Roadside Research
OpenCritic
Fair
OpenCritic Score
Score Distribution
"With a special emphasis on real-time management, a nostalgic presentation/narrative tone, and a diverse array of supernatural monsters and weapons, RESEARCH and DESTROY is a unique turn-based/tactical RPG that encourages speed of action without diminishing the process of decision making. However, the game's reliance on recurring enemy spawns in random positions is problematic to promote any strategy development and contributes to a feeling of repetition, a feeling also associated with the scarcity of unique objectives and bosses."
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About Roadside Research
Cybernetic Walrus and publisher Oro Interactive dropped Roadside Research on February 12, 2026 for PC and Xbox Series X|S. This title mixes gas station management with alien infiltration in a single player or co-op setup for up to four people. You play as undercover extraterrestrials working the night shift while secretly planning an invasion. The premise asks you to restock shelves, pump gas, and act human without raising suspicion. It launched as a simulator that leans into the absurdity of aliens doing mundane retail work under threat of discovery.
Gameplay
You spend your shifts stocking shelves and managing customers while monitoring an alien invasion timer. The core loop involves balancing customer service with covert operations like hacking terminals or moving contraband supplies. A typical session sees you juggling real-time tasks against a stealth meter that fills if you make mistakes. The game offers turn-based combat elements for specific scenarios where your cover blows. Controls feel tight on both Xbox and PC, letting you switch between cashier duties and sabotage instantly. Multiplayer mode lets friends split roles so one person manages the register while another handles backroom security.
What Players Think
Critic reception landed at a 74 out of 100 on OpenCritic with only 61.54% recommending it. Reviewers like GameGrin gave it a 95, calling the unintentional comedy and fun dialogue major highlights. PSX Brasil rated it an 80, praising the innocent humor and unpretentious combat system. The community mood leans heavily toward amusement rather than serious strategy appreciation. Players note that the game shines brightest when groups are co-oping together to manage chaos. Some users mention the average playtime extends further in multiplayer due to the social coordination required to avoid getting caught.
PlayPile's Take
Roadside Research works best for groups who want a chaotic co-op experience over a serious simulation. The price sits at standard indie levels, and you can unlock achievements by completing specific sabotage missions without detection. Critics were split on depth but agreed the humor lands well. Skip this if you want deep mechanics or a solo challenge since the real fun comes from coordinating with three other players. It is a solid pick for a game night where laughter matters more than perfect completion rates.
Game Modes
Single player, Multiplayer, Co-operative
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