CarGo! is a charming delivery-focused arcade driving game that's perfect for short gaming sessions with friends
CarGo! puts you behind the wheel in a charming delivery-focused arcade driving game where every second counts. As a delivery driver in a bustling city, your mission is straightforward but engaging: pick up packages, navigate through the urban landscape, and deliver goods as quickly as possible to earn those coveted star ratings
At its core, CarGo! employs a simple but effective gameplay loop. You control your delivery vehicle from a top-down perspective, picking up packages from designated points and delivering them to their destinations. The basic controls are straightforward - accelerate, brake, and steer - but mastering them takes time due to the intentionally floaty physics.
The game adds depth through its resource management and crafting system. Many deliveries aren't just simple point-A-to-point-B affairs. You'll often need to collect different resources and combine them at crafting stations before making the final delivery. This adds a strategic layer where you must plan your routes efficiently and decide whether to prioritize speed or careful planning.
Each level presents increasing complexity through various elements:
- Time limits that push you to optimize your routes
- Star rating systems that reward efficient deliveries
- Minimum star requirements to unlock new levels
- Environmental hazards like roadworks and rising bridges
- Dynamic obstacles including police patrols and train crossings
The difficulty curve is well-balanced, introducing new mechanics gradually while maintaining the core challenge of time management and driving precision. The driving mechanics feature an arcade-style physics system that prioritizes fun over realism. Vehicles have a distinct floaty feel that takes some getting used to. While this can lead to some frustrating moments when precision is needed, it also creates opportunities for skilled players to execute drift-like maneuvers and find creative shortcuts.
Local co-op supports up to four players, transforming the game into a chaotic but entertaining party experience. You can either work together to coordinate deliveries efficiently or compete for the best performance. The multiplayer aspect adds significant replay value and creates moments of both strategic teamwork and hilarious mishaps.
CarGo! succeeds in creating an accessible yet challenging arcade driving experience. While it may not revolutionize the genre, it offers well-crafted gameplay mechanics and enough variety to keep players engaged. The local multiplayer component is a particular highlight, transforming simple delivery runs into exciting cooperative or competitive experiences.
The game's pick-up-and-play nature makes it particularly suitable for short gaming sessions, though the repetitive nature of deliveries might limit extended solo play sessions. Is it worth it? Yes, it is especially if you have some friends to play with. Thanks for reading!
The game was reviewed on a Xbox Series X via a code provided by the publisher. CarGo! is available on PC and PlayStation and Xbox.
