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Road Not Taken Preview

Scheduled release date:
August 5, 2014
Publisher:
SCEA
Developer:
Spry Fox
Number Of Players:
1
Genre:
Adventure
Release Date:
August 5, 2014


Every once in a while, it’s important to explore the unexplored. That’s the core concept of the new IP from Spry Fox called Road Not Taken , and it’s shaping up to be one of the most promising and unique adventures of 2014. This is described as a “roguelike” game, in which players mustn’t be afraid to test the unfriendly waters of a mystical, fantastical world. You have to delve beneath the surface to fully appreciate the depth of the game, so make sure to be inquisitive. Curiosity so did not kill the cat; it enriched the cat’s life (provided kitty was appropriately cautious).

With its distinctive art style and procedurally generated environment, Road Not Taken is appealing in a number of ways. For instance, while the procedurally generated areas are indeed a focal point, there are also scripted encounters that you can always expect to see. It’s like a very light hand of guidance in an ever-changing world, so freedom combines with a wee bit of linearity. This means that every time you play through the game, you’ll face some of the same obstacles, but the experience will never be exactly identical.

This is a puzzle/adventure title at heart, and there are numerous scenarios to consider. Remember that there are no checkpoints and no lives; if you die, it’s over. Therefore, even your super capable ranger, equipped with great equipment and abilities, could end up face down in the snow if you’re not careful. Stamina is a concern, but it’s one of the few definite quandaries you face in your travels; much of what you’ll see and hear isn’t explicitly defined. Secrets are everywhere you turn, and your natural instinct is to figure things out, right? It’s not just about puzzle-solving; it’s also about tapping into childlike wonder and curiosity.