This month, Xbox Game Pass subscribers have a variety of exciting games to choose from. Whether you’re a baseball fan diving into MLB The Show 24 for playoff season, an action fan revisiting Sifu, or in the mood for some spooky vibes with Inscryption, there’s something for everyone. One game that may not catch your eye right away but is definitely worth checking out is Open Roads, a game centered around a family road trip adventure.
Open Roads kicks off with the passing of Tess’s grandmother, leading to an unexpected road trip to uncover family secrets. Tess, voiced by Kaitlyn Dever, portrays a teenage girl with a strained relationship with her mother Opal, played by Keri Russel. The dynamic between mother and daughter is familiar, but the presence of Opal’s late mother adds another layer to their journey. Despite her absence, the grandmother’s secret sets the stage for an adventure that delves into generational trauma.
Unlike traditional road trip games, Open Roads focuses more on the stops along the way rather than the actual drive. Players are tasked with exploring various locations on foot, such as an empty house filled with moving boxes, an abandoned vacation home, or a boat. These spaces are rich with objects and remnants of the past, allowing Tess and Opal to uncover hidden truths. The developers, who previously worked on Gone Home, incorporate elements of exploration and discovery reminiscent of the beloved walking simulator.
In Open Roads, players experience the story through piecing together context clues found in the environment and objects. News clippings, pictures, and letters reveal the complex relationships among the three generations of women in the family. While Gone Home focused on solitary exploration, Open Roads keeps Tess and Opal together, transforming each discovery into a meaningful dialogue between mother and daughter. The performances by Dever and Russel bring depth and emotion to the narrative, creating an intimate and engaging experience for players.
With a runtime of about two hours, Open Roads offers a short yet emotionally impactful story driven by exceptional acting. Its availability on Game Pass makes it easily accessible to a wide audience, giving everyone the opportunity to immerse themselves in this heartfelt journey. Even if the game may not be your cup of tea, the experience is worth the investment of a couple of hours of your time.
