What is Roadside Research?
CHEAP GAS?!
A 1 – 4 player co-op gas station simulator where you play as Aliens trying to research humanity! I know what you’re thinking, “probably another friendslop simulator game” pero ika nga ni Game Reviewer Kim, Roadside Research isn’t your typical simulator game! Agents are on your tail, and you gotta blend in ala “Kokey”, okey?!
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of the game, it’s important to know that our Game Reviewer Gumii played this solo, which may impact some parts of their review!
Roadside Research Gameplay: Gas Station Simulator
Roadside Research lets you run your own gas station! Refuel your customers’ cars, stock up and handle your store, and in between these you need to continue doing your human research.
At the start of the game, the instructions are not explicitly laid out. No hand-holding, letting the player figure out things on your own! As a solo player, the first few days can be a loop, but it slowly eases its repetitiveness through alien upgrades. It isn’t much of an issue if you have friends to play with!
With its repetitiveness, mini games are present all throughout the game, spicing up its gameplay. Agents also actively investigate you, act normal and brainwash them so you won’t be turned into goo!
The game also has a small quality of life to make the stocking up easier, like having a small logo both on the shelf and the storage racks. These icons help players easily identify what supplies to get for the store.
Roadside Research’s Design: Quirky!
Roadside Research presents itself with a quirky style, which fits the alien-themed story.
The audio design of the game is helpful, with cues helping identify what’s happening around you. Ika nga ni Game Review gumii “You can clearly hear cars coming for fuel, the door chime ringing when customers come in, fart sounds from the toilet when someone poops, and a distinct sound when you drop some alien goop.”.
The background music shifts to an action-filled OST when agents are actively investigating you, so you’ll know when they’re present.
Roadside Research: Performance Tanks (haha, gets niyo ba?) At Times.
Roadside Research always goes unresponsive and crashes when loading a save file. Forcing the player to force restart the game, which can get annoying when you just want to get into the game. Loading also takes a while during subsequent sessions.
Final Verdict: A Quirky Simulator With Performance Issues
A fun, chill game that is definitely meant to be played with others. Some parts of the game are easier when you have people around. For example: With agent visits, if you have multiple people, one can stun them, another removes the glasses, and finally another brainwashes them. That also goes with the tasks, more people means mas maraming naka toka sa isang specific area.
Solo or not, those who are into chill simulator games can definitely enjoy Roadside Research. Ika nga ni Game Reviewer gumii “This game is perfect for those who just want to chill and play after a long day of work or school.”.
This review wouldn’t have been possible without our community game reviewer gumii! (Rating: 8/10)
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