Developer: Memory Leak Games
Publisher: Cleversan Games, Ultimate Games
Platform: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Tested on: Xbox Series X/S
CarGo! – Review
We’ve tried out our fair share of party games over the years, but we’ve only seen a massive influx of party game releases in the years after Overcooked! was released. Team17 put the genre back on the map, and many developers have tried to garner the same success as the frantic cooking party game. We’ve seen similar titles with original mechanics, such as Moving Out or Cannibal Cuisine. Now, we ditch cooking and moving furniture and take up the mantle as a delivery driver trying to meet deadlines in different city-like environments. CarGo! is currently available on PC and Xbox Series X/S and will be released on other platforms soon as well.
Story
There is absolutely no story present in CarGo!, which is not uncommon for the genre. You’ll just dive into the tutorial level and play through the sixteen levels the game has to offer after that. While a cute intro or some dialogue boxes could have fleshed out a potential narrative, we didn’t mind just delving into the gameplay. You’re simply delivering cargo from point A to point B, which doesn’t require any backstory.
Graphics
CarGo! makes use of low-poly models for its small cityscapes and vibrant colors to make sure important items stand out. There is some variety in terms of vehicles, and the sixteen different maps have a few different landmarks. There is some visual clutter, however, as some indicators block streets, sometimes making it harder to see obstacles. When playing multiplayer, each player can choose a bright color for their vehicle, and there’s also the option to show a marker where their vehicle currently is. The game runs buttery smooth, which is certainly a plus for the high-speed action that CarGo! has to offer.
Sound
Even though the visual presentation may be simple and cute, the sound design left us a bit disappointed. The game puts one track on repeat, and it’s not one that you want to hear for every single level. Nonetheless, the sound effects are decent, and everything still sounds okay. We expected a few more upbeat tracks, especially in the different cities. It’s a shame, as the soundtrack can make or break a good party game.
Gameplay
CarGo! is a party game all about delivering precious cargo. The game offers sixteen levels that you can play solo or with up to three other players locally. In each level, you’ll need to pick up cargo (with a maximum capacity of two each time) and deliver it to production facilities or a wholesale point. Things are very straightforward, and the levels always start with an overview of where you can find all the different resources or production facilities. As you progress through the game, more hazards and other mechanics are introduced. You’ll also control four different vehicles throughout the entire experience. All of this is paired with some arcade-y physics, with only a minimal amount of input required. Truth be told, that’s pretty much all there is to the game. Everything works as it should, safe for a few hitbox issues where we got hit by a hazard while not standing in the affected hazard zone.
Even though the game regularly introduces new mechanics, such as tunnels, trains blocking certain routes, road obstacles, and power-ups, things never get too complex. We were able to easily play through the different stages with novice gamers, and more often than not, we got three stars on the level without having to try too hard. Communication is key here, just like it is in other party games such as Overcooked! or Moving Out. The biggest issue here, however, is that it reduces the replay value, and that’s a shame, seeing CarGo! can be completed in roughly two hours. This makes it a very short entry in the party game genre. Of course, thanks to this, it also doesn’t overstay its welcome and becomes a fun title for an entertaining evening with friends or family.
Conclusion
CarGo! is a fun little game to play with friends or family, but sadly, it has almost no content. The game only provides roughly two hours of fun with very limited replay value. Even so, the gameplay itself is solid, the concept is simple, and everything feels very accessible for every type of gamer, which is a great mix for an entertaining experience. While some minor hitbox issues happened during our playthrough, CarGo! is one of the better Ultimate Games ports out there. If you’re looking for a short but fun party game, we recommend checking this one out.
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