Deliver At All Costs Review: A Chaotic yet Confident Game Marred by Unnecessary Storytelling
In a gaming landscape dominated by serious, story-driven titles, it’s refreshing to encounter a game that embodies the spirit of carefree fun. Deliver At All Costs, developed by Studio Far Out Games and published by Konami, is a game that revels in its own chaos, drawing inspiration from the likes of Grand Theft Auto. According to a review by Rock Paper Shotgun, this game is "excellent dumb fun" with a "constantly creative mission design", but is ultimately hobbled by its tedious interludes and unconvincing storyline.
The game’s open-world design allows players to explore a vibrant, mid-century Americana-inspired city, complete with destructible environments and a variety of wacky missions. As Rock Paper Shotgun notes, "the city is already a nice enough place to spend time, vibes-wise; a toytown pastiche of mid-century Americana that creates a familiar and vibrant enough sense of place for you to enjoy levelling that place to bits." Players take on the role of a courier, tasked with delivering a variety of items, from rotting melons to remote control cars, while navigating the city’s busy streets.
One of the standout features of Deliver At All Costs is its creative mission design. Each delivery is unique, with varying objectives and challenges. For example, players may be tasked with delivering a stone statue of the mayor to replace an old one that’s been vandalized, all while avoiding a swarm of "dysentery pigeons" that are determined to ruin the cargo. As Rock Paper Shotgun observes, "the game is so creative with its twists and framing that each delivery stands out."
The game’s physics engine and control scheme also contribute to its chaotic charm. The review by Rock Paper Shotgun praises the game’s "slip-slidey Micro Machines goodness", noting that the truck’s handling is "tight and responsive" while also being "clownishly histrionic" when driven recklessly.
However, Deliver At All Costs is not without its flaws. The game’s storyline, which attempts to humanize the protagonist and provide a sense of depth, falls flat. According to Rock Paper Shotgun, the story is "unconvincing, uninteresting, unfocused, and there’s far too much of it." The inclusion of tedious cutscenes and conversations only serves to drag the game down, disrupting the otherwise enjoyable gameplay.
The review by Rock Paper Shotgun concludes that Deliver At All Costs suffers from a lack of confidence in its own abilities. The game seems unsure of itself, attempting to conform to traditional notions of what constitutes a "real" video game. As the review notes, "it’s not a good screenplay, Eric. And give me back my milkshake." Despite its flaws, Deliver At All Costs remains an enjoyable experience, offering players a chance to indulge in some "excellent, dumb fun".
In terms of technical specifications, Deliver At All Costs is available on Windows, with a release date of May 22nd, 2025. The game can be purchased on Steam, GOG, and the Epic Games Store for £25/€30/$30. The review by Rock Paper Shotgun was conducted on an Intel Core i5-12600K, 32GB RAM, Nvidia RTX 4060 Ti, running Windows 11.
Ultimately, Deliver At All Costs is a game that will appeal to fans of chaotic, action-packed gameplay. While its storytelling may be lacking, the game’s creative mission design and enjoyable physics engine make it a worthwhile experience. As Rock Paper Shotgun notes, "there is, as I say, some excellent, dumb fun to be had here." With its vibrant cityscape and variety of wacky missions, Deliver At All Costs is a game that is sure to provide hours of entertainment for players looking for a carefree gaming experience.
