Welcome to my review for Totally Reliable Delivery Service, a cooperative game based around delivering parcels in the most effective manner possible.
Cast your mind back k a couple of years, and Indie sensation Human Fall Flat was released, which I hold in high regard, and also agreed with many other gamers and critics sentiments that cooperative play would have made that game even better. I hear you ask why I mention this game in particular, and that is because TRDS has a similar physics based gameplay element that allows a lot of zany fun to be had. But whereas the latter had coop play added at a later date, this title is solely focused on playing with others in this fun sandbox world.
Not only does the game support local play for up to 4 players, but there is online capabilities too, meaning you can game with anyone, whether that be on your sofa or online. Winner.
Being totally reliable and inoffensive, people of all ages can find this game enjoyable, fun and addictive. It really is that good, and I'm currently writing up this review while my 2 children play in front of me, although I must question their dedication to being reliable in their delivery of said parcels. Rather they run around like headless chickens chasing each other, and crashing every vehicle that they can lay their hands on. But this is what I like, the game allows tou to take your time and play how you want.
Actual gameplay aside in my kids sense, the aim is to not just complete the delivery reliably, but to aik for then gold trophies if you manage relocating the parcels in the quickest possible times. This doesn't come without reward though, and unlocks new vehicles along the way.
The controls feel odd at first, as you can move each of your characters arms independently, and having not played Human Fall Flat for a long time, and having to get used to something like this again took a short while to get accustomed to again. Driving or piloting a vehicle can result in some quite epic encounters with scenery should you not time cornering or flying right. Inevitably, if you have a parcel with you, it's highly likely that it will get catapulted out of said vehicle meaning you will lose valuable time. It is possible to quit and restart the mission, which let's practice make perfect, or so I'm told.
Whilst I did attempt some deliveries, I ended up playing round with the game world and exploring a lot, all while crashing a fair amount. It's not a massive sandbox, but it doesn't need to be. There is enough content to keep you busy, and even more should you own the DLC.
Onto the graphics, and TRDS won't win any awards for artistic talent. It is an Indie game, and has focused more on gameplay, but it's not terrible. A bright vibrant world of colour fills out the screen, with a cartoon aesthetic for the world and character design. As in the words of the mighty Todd Howard, "it just works". A suitable visual for a game such as this.
The audio is mostly limited to background tunes that don't offend the ears, and sits nicely in the background as you play along. Not annoying nor in you face. It doesn't matter either , as the laughs you'll have will drown out anything else.
As for the achievements, there are a lot of easy ones to pop, from making set amount of deliveries, to making special item deliveries for miscellaneous achievements, to losing your pants in a tornado or falling 10 seconds. They're not hard for the most part, although you will have to work harder for some. With some work, you will be able to grab them all.
Does the game have any negative points to mention? Sure, its difficult to get used to controlling vehicles, at least in my case. But this is a minor niggle.
Overall, TRDS is a fantastic game that offers you some cooperative capers with friends. I like that it forces this, rather than leave you to play solo. Sometimes you need a game like this, and being as pleasant as it is, kids will enjoy it also. Mine are mildly addicted now, and as I wrap this up, I have to crowbar ready to pry them away from the console so I can have another go. It's available to own for a very reasonable price, or for those of you smart enough to have a Game Pass subscription.
Developer: We're Five Games
Publisher: tinyBuild
Release Date: 1st April 2020
Price: £12.49
Available for Game Pass as of writing.
4.5