In my home city of London, delivery drivers on mopeds and bicycles have become the dominant species. They weave through gridlocked traffic, seemingly unbound by the rules of the road, treating traffic lights and roundabouts as mere suggestions. They are the undisputed rulers of the urban jungle, working tirelessly to deliver packages with speed and efficiency.
It’s no surprise, then, that a game has emerged capturing the essence of this fast-paced profession. Parcel Corps blends elements of Crazy Taxi and Jet Set Radio Future, offering fast-paced gameplay and vibrant, animation style visuals. But does it deliver the goods?
The game opens with an FMV intro that parodies live news broadcasts and introduces a charismatic, albeit legally distinct, Aussie media mogul. A self-aware tutorial guides you through the basics of BMX bike control, covering turning, accelerating, cornering, jumping, grinding, and performing wheelies. Practice routes within the training section help you hone your skills before hitting the city streets.
The narrative casts you as a delivery driver building a reputation and earning respect by completing deliveries and satisfying clients. You’ll encounter a colourful cast of characters, and the game’s lighthearted tone and witty dialogue create an enjoyable and often humorous experience. The writing effectively captures the quirks and challenges of courier life, evoking a sense of nostalgia for classic games with a similar focus on quirky characters and over-the-top action.
The core gameplay loop of Parcel Corps involves navigating the city to pick up and deliver packages. Like Crazy Taxi, there’s a timer for each delivery, encouraging you to find the fastest routes while performing stunts and utilising shortcuts. You’ll jump over obstacles, grind on rails, and even scale walls and rooftops to shave precious seconds off your delivery time. Some clients offer unique challenges, such as multi-stop deliveries that test your efficiency and route optimisation skills.
While the gameplay is initially engaging and dynamic, Parcel Corps can become repetitive. The core loop of picking up and delivering packages, while punctuated by occasional challenges and stunt opportunities, might not hold the attention of players seeking greater variety. However, there are customisation options for your bike, allowing you to personalise its appearance and performance with earned currency.
The visuals are a highlight, employing a vibrant cel-shaded art style that brings the city to life. The environments are diverse and detailed, featuring a variety of urban landscapes, from bustling streets to serene parks. They are complemented by some character designs that are quirky and memorable, whilst the FMV cutscenes are well-produced, with energetic performances from the actors who seem to be having a ton of fun. The soundtrack is upbeat and complements the fast-paced gameplay.
Parcel Corps is an enjoyable arcade-style experience with a nostalgic charm. Its sense of humour, engaging story, and accessible gameplay make it easy to pick up and play. The controls are intuitive, allowing you to perform impressive tricks and navigate the city with style.
There’s a chance that the repetitive gameplay loop might not appeal to everyone, but Parcel Corps is worth checking out for its unique blend of action, fun, and visual flair.
Parcel Corps Delivers Thrills to Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC – https://www.thexboxhub.com/parcel-corps-delivers-thrills-to-xbox-series-xs-ps5-and-pc/
Hop, grind, wallride – the latest Parcel Corps trailer is here! – https://www.thexboxhub.com/hop-grind-wallride-the-latest-parcel-corps-trailer-is-here/
Buy Parcel Corps on Xbox – https://www.xbox.com/en-gb/games/store/parcel-corps/9pdv9p81jr59
