Road 96: Mile 0

An indie prequel with a disarming number of ideas to share.

A surprising prequel that does interesting stuff with rhythm-action and fun for fans of Road 96.

The script itself doesn't strike a good balance either, often transitioning from subjects such as a rumination on class inequality directly into a slapstick comedy sketch before interjecting a news bulletin about an impending natural disaster. It's, to put it mildly, a mess. And this happens over and over throughout the 4-5 hours required to complete the game. While pitch-black comedy can work, the writing in Mile 0 is awkward enough that it feels accidental rather than deliberately irreverent. What you're left with is a fun rhythm game surrounded by a plethora of questionable writing decisions.

Road 96: Mile 0 presents a predictable yet relatable tale about teens pushed to the brink under an oppressive system. The energetic soundtrack, quality voice acting, and comedic moments help balance the heavier themes and darker undertones of the story. The newly added Rides serve to amplify Mile 0’s catchy tunes while adding another means of gameplay interaction beyond dialogue choices and minigames. Despite its shortcomings, the prequel does a decent job at laying the narrative foundation for the events of Road 96 while introducing new gameplay mechanics that cater to a new audience of players.

Even with the brief runtime, Road 96: Mile 0 ends just as the narrative becomes interesting, making it difficult to care about what does occur. These are issues that could have been potentially fixed with slight tweaks to the story, but there is enough that works to inspire some curiosity as to how the overall narrative can be expanded in a theoretical sequel. There are reasons to go back and do multiple playthroughs if one wishes to see all potential outcomes, but that can only be recommended for someone who already has an attachment to the characters and would like to spend more time with them.

Road 96: Mile 0 is more than just an ordinary prequel. It’s a standalone, emotionally charged experience that enriches and deepens the Road 96 universe. DigixArt once again proves that it has mastered the art of storytelling, this time through a unique blend of classic adventure and rhythm gameplay. The story of Zoe and Kait is powerful, relevant, and moving, resonating with themes of friendship, idealism, social differences, and finding one’s own path in a turbulent world. If you’re a fan of Road 96, Mile 0 is an absolute must-play. Not only does it answer many questions about Zoe’s fate and the broader context of Petria, but it also offers a fresh perspective on the events and characters you’ve come to love. For new players who haven’t yet encountered Road 96, Mile 0 serves as an excellent introduction to the world of DigixArt and its narratively rich games. It’s a reminder that even in the hardest of times, the bond of friendship and the power of idealism can help you find your way—no matter where it leads. Road 96: Mile 0 is a powerful and moving story that will leave a lasting impression on you.

Road 96: Mile 0 is a linear story of Romero and Juliette aimed primarily at fans of the original who miss the iconic characters.

Road 96: Mile 0 takes a bold detour, blending rhythm gameplay and smart storytelling, but it left me with mixed emotions. I’m happy to have gotten more insights in the backstory, but it only ended up answering questions I didn’t really need answers to.

The wishful beginnings to Road 96 quickly veer off-course due to clumsy gameplay, weak writing, inconsistent production values, and transparently purposeless direction.

Road 96: Mile 0 will appeal to those who enjoyed the previous chapter. Instead of taking up the formula in its entirety, Mile 0 introduces a variation in the form of musical sections. The combination works conveying anxieties and concerns of the teenage protagonists. From a technical standpoint, the game is a bit backward, but it does feel acceptable.