Developed by Cybernetic Walrus and published by Oro Interactive, this title is a 1-4 player cooperative simulator that blends management, humor, and an absolutely original storyline. Released on February 12, 2026, in Early Access on Steam (and also available on Xbox with Game Pass support).
Roadside Research puts you in the shoes of undercover aliens tasked with managing an Earthly gas station while hiding their true intentions: preparing for an alien invasion!
A surreal plot and humor that never disappoints
Roadside Research, published by Oro Interactive, immediately stands out for its surreal plot and irresistible humor. From the very first minutes of gameplay, you find yourself piloting a spaceship that, instead of landing gracefully, crashes to the ground and transforms into a portable toilet. This is just the beginning of a series of hilarious situations: the aliens move clumsily and leave behind colorful farts that, if noticed, could reveal their true identity. Yet, human customers seem completely unfazed by these details, adding a layer of comedic absurdity that makes the game even more entertaining.
Unlike other simulators such as Supermarket Simulator or Job Simulator, where the goal is simply to perform repetitive tasks efficiently, Roadside Research introduces a rich and engaging narrative. It’s not just about restocking shelves or serving customers, but doing so while hiding your true intentions: preparing for an alien invasion. This narrative twist turns every action into a potential threat, making even the most mundane tasks exciting and unpredictable.
Innovative Gameplay Mechanics and Cooperative Play
The real strength of Roadside Research lies in its innovative gameplay mechanics. Beyond the classic management of a gas station, the game introduces a suspicion system that adds a constant layer of tension. If the suspicion level exceeds a certain threshold, the infamous “men in black” arrive to investigate, ask questions, and, in some cases, chase you down. This dynamic turns the game into a kind of “stealth management simulator,” where every decision can have unexpected consequences.
Cooperation is another key element. Roadside Research is designed to be played in a group of up to 4 players, making it perfect for gaming sessions with friends or for streaming. Players’ reactions to the most absurd situations can entertain the audience, turning every match into a unique and fun experience. The developers, Cybernetic Walrus, have already proven their ability to create successful cooperative games, such as Order 13, and with Roadside Research, they’ve taken the genre to the next level.
The game is currently in early access, which means some features are still under development. However, the developers have already announced a rich roadmap of updates, including new mechanics, additional content, and improvements based on community feedback. This shows a steady commitment to delivering an increasingly complete and satisfying experience.
A Growing Community and a Promising Future
Despite being in early access, Roadside Research has already achieved tremendous success, selling over 300,000 copies in the first two weeks after launch. This result is proof that the game has hit the mark, offering a fresh and fun experience in a genre often dominated by more traditional titles.
The community is growing rapidly, and the developers appear highly responsive to player feedback. This collaborative approach is essential to ensure the game continues to improve and evolve, constantly offering new challenges and content.
A Simulator You Can’t Afford to Miss
In summary, Roadside Research is an innovative, hilarious, and personality-packed simulator. If you’re looking for a game that blends management, humor, and an original storyline, this is the title for you. Whether you want to play solo or with friends, Roadside Research delivers hours of fun and laughter, with a strategic twist that keeps things engaging.
Don’t miss your chance to join the alien invasion, grab Roadside Research on Steam now and get ready for a one-of-a-kind gaming experience!
Roadside Research
PRO
- Unique humor: The surreal plot and comedic situations (like alien farts and crash-landing in a portable toilet) make it hilarious and original.
- Fun cooperation: Up to 4 players, perfect for streaming and playing with friends.
- Innovative mechanics: The suspicion system and the arrival of the “men in black” add tension and variety to the gameplay.
CON
- Early Access: Some features are still in development, so the game may feel incomplete to some players.
- Repetitiveness: Despite the humor, some management tasks can become monotonous after several hours.
- Limited Content: Being in its early stage, some promised features are still missing and will be added in future updates.
7.5/10
