Broken Roads: A Promising New Role-Playing Game
We have finally confirmed the release date for Broken Roads. A seamless blend of the isometric style of Fallout 2 and the elevated, philosophical choices of Disco Elysium, this CRPG from Drop Bear Bytes has been on our radar for a while now. Broken Roads, a role-playing game with a twist - instead of traditional character classes, players choose from four fundamental philosophies that shape their playstyle and decisions.
With an authentic landscape, a complex morality system, and a commitment to characterization and drama, Broken Roads could be one of the underground hits of 2023. While it doesn't feature a classic class system, Broken Roads still allows players to customize their build and play their own way. At the same time, it takes a different approach to morality than what is typically seen in RPGs.
The Moral System of Broken Roads
Instead of a binary or reductive 'good versus evil' system, the Moral Compass in Broken Roads allows for decisions - either in terms of the story or dialogue - based on the philosophical inclinations of the characters. There are four philosophical archetypes - Humanist, Utilitarian, Machiavellian, and Nihilist - and each has different ideas on how problems should be solved and how to interact with people.
For example, if you are a Humanist, many decisions will be weighted towards helping others. This contrasts with the Nihilist, who may be indifferent to their own or others' struggles, and the Machiavellian, who will try to manipulate people. Utilitarians, on the other hand, seek to solve problems and make decisions based on maximum practical benefit and efficiency. It is much more in-depth than many RPG decision systems and fits perfectly with the far-reaching, post-apocalyptic story of Broken Roads.
The Aesthetics of Broken Roads
The entire game has a beautiful classic CRPG aesthetic, combining isometric view with detailed assets and stunning hand-drawn backgrounds. The release date for Broken Roads is confirmed for Tuesday, November 14th, and it will be available on Steam. If you can't wait that long, there is already a free demo available.
