The Low Road is an imaginative game that takes place in the ’70s and stars two spies. It tells the story of one Noomi Kovacs and her begrudging partner Turn. These two are polar opposites and both completely different types of spies.
Noomi Kovacs is fresh out of spy school and just wants to do fieldwork. She wants to travel around and do all the things she’s ever thought spies did. But, she soon finds that spying has changed and that none of what she hoped spying is, is true. This is devastating to the new spy, but she finds that there may be a way to become a spy like always dreamed of and nothing will stop her.
Now Turn, is a man who at one point was just as enthralled in spying. He is now a desk jockey, spying from his office. It is interesting to see how jaded he has become when the player learns about his past. This character is one that will have to learn to be more like Noomi and that is a nice thing. Turn is definitely not going to come along willingly, and only trickery will bring this curmudgeon back to the real spy world.
Turn, starts the player out running, with a spy mission. He gives Noomi a taste of what she could deal with in a few years. Turn and co need to find a missing scientist and the only way they can do it is if they find out where he’s been taken.
In an interesting phone call, Noomi delves into finding this scientist. It is possible to fail this mission and for the other employees to judge the player. So, if the player does fail it’d be best to try, try again. This is an important first phone call because it does, in fact, guide the rest of the game. Changing how everyone feels about Noomi is important as a good image is paramount in the spy world.
Playing with the scrapbook is an interesting feature. The scrapbook changes with every person the player is working with. With different information given for every character, it becomes important to really comb through all of the details. The player will often have to read and answer responses at the same time. Giving the wrong answers can result in bad endings and the player will have to retry the whole call.
Noomi, in her haste to become a field working spy, concocts a plan and soon sends her job into a tailspin. The field working spy Horace gives her a flyer for a new job and using this she effectively makes the rest of the employees quit, leaving just her and Turn to do everything. Horace is the one employee to stay on, and soon Noomi and Turn must save him. This duo will soon find themselves faced with numerous obstacles as they go to the hidden base and eventually to a certain forest. These places are filled with puzzles and tests, and Noomi and Turn both have their work cut out for them.
This game is one that has different endings as well. Depending on how the player answers questions and interacts with Turn, the game can end in different ways. The player could keep the pair together or they could have them fall apart. It is nice to see both endings as it shows two different sides to the story.
The energy of this game also fits in with the time period the game is set in. Everything isn’t instant in this game like is nowadays. Though there is a certain sense that what we have now could be possible. With spy stories, there is always a sense that future technology is possible. Scientists in these stories always seem to have the greatest tech because they are either rich or work for some power with the capital to fund these insane ideas. While not as out there, these characters are spies and this idea starts to push through as the player progresses.
This game also has voice acting which for me is always something I look forward too. There is a lot to listen and think about in this game, so voice acting makes everything just a little easier. The characters are voiced nicely and I enjoy not having to read everything, because there is a lot of text. The story does come alive and that is one of the reasons this game is so great.
The Low Road is a fantastic game that is filled with character and fun. Noomi is a stellar spy in the making and through this adventure, one can see why she is fit for the role. Turn is another great character and his arc connects so well with Noomi’s. Both of these characters are both so vibrant and playing the game through to the end is definitely worth doing.
The Low Road is a great game that tells a rather thrilling spy story. What might seem simple and boring becomes exciting if the player is willing to sit through a somewhat dull beginning. Once this game kicks off the intrigue doesn’t cease. Noomi just wants to be a spy, will the player help her achieve her dream?
Disclaimer: A review key was provided