A delivery game on bicycles, where following the roads isn’t usually the fastest route. That is Parcel Corps, a game with mechanics that I’ve found very fluid when it comes to riding those bikes. Where anyone can easily navigate through the streets, parks, and even inside buildings this world is made of. Well, technically worlds, as it has been segmented for the ease of progression.

Upon loading into a save, I was greeted to a live action news report. Very snazzy way to set the story up. It pretty much outlines how cyclists have formed a delivery service that is performing well, with a new team of cyclists hoping to outperform them. Complete with an interview with the manager of that new team. Even from this first live action segment, I could tell what I was in for when it came to the writing.

There’s a certain charm to the characters that Parcel Corps has created. But when it wants to be funny, it’s very hit and miss. Starting out that news report with a story about opium being a wonder drug that will eradicate war, disease, and famine certainly is a choice. On the other hand, the juice store owner – a donut dressed as a policeman, never fails to get me smiling with the police-based puns.

After the news report, the game truly begins with a tutorial that the character giving it recognises as a tutorial. It teaches the basics of movement, getting me well prepared to bunny hop, wallride, and grind my way to victory. At the end of it, I even get to rate the person giving the tutorial via the phone. Naturally, I went five stars. The tutorial continues on a bit longer after that, showing off the ropes of getting businesses to… well, do business with the corporation you’re a part of.

Each business will have a challenge to complete before they will agree to use the services of the corporation, whether that be a simple delivery under a time limit or with an extra caveat. Take the policeman running the juice store. He wants juice delivering to a person, but only knows the rough location. So, once at the general area they were spotted, I have to find the right person by using the provided photo.

Once they accept the services, they will send new jobs to the delivery app on the phone. Completing jobs earns money, along with loyalty. Which helps when it comes to the delivery rush. This is how progress is made, with the reputation level rising upon meeting the required amount earned during a rush. These delivery rushes are fun, providing a more free flowing delivery experience than just a singular job does.

Upon starting one, three jobs show up on the map. Upon accepting one, the timer increases. The same for when a delivery is complete. The core of delivery rushes is very much Crazy Taxi if it was possible to pick up more than one person at a time. New jobs are always becoming available, with the mode running as long as there’s time available. If in a job, an overtime of ten seconds gives a bit of extra time to finish the current job.

With each level, new businesses become available to recruit. Once at level three, a new area becomes available. And a new news report when transitioning to that new area. Again adding a bit more to the story, the evil guy has now entered the picture. A Mr. Villainé, CEO of Polar Petroleum, has been appointed as a special advisor to the Department of Environment Air Transport and Health. Nothing good can come from that, clearly.

There’s a lot to enjoy with Parcel Corps, with the gameplay loop providing a lot of fun. Especially when it comes to running through pedestrians. Another fun thing is Snake Pass. On the phone, which can be used while on the move, there’s numerous apps. Which includes a modern version of Snake. Collect a coin and the snake grows longer, with the game only ending when touching the screen edge or another part of the snake. Now try playing that while also riding through the streets. Truly chaotic fun.

There’s a few other things to keep entertained with outside of delivering, such as time trials. Or, if you’re like me, the photo mode. There are plenty of jumps, wallrides, and grind rails in which to try it out. And if you don’t manage to get the button pressed in time for that perfect shot, there’s a rewind of up to fifteen seconds that can be utilised. Though only the rider rewinds, meaning anyone knocked down stays down.

With fluid controls and a great core gameplay loop, Parcel Corps is a great game to experience. Some fun characters, from designs to writing, even if the latter can be hit and miss. For me, mostly miss. As such, even if all the cutscenes can be skipped, Parcel Corps gets a recommendation from me. Especially since the overall story told through those news reports seems so completely separate from everything else.

Images Taken From:
Parcel Corps | PC