Roundabout (2014)

Roundabout is an innovative 1970s B-Movie style game where players operate a limousine that never stops rotating. The game combines open-world exploration, puzzle-solving, and story-driven gameplay, offering a distinctive twist on traditional driving adventures. Developed by No Goblin, a studio founded by creators who previously worked on titles such as Destroy All Humans!, The Gunstringer, and Rock Band, Roundabout presents a fresh and quirky approach to gaming.

Gameplay Mechanics

In Roundabout, players are tasked with transporting passengers to their intended destinations, but with a unique challenge: the limousine spins continuously. Navigating the town requires careful timing and precise control to maneuver around obstacles, buildings, and other hazards while maintaining the limousine's rotation. This spinning mechanic introduces a complex layer of strategy to the otherwise open-world driving environment.

The game world is set in 1977, and players follow the journey of Georgio Manos, a chauffeur whose revolving limousine earns him fame across the city of Roundabout. Through the missions, players discover the highs and lows of Georgio's career, along with hidden stories of romance and adventure. The use of full motion video inside the limousine adds an authentic 1970s B-Movie aesthetic, immersing players in the period setting.

Features

• Drive a constantly rotating limousine through the densely populated streets of Roundabout.
• Experience a narrative told through 1970s B-Movie Full Motion Video, chronicling the rise of Georgio Manos.
• Engage in open-world puzzle gameplay, exploring twisty streets, uncovering collectibles, and acquiring properties within the city.
• Customize and upgrade the limousine with hats, horns, paint jobs, and other enhancements to enhance gameplay and personal style.
• Participate in a variety of challenges designed for competitive play, including multiplayer contests and high-score objectives.
• Dedicated eSports speedrun mode, officially endorsed by a talking skeleton character within the game.
• Big Head Mode and numerous other fun gameplay modifiers, offering unique and entertaining variations on standard gameplay.

Open World Exploration

The game emphasizes exploration and discovery in a compact, intricately designed open world. Players navigate through streets that twist and turn, requiring them to plan their movements in alignment with the constant spin of the limousine. Hidden collectibles and purchasable properties encourage players to explore every corner of the city while engaging in the central narrative of Georgio's rise to fame.

Customization and Upgrades

Roundabout offers extensive customization options for the player’s limousine. Accessories such as hats, horns, and paint jobs not only enhance the vehicle’s appearance but also provide gameplay benefits. Upgrading the limousine becomes essential as missions grow more complex and obstacles more challenging, allowing players to adapt to the game’s unique rotational mechanics.

Competitive and Social Features

The game includes a range of challenges designed for competitive play. Players can attempt high-score runs, compete in timed missions, and test their skills against friends. Additionally, the eSports speedrun mode adds an official competitive component, complete with quirky endorsements from an in-game talking skeleton. These features make Roundabout both a casual and competitive experience, suitable for a variety of player types.

Visuals and Style

The full motion video presentation inside the limousine is central to the game’s charm, giving players a true 1970s B-Movie experience. Cinematic sequences unfold as players drive, blending storytelling with gameplay in an immersive and visually distinctive style. This combination of live-action footage and interactive driving creates a unique narrative vehicle, emphasizing humor, style, and period authenticity.

Conclusion

Roundabout is a singular blend of open-world driving, puzzle-solving, and narrative storytelling. Its spinning limousine mechanic, combined with full motion video, retro aesthetics, and extensive customization, sets it apart from conventional driving games. Players experience the life of Georgio Manos, navigating a chaotic city filled with challenges, secrets, and opportunities, all while embracing the style and spirit of 1970s B-Movies. With competitive modes, collectibles, and playful modifications, Roundabout offers an entertaining and memorable gaming experience for a wide audience.

Roundabout is a wild, funny ride that feels completely unique. Driving a constantly spinning limo is tricky at first, but it quickly becomes hilarious and addictive. The '70s style and over-the-top story add a lot of charm, making it more than just a driving game.

If you like quirky humor, puzzle driving, and something truly different, Roundabout is worth your time. Some missions can be frustrating, and the controls take practice, but the joy of mastering the spinning limo and uncovering secrets makes it all worth it.

We recommend Roundabout for anyone looking for a game that’s fun, weird, and full of personality. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re up for a unique challenge, you’ll have a blast.