No Straight Roads is a rocking, musically rhythmic action game that leads to musicians on a quest to change the status quo. These heroes are rockers who live in an EDM led world. EDM has become the mainstay for music, and it is up to them to change things and bring back Rock. They are in for a tough time, though, as the governing force is the best and brightest EDM stars. Mayday and Zuke make up the duo of Bunk Bed Junction. These two rockstars want to be the next big thing. They also want to have their name in lights and change the world with their music. They both love music and believe Rock needs to come back. It’s a sad world that they live in, as the only music to blast through the airwaves is EDM.
At the beginning of the game, the duo battles through an audition. This audition is the audition of a lifetime. The player learns the controls through a few small challenges before being thrust into the first major battle. This game gets rather wild fast, so players need to be ready for anything. Listen to the music, and the game will become more manageable. This game is a rhythm action game but is far different from others. Players need to be on their toes as sometimes the beats come hard and fast. Players need to swing and shoot to the rhythm of the music, but also have the reflexes to dodge multiple attacks. The two characters play differently, so players will have to learn how to use them both.
Mayday is the stronger of the two and will take down more enemies with her ax. This weapon takes down enemies with its force, and players will need that. There are numerous enemies for the player to defeat throughout the game, and having brute force is going to help. While Zuke might be great, his weapon is a little different. Zuke is the drummer, so his weapon is a touch weaker. He can string up to three lights at the start but will slowly gain access to a longer string of attacks. Zuke is calm and collected though, playing to the beat might be a touch easier with him, though it will be harder to take down enemies. Zuke can take out enemies with ease often enough, and the change between him and Mayday is evident.
This game has multiple enemy types that change how players will play the game. While many enemies fall to a swing of the ax or a tap of the drums, others will require different attacks. Mayday and Zuke can shoot at enemies if they have ammo. Players will collect ammo from enemies and inside crates. They will need to use it sparingly, as it isn’t always possible to pick it up. To topple the powers that be, Mayday and Zuke are going to have to take down multiple leaders. These leaders each have a unique EDM style, and these styles change the game. It’s wild jumping into a new area and hearing completely different music. The game offers up different styles of music that I was enjoying. I haven’t listened to much EDM, but it can be surprisingly good; video games can teach people new things.
Battling through areas players will take down numerous foes. Doing so leads them to the boss of the area. The areas can run a little long, but the player will want to keep in the rhythm. This game can be hard if people lose the musical vibe. I lost a few times, because I didn’t think to the beat and it caused me to misstep. This game is challenging so take a breath and listen to the music. The bosses are often the hardest part of the area. Players will have to play through the area again to reach the boss, so it’s best to put the game in sleep mode if the player has to stop. The bosses are culminations of the area, and the music turns up to eleven. These bosses are great, and they are magical characters. Meeting them is always a thrill and toppling them is the best.
Players will also need to collect light energy. This energy helps power the city, which is under control by the big bad. They have been keeping the power to themselves so, Mayday and Zuke need to collect it and share it with the people. Collecting power unlocks the city and makes it come to life once more. It also gives the pair points to unlock new skills. The duo each has a skill tree, which I wasn’t expecting. These trees will help make them stronger and give them new powers of Rock. It’s great to slowly fill out the trees by helping citizens and taking out enemies. These trees become a big boon to our heroes and helps the player customize how the pair take down their foes.
The characters in this game speak too, which is always a good sign. There are numerous characters to talk to, and the city will change a little as the pair take down their foes. The voice acting generally fits the characters, but some of the choices are humorous. Seeing the city and its people return to life is magical.
No Straight Roads is a fantastic rhythm action game, the likes of which I’ve not seen before. This game will test the player’s rhythm like no other and might have the player take on the bosses repeatedly until the rhythm sticks. This game is a magical one, and I love the world and its musicality. Mayday and Zuke need to topple the powers that be; will the player help them save the day?
Disclaimer: A review key was provided