Soapbox: This Game Pass Gem Is My Xbox Game Of The Year For 2022

On the road

by Ben Kerry Mon 26th Dec 2022

I've played a lot of great games this year, with Xbox Game Pass helping me discover some proper gems thanks to its consistent work in adding high-quality titles. A Plague Tale: Requiem was an absolute delight back in October (well, aside from the rat waves of course), as was the Xbox-exclusive As Dusk Falls which really surprised me this summer. However, one game captured my heart this year, and that's Ravenscourt's procedural adventure Road 96.

Sure, this game technically came to Nintendo Switch in 2021, but its Xbox arrival was this year, so I'm classing it as a GOTY 2022 contender. I reviewed the game when it did finally come to Xbox and I enjoyed my experience so much that, well, here we are!

For those who aren't quite sure what this one is all about, I'll try and sum it up. Road 96 is a story-heavy adventure where you'll play out various different journeys, escaping to the border in a fictional, authoritarian nation. With each journey, you'll meet a bunch of interesting characters who are mostly there to help you out, although even if they aren't, they'll provide plenty of memorable moments throughout the whole adventure.

The voice acting here is top notch, and that goes a long way to help ground each individual story and how its dialogue plays out. There's also the game's soundtrack which is varied, surprising at times, and just utterly brilliant. In fact, Road 96 has one of my very favourite game soundtracks of all time!

I'll openly admit that the timing of Road 96 hitting Xbox likely contributed a fair bit to just how much I fell in love with the experience. The game arrived at a time when I was at a major crossroads in my personal life, and aside from providing some much-needed escapism at the time, it actually taught me a lot about making tough decisions in life and reconnecting with people after a global pandemic.

Well, that got personal! Anyway, I can wholeheartedly recommend Road 96 to anyone who loves a good video game story that focuses on realistic characters and how they overcome tough personal challenges. It's on Xbox Game Pass as well, so if you're looking for something to play this Holiday season, why not give it a go!

What's been your Xbox GOTY for 2022 so far? Let me know down in the comments below.

Ben is a News Writer at Pure Xbox, and is a fan of action, racing and straight-up shootin' in any Xbox game he can get his hands on. When he's not clutching an Xbox controller like his life depends on it, Ben spends his time listening to music that's far too old for him, watching football on the telly and probably eating somewhere.

1
Scummbuddy
Mon 26th Dec 2022

I can relate. And it may sound odd but Sunset Overdrive hit for me right at a point that I absolutely needed the (absurd) escapism.

2
GreenTea
Mon 26th Dec 2022

And that's one more game to add to the wishlist then, thanks for the recommendation!

3
Lup
Mon 26th Dec 2022

Well, I'll try it. I had no idea what this game was about but it sounds pretty cool. Lately I'm not enjoying videogames so much so maybe this'll help.

4
el_pieablo
Mon 26th Dec 2022

I'll need to go back to this. I bought it based on your review, but I played one journey and put it down. Not because I wasn't enjoying it but other things came along, professional and personal. I'll go back to it soon

5
themcnoisy
Mon 26th Dec 2022

Road 96 is a gem. So glad I stumbled across it.

6
JayJ
Mon 26th Dec 2022

Wasn't really a fan but I've played worse.

7
SpecialT
Tue 27th Dec 2022

Enjoyed Road 96. For me though As Dusk Falls is high on my 2022 list. Really enjoyed that game.

8
sjbsixpack
Tue 27th Dec 2022

I don’t understand how so many people like this game!!??? Road 96 is absolute dog *****!! Not a game at all. A cartoon that prompts ya to press a button every now an then. I remember my mate had Dragon’s Lair on the Phillips CDI some 30 years ago, that was the same. Looked good but boring!

9
petrosv
Tue 27th Dec 2022

YES! I've played it on Switch, great music, great story

10
BidensBunny
Tue 27th Dec 2022

so I should try this game?

11
sjbsixpack
Wed 28th Dec 2022

@BidensBunny no!! It’s not a game, it’s a cartoon where ya press a button every now an then!!

12
Reptilio
Thu 29th Dec 2022

I live in the southern US and all i can say is: build the wall.

13
BidensBunny
Thu 29th Dec 2022

@sjbsixpack well. It isn't like it will cost me anything. I will still give it a go and get annoyed with it.

14
sjbsixpack
Thu 29th Dec 2022

@BidensBunny yeah, of coarse. I was just proper confused, saw lots of hype sayin how good it is, started playing an thought………eh……..???

15
BidensBunny
Fri 30th Dec 2022

@sjbsixpack I snagged a few achievements last night and uninstalled. There were some janky sound issues with the dialogue but ultimately, not my kind of game. I could see where it would appeal to some though

16
Bartig
Mon 2nd Jan 2023

I've done three escapes now, but I can't really motivate myself to play more out of it. It feels more like a repeat over and over than a puzzle I want to unravel more of.

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