Parcel Corps

At some point or another, we've all had to deal with the horrors of the gig economy. Wouldn't it be better if every aspect of the soul-crushing world of modern society was a colorful, cel-shaded game about delivery guys riding bikes? No? Well, in any case, that's the Parcel Corps proposition.

This fast-paced racing game puts you in the shoes of a freelance messenger, as you navigate the sunny streets of New Island. While the game leans heavily on its colorful aesthetics to stand out, its gameplay really turns Parcel Corps into an instant classic. Before you know it, you'll be dodging people, pedaling your way to success… and get hit with disappointment when you finally get your cheque. Just like real life!

Choose Your Side

As soon as you arrive in New Island, you'll need to join one of the three delivery companies working there. You might be a freelancer, but you still need friends, right? The three factions serve as a clever commentary on the competitive nature of the real-life gig economy, with a dash of punk influences that die-hard fans of Jet Set Radio will surely love.

Whether you join the Wallaby Wheelers, the East Coast Couriers, or the Das-la Poste, your objective always remains the same: deliver things on time. However, your choice also changes the "plot," with your character trying to turn their company into the biggest, meanest corp on New Island.

Fast And Fluid

Just one look at Parcel Corps is all you need to know what the game has in store. When you make a game that focuses on a particular vehicle, you better make sure it's fun to ride said machine. Otherwise, you end up with another Ride to Hell: Retribution. Fortunately, that's not the case in this game.

Parcel Corps shares much of its DNA with Bomb Rush Cyberfunk. Beyond the colorful cel-shaded visuals, the game excels at making movement feel fluid and responsive – not to mention insanely fast. The camera also works with the player so you never lose sight of the action. I especially loved placing the camera at a low angle, making the game's FOV turn any scene into a fast-paced thrill.

Comic Book Couriers

I've mentioned the game's visual style a few times throughout this review, but I haven't mentioned exactly how great Parcel Corps looks. Nailing the perfect cel-shaded look can be tricky, especially in a fast-paced game like this. Luckily for players, Parcel Corps nails the look and tone it was going for.

While some aspects of the game's geometry and texture work could use a touch-up before the game's final release (it's still in early access, after all,) what we got is a game that pays homage to Jet Set Radio's stylish looks. It's not for everyone, I'm sure, but the colors and fast-paced action work together to make the game feel extra dynamic.

Pros

• Gorgeous and colorful visuals
• Fast-paced, entertaining gameplay
• Tight controls and responsive camera

Cons

• Textures and map geometry lack detail
• The plot and characters can be hit or miss