of positive and negative reviews from critics. Many critics praised the game for its vibrant art style, lovable characters, and unique soundtrack. COGconnected describes it as a "wacky adventure" with "fun gameplay" and a "bright art style," recommending it as an easy pickup. TheGamer even goes as far as calling it a "nearly-flawless title" that pays homage to rhythm games while offering new and inventive gameplay elements. The game's heartfelt and stylish nature is also highlighted by Nintendo Insider and TheSixthAxis, who appreciate its ambition and expansion of ideas. Additionally, the game's celebration of music and its polished flair for exposition are commended by Gamers' Temple and Impulsegamer, respectively. However, there are several criticisms raised by reviewers regarding No Straight Roads. One common complaint is the gameplay, with critics such as God is a Geek, Nintendo Insider, and GameSpew mentioning issues with combat mechanics, rhythm matching, and repetitive platforming sections. The loose gameplay and irritating voice acting are also noted by God is a Geek, while GameSpew criticizes the boss battles for their varying quality and frustration. The lack of evolution in gameplay mechanics and short length are mentioned by Nintendo Insider, and Slant Magazine points out rough spots in mechanics and camera angles. Stability issues, an empty-feeling overworld, and poor controls and camera angles are also highlighted as major drawbacks by Switch Player, PlayStation LifeStyle, and Noisy Pixel, respectively. Overall, the consensus among critics is that No Straight Roads is a game with both strengths and weaknesses. While it has its flaws, such as gameplay issues and technical performance, the game manages to deliver a unique and enjoyable experience. The celebration of music, vibrant art direction, and dynamic soundtrack are frequently praised. Critics like Player 2 and Pure Nintendo appreciate the game's strong sense of self and its exploration of deeper themes. However, the game falls short in areas other than boss fights, lacks evolution in gameplay mechanics, and suffers from poor controls and camera angles. Despite these drawbacks, the game is still recommended by some critics, such as COGconnected and Xbox Achievements, who find it engaging and worth experiencing. Overall, No Straight Roads is seen as a game with potential and ambition, but one that fails to fully deliver on its promises.

TL;DR

No Straight Roads: A vibrant and unique game praised for its art style and soundtrack, but criticized for gameplay issues and technical flaws. Critics appreciate its ambition and celebration of music, but note problems with combat mechanics, repetitive gameplay, and poor controls. While it falls short in some areas, the game still offers a fun and engaging experience worth checking out.

CRITIK

Reviews

111 reviews found

100

TheGamer

Nintendo Switch

Aug 25, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A nearly-flawless title that serves as an awesome homage to rhythm games of yesteryear while offering new and inventive gameplay and narrative elements.

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App Trigger

PlayStation 4

Jan 29, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Colorful and fun game that is a great way to relax and enjoy music

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Gaming Age

PlayStation 4

Aug 26, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

No Straight Roads is not perfect, but it stands out with its vibrant art direction and enjoyable gameplay. It offers enough to ensure a good time for players.

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TheXboxHub

Xbox One

Sep 3, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The overall experience is described as great, memorable, and charming. The review mentions some issues with combat and mediocre platforming, but still highly recommends the game.

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Nintendo Insider

Nintendo Switch

Aug 25, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

No Straight Roads is a heartfelt and stylish game, but is let down by middling combat, short length, and lack of evolution in gameplay mechanics.

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TheSixthAxis

Nintendo Switch

Aug 25, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

No Straight Roads is a fairly small-scale game, but it does a good job of expanding its ideas. The music, boss battles, and replayability make it enjoyable overall.

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Switch Player

Nintendo Switch

Sep 9, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

No Straight Roads is a hot jam with quality music, visuals, and wit, but has stability issues and an empty-feeling overworld.

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GamingTrend

PlayStation 4

Aug 31, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

No Straight Roads could have been an excellent game, but with tons of glitches, inconsistencies, and some attacks feeling unfair, it’ll have to settle with being great.

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PC Gamer

Aug 25, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

No Straight Roads is a refreshing and stylish take on the rhythm action genre. It is exciting to play and wildly different, making it a bold statement of creativity from the Malaysian game development scene.

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Gamers' Temple

PlayStation 4

Sep 16, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

No Straight Roads is a charming celebration of music with a polished flair for exposition, despite its flaws in gameplay.

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