Kentucky Route Zero: TV Edition (Xbox Series X|S)
Official GBAtemp Review
Product Information:
- Release Date (NA): August 17, 2023
- Release Date (EU): August 17, 2023
- Publisher: Annapurna Interactive
- Developer: Cardboard Computer
- Genres: Point-and-click, Adventure
- Also For: Computer, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One
Game Features:
The premise of Kentucky Route Zero (KRZ) is a seemingly simple - if not mundane - one: antique shop courier Conway has to make a delivery on a certain 5 Dogwood Drive. But despite his experience as a driver, it’s not an address he recognises. Upon querying at a gas station, Conway learns that he has to take Route Zero to reach the delivery address. What ensues is far from simple as Conway descends into a surreal, often Kafkaesque, journey as he ventures to find that cryptic Route Zero that will take him to his (fateful) destination.
KRZ fits its description of a “magical realist adventure game” where the lines are blurred between real and fantasy elements with a backdrop of what would otherwise be considered mundane. The story indeed follows a delivery to the destined address but is littered with surreal elements that goes unquestioned by the protagonists, as if these elements are natural happenings in their universe.
For example, to reach a location early in the game, Conway has as marker a tree that is “always on fire”. But this just sets the scene for what’s to come as later during his roadtrip, Conway meets and is even joined by other characters under even more surreal settings. When stopping by the "museum of dwellings" (which is a museum but also a village of sorts), he makes the acquaintance of Ezra and his “brother”, a giant eagle, that swoops in to take them to their next destination. Later on, Conway comes across debt-ridden skeletons endlessly working to pay their dues in an underground facility.
If these scenes sound strange, it’s because they are and KRZ is filled with such instances. But developer Cardboard Computer crafted a universe where those surreal aspects neatly fit in and the game is well executed to portray this. This is supplemented by the original, minimalist art style and electronic score.
In terms of gameplay, you’ll control alternating characters in a mostly linear fashion, with some freedom regarding how you interact with environmental elements and NPCs. Interaction is performed in a point-and-click fashion, with actions and interactive elements highlighted and you can cycle between them. There’s not much challenge involved, and, even if conversations do provide choices that can lead to varying responses, the overall plot does not feature any branching aspect.
This can be a downer if you’re looking for a more traditional gameplay aspect, or at least a more engaging gameplay. Even in modern text-based adventure - which KRZ is easily compared to - player engagement have been successfully integrated such as with the excellent Roadwarden; and at least having more weight to player actions would make the experience more compelling.
That said, KRZ’s story and characters are compelling in their own right; and that’s the main focus of the game. The magical realism execution makes it a singular title that is well executed to reflect this. And despite the surreal elements, the characters are unique and relatable as they share real-world woes and hopes from unfulfilled dreams to a need of belonging. Interacting with the NPCs and environmental elements further flesh out the unique universe to help further grip the player. In this aspect, KRZ is not as passive an experience as other titles like We Are OFK. Nevertheless, the lack of challenge or weight to player action (which would be right at home in such a title) stand out throughout its duration.
KRZ’s unique journey to 5 Dogwood Drive takes place across 5 acts interspersed with interludes that take around 10 hours to complete in total. In Kentucky Route Zero TV Edition, all acts are included (which previously released over the span of several years since the debut of Act I in 2013) and plays well on the Xbox Series S that it was reviewed on. However, I found that the game’s “Fieldnotes”, where directions and clues as to where to go next are noted down, weren’t always updated. This led to some occasional confusion and I’m not sure if it’s a bug or just a normal delay in the game.
That said, as my first time playing through a game that started a decade ago, Kentucky Route Zero TV Edition holds up well. Its original magical realism universe is well executed with relatable characters and a captivating plot, and will appeal to any fans of narrative, text-heavy games such as Roadwarden or Norco. Just don’t expect much in terms of challenge or branching narratives.
KENTUCKY ROUTE ZERO: TV EDITION | Coming to PS5, Xbox Series X|S
Verdict
- Unique magical realism setting
- Captivating plot
- Relatable cast despite surreal elements
- Lack of challenge
- No branching paths
- Fieldnotes not always updated on time
