The year is 1959. The world is heavily indulging in rock and roll music, fashion is a big deal, and the looming threat of war is seemingly even bigger! In the midst of it is Mr Winston Green, a newly recruited employee of the delivery company “We Deliver”. Behind his boyish looks and quick-to-ignite hot-headed temper lies a past draped in superior intellect and overwhelming mystery.

The game has you play, as Winston mentioned earlier, as you deliver a large variety of items, with some examples ranging from watermelons to marlins to highly volatile substances that need to be, well, delivered as quickly (and relatively safely) as possible!

Deliver at All Costs’s core gameplay and strong suit revolves around physics-driven chaos. Winston, a.k.a., you can send your vehicle ploughing through fences, trees, and buildings, utilising the game’s destructible environments to create shortcuts and escape routes. When we say destructible, almost everything can and will be demolished if you hit or drive through it long enough! To avoid the rinse-and-repeat fear that comes alongside delivery-based games, publisher KONAMI and developer Far Out Games have designed each mission to be unpredictable and humorous, keeping players engaged with their over-the-top scenarios.

As you progress in-game, Winston’s whits come into play, and your delivery vehicle can be upgraded with a range of gizmos and gadgets that range from the handy (gigantic airbags that inflate OUTSIDE your car for protection) to the downright insane (gigantic nails on your hubcaps, slow down time or a horn from hell, anyone?).

In-game stores allow for collectible in-game currency to buy upgrade-required parts or new blueprints. Thankfully, Far Out Games did NOT include the dreaded pay-to-play method, a massive win for gamers worldwide!

The controls in Deliver At All Costs are intentionally loose, complementing the game’s chaotic nature. The game does advise that the most enjoyable way of playing is via a gaming controller. We used an Xbox controller connected via a USB cable for this review. A way of camera rotation is then presented upon start-up, allowing a choice of either full right stick-free mode (camera can be turned in any direction) or standard (right analog stick reacts to left and right movement only).

Driving feels fast and unpredictable, requiring players to adapt quickly to the ever-changing obstacles and mission parameters. While this adds to the game’s charm, players may need some time to acclimate to the unconventional handling. Be prepared for the police to follow you quickly as you “accidentally” demolish someone’s residential building 45 seconds into the game whilst you and the controls come to terms with one another.

Visually, the game embraces a retro aesthetic, capturing the essence of 1950s Americana with stylised visuals and a vibrant colour palette. The models used in the game show some vague similarities to those used in the acclaimed gaming series, The Movies (2005), which is perfect and nostalgic to see these types used once more on screen. Emotions are portrayed with a slight comical vibe, and the game’s storyline plays out via a 50s-era narration voice-over and comic book-style panels.

NPCs are all dolled up to the 9’s, complete with ragdoll drop physics and complemented with their unique dialogue that reflects your kind or destructive nature (Let’s be real here, it’s going to be destructive). The isometric perspective provides a clear view of the action, although the limited camera angles can sometimes hinder visibility during complex maneuvers. Despite these minor issues, the game’s art style effectively complements its whimsical tone.

The soundtrack features 50s-era-appropriate tunes that enhance the game’s nostalgic atmosphere. With in-game currency collected, you can also purchase a portable gramophone to take your groovy tunes on the go 24/7!

Sound effects are exaggerated, aligning with the game’s slapstick humour. While the voice acting is minimal, it serves its purpose in delivering the quirky narrative plot without overshadowing the gameplay.

Deliver At All Costs offers a unique blend of chaotic gameplay, humorous missions, and a distinctive visual style. While the controls and camera angles may present initial challenges, the game’s charm and creativity make it a worthwhile experience for players seeking something out of the ordinary.

Written by: James Fraser-Smith