So, let me refresh your memory about Road 96, the video game that I played a couple weeks back live on Twitch. It’s all about helping a bunch of teens break free from the tight grip of President Tyrak’s rule in Petria. I mean, this guy rules with an iron fist, no joke. One of the game’s stars is Zoë, who happens to be the daughter of a minister under Tyrak’s thumb. Her backstory is so intriguing that the devs at Digixart decided to whip up a prequel called Road 96: Mile 0, and guess what? I played the game shortly after the first game live on Twitch as well, and finished it last weekend.

Road 96: Mile 0 is all about Zoë and her best bud, Kaito, leading up to the epic road trip that kicks off in Road 96. Zoë’s got the fancy oil minister dad, while Kaito’s a kid from the Petria slums who’s itching to take on the regime. You get to witness how Kaito’s influence pushes Zoë to realize that the government isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, sparking her rebellion.

Here’s the tricky part for the devs: they want this game to be all about your choices, just like Road 96. But these choices have to line up neatly with the main game, so the story flows seamlessly from Mile 0 to Road 96. They’ve done a pretty darn good job of it. Throughout the game, you’re constantly making choices. Should you leave some graffiti behind or tear down posters? And the way you handle your conversations matters too. Both Zoë and Kaito have their own status bars. Zoë’s got the safe vs. adventure thing, and Kaito’s got safe vs. activist. Depending on how your characters develop, certain stuff might or might not happen, or you might get different conversation choices. Your choices count, even though the main story stay intact. But make no mistake, Road 96: Mile 0 spins a unique tale that hits all the right notes.

The storytelling happens from a first-person perspective, and you switch between Zoë and Kaito. But here’s where it gets cool: you’ve got these special music game sections in between. You take turns controlling both characters as they cruise through imaginative skateboard courses, snagging as many diamonds as they can. Sounds easy, but trust me, it’s no cakewalk, and nailing a top score is no joke. You can even replay these “rides” once you’ve finished the game, which keeps you playing for quite a while.

Now, those “rides” also serve to uncover more of the story and give you a peek into Zoë and Kaito’s thoughts. It’s a nice touch, although the storytelling and the rides kinda feel like two separate things that could’ve been in different games.

In terms of visuals and audio, Road 96: Mile 0 has its own unique vibe. It might not be drop-dead gorgeous, but the style and, especially, the music make it enjoyable. Your senses get a good workout, especially during those rides.

All in all, Road 96: Mile 0 is quite the experience that’s worth a few playthroughs. Sure, you can breeze through the main story in just a couple of hours, but going back to see where your choices take you? That’s where the real fun is. Plus, those rides add some serious replay value. So, hop on the bandwagon and see what adventures Zoë and Kaito have in store for you!

I’d give Road 96: Mile 0 a solid 4 out of 5 stars! It’s a fantastic gaming experience with a gripping storyline, memorable characters, and interactive choices that really matter. The unique blend of storytelling and music gameplay sections keeps things interesting. It’s well worth playing through multiple times to explore different outcomes and paths. Don’t miss out on this one!