Road 96 Devs Release New Game — and Introduce a Mechanic Critics Are Calling the Future of Narrative Games

On April 22, Tides of Tomorrow launched — the new project from French studio DigixArt, known for Road 96 and Road 96: Mile 0, with THQ Nordic as publisher.

The story takes place on the ocean planet Elynd, drowning in plastic. Micro-particles have turned into a deadly disease called “plastemia,” transforming people into mannequin-like shells. You play as a Tidewalker — someone from the past, resurrected by a mysterious cult known as the Mystics to follow in the footsteps of those who came before.

The standout feature is its linked stories system. Before starting, you choose the “trace” of another real player — a friend, streamer, or complete stranger. That player has already experienced key moments in the game, and their decisions directly shape your world: resources, dialogue options, and NPC states.

You can follow their path — or break away and make your own choices. Then, in turn, someone else may experience the game through your decisions.

Critics have responded positively: 76 on Metacritic and 83 on OpenCritic. The narrative structure, characters, atmosphere of a dying world, and especially the linked-story mechanic have been widely praised — some reviewers even call it “a new step for the genre.” On the downside, stealth sections feel underdeveloped, controls can be clunky, and the PS5 version doesn’t fully utilize the hardware. The game runs about 10–13 hours and costs $29.99.

If you liked Road 96, this feels more like an evolution than a repetition.

Would you be interested in a game where your story depends on a stranger’s choices? Share your thoughts in the comments.