No Straight Roads is a rhythm game about two sisters who start a band and fight to save their hometown from corporate greed. That pitch sounds simple, and it mostly delivers on it. The game launched for PS4, PC, XONE and Switch in 2020, and critics settled on a score of 7.4 out of 10.
Trailer, via Metronomik.
The Story
The plot follows Putri and her sister Miku, who form a punk rock duo called Meteora. Their music draws attention from a corporation trying to control the city, and the sisters use their songs to fight back. It is a thin premise, but it gives the game a reason to stage its tracks as more than just obstacle courses.
The Rhythm System
Players hit notes on a guitar-shaped controller while moving through a stage. The timing is forgiving early on but tightens once the difficulty rises. Combo chains add points, and the game rewards players who keep their hands moving rather than waiting for each note.
The World
The stages move through streets, beaches and other familiar settings. Each area carries its own visual identity, and the game leans on color and light to sell its world rather than on detailed scenery. The look is bright and easy to read, which suits a rhythm game where quick reactions matter.
The Music
The soundtrack mixes pop, punk and electronic styles. Tracks are written with the game’s world in mind, so the songs often reference the story directly. Some players will find the mix repetitive over a full playthrough, but the best tracks stand out.
Difficulty
No Straight Roads starts easy and ramps up fast. The hardest difficulties demand precise timing, and some players will struggle to finish the game’s later levels without practice. The difficulty curve is steep, and the game does not ease players into it.
Replay Value
The game offers several difficulty tiers, and completing one opens new content for a second playthrough. Players who finish on a lower setting can return to try harder modes. That structure gives the game more life than a single run might suggest.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Strength | Weakness |
|---|---|---|
| Story | Engaging premise | Thin on detail |
| Rhythm system | Easy to learn | Difficulty spikes |
| World | Bright and readable | Limited detail |
| Music | Diverse genres | Some repetition |
| Replay value | Multiple difficulty tiers | Steep learning curve |
Performance
The game runs well across its four platforms, though performance dips are possible during busy stages. Load times are short, and the frame rate holds steady even when the screen fills with obstacles.
Final Word
No Straight Roads is a solid rhythm game with a strong identity. Its story gives the gameplay a purpose, its music stays varied enough to hold interest, and its replay value holds up across multiple difficulty tiers. The difficulty curve is its biggest problem, and some players will find the hardest modes too demanding to enjoy.
No Straight Roads earns a score of 7.4 out of 10.
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