Caravaneer 2
- December 30, 2020
- Dmitry Zheltobriukhov
- 83h median play time
Get on Steam"Caravaneer 2" is a post-apocalyptic trade simulation game with turn-based combat, featuring detailed economics and a rich, branching story. Transport goods across a desert wasteland while managing your crew, animals, and vehicles, facing the dangers of getting lost or attacked by bandits. With old-school visuals and challenging gameplay, this indie game from 2014 offers 4 DLCs, bug fixes, and user experience improvements in the Steam release.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Caravaneer 2 features a remarkably complex and engaging economy system that enhances the trading experience.
- The game offers a nostalgic experience for fans of the original flash game, with a captivating gameplay loop that keeps players hooked.
- Despite its simple graphics, the game provides a rich and immersive world with a decent storyline and enjoyable turn-based combat.
- The combat system can be frustrating and tedious, especially in large-scale battles where turns take a long time.
- Some players find the user interface and tutorial overwhelming, making it difficult to learn the game mechanics.
- There are issues with merchants restocking their goods, which can hinder gameplay and lead to frustration.
- story108 mentions
- 37 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The game's story is generally described as engaging and enjoyable, with a mix of interesting characters and branching narratives that allow for player choice and consequences. However, some players find the quest log vague and the story occasionally feels rushed or forgettable. Overall, while the story may not be the main focus for everyone, it effectively complements the game's complex economic systems and gameplay mechanics.
“While the game does have its flaws, such as the ease at which entire cities can run out of money or the slow process of finding unemployed workers, the game's phenomenal framework and captivating story make up for them.”
“Caravaneer 2 is a brilliantly made indie game with an interactive story, fun dialogue, simple but fun turn-based combat, and a surprisingly intricate and ever-changing in-game economy that reacts to your choices and the developing story.”
“You have a very fun and engaging storyline where many of the choices you make genuinely impact the game at some point in the future, and where your choices create a reputation that other AI will need to consider when interacting with you.”
“Biggest gripe is the quest log is frustratingly vague.”
“The game has a bit of a rough learning curve and the story and huge text dumps are very front-loaded, which can be off-putting.”
“Better quest updates and guides; a lot of quests that I finished are marked as open and very little info is provided, so at certain times you have no idea what to do or where to go next, it becomes confusing!”
- gameplay78 mentions
- 41 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Caravaneer 2 is characterized by a blend of trading, exploration, and turn-based combat, offering a satisfying loop of buying, traveling, and selling goods in a dynamic economy. While the combat can become tedious in late-game scenarios, the game excels in world-building and provides a unique sandbox experience reminiscent of classic RPGs like Fallout and Wasteland. Overall, players appreciate the depth and complexity of the mechanics, despite some mid-developed features and minimal graphics typical of indie games.
“I absolutely love Caravaneer 2 and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and addicting gameplay experience.”
“The game's simple yet captivating gameplay loop of traveling from town to town and finding the best prices for goods provides an incredible sense of satisfaction.”
“It's a great sandbox RPG similar to the classic Wasteland and Fallout games, with creative and compelling quests, interesting character design, enjoyable combat, immersive survival mechanics, and a reasonably strong economic system for a game of its scope.”
“The only downside I experienced with this game was the combat mechanics; as late game when you have a decent sized group of people, one battle takes a while.”
“Only thing that is missing is auto-battle, because later in the game fights become very frequent, which transforms the game from 'trading with some fighting' to 'fighting with some trading', and fighting mechanics are making fights feel like a chore after some time.”
“Gameplay can be repetitive.”
- graphics32 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally described as simple and outdated, typical of indie titles, which may not appeal to those seeking high-quality visuals. However, many players appreciate the minimalist art style, viewing it as part of the game's charm, and emphasize that the addictive gameplay and complex mechanics more than compensate for the lack of graphical sophistication. Overall, while the graphics are not a highlight, they do not detract from the enjoyment of the game.
“I adore this game, I've been playing it for years on flash sites and it never gets old, regardless of the sparsity of the graphics.”
“The graphics are nice, the real-time economy is well thought out, the battles are challenging.”
“Classic graphics, addictive gameplay.”
“The graphics aren't wonderful but that's part of the charm in an odd way.”
“Graphics are kinda outdated though, combat is fun and the economical system makes this game special.”
“This game came out a while ago as a browser-based RPG, so don't expect 4K ultra graphics.”
- grinding22 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 9 % neutral mentions
- 91 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is polarizing; while some players find enjoyment in the repetitive tasks and the sense of progression it offers, many others feel that it becomes tedious and boring as the game progresses. The need to constantly gather resources and upgrade the caravan can lead to frustration, especially when combined with a lack of engaging storyline and combat mechanics. Overall, it appeals primarily to those who thrive on grinding, but may deter players seeking a more dynamic experience.
“Interesting at first, but the further you progress, the more tedious, annoying, and boring it becomes (see escorting 17 people to Hempton).”
“But a boring combat system and grindy character progression make this a miss.”
“This game revolves around grinding to build your caravan.”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its unique and appealing style, with many users highlighting the impressive apocalyptic setting that enhances the overall experience.
“The apocalyptic atmosphere it has is amazing.”
“The apocalyptic atmosphere it has is amazing.”
“Very nice style and atmosphere.”
- humor4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by its quirky word choices, which some players find amusingly incorrect, such as using "pacific" instead of "pacified." Additionally, the depiction of post-apocalyptic tribal and religious feuds adds a layer of dark humor that many reviewers appreciate. Overall, the humor is seen as a charming aspect, despite minor language issues.
“The post-apocalypse tribal feud and religious feud part is really cool, and hilarious.”
“My only (very minor) complaint is some of the English word choice is humorously off - for example, 'pacific' in place of 'pacified.' I'm fairly certain the dev is European, so it totally makes sense.”
- music4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game, particularly the original soundtrack (OST) of Burntime, is highly recommended for enhancing the gaming experience, especially during travel sequences, where it adds to the enjoyment.
“I recommend playing with the Burntime game OST playing in the background.”
“The music when you're traveling is very enjoyable.”
- character development2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Character development in this sandbox RPG is highlighted by interesting character design and compelling quests that enhance player engagement. The game draws comparisons to classic titles like Wasteland and Fallout, offering a rich experience that combines enjoyable combat and immersive survival mechanics. Overall, players appreciate the depth and creativity in character interactions and growth.
“It's a great sandbox RPG similar to the classic Wasteland and Fallout games, with creative and compelling quests, interesting character design, enjoyable combat, immersive survival mechanics, and a reasonably strong economic system for a game of its scope.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its optimization, particularly appealing to casual players and those who enjoy technical gameplay and resource management. Overall, it provides a well-optimized experience that enhances enjoyment.
“Beyond that, it is superb for casual play and those who gain enjoyment from technical gameplay, optimization, and resource management.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players highlight the game's fantastic gameplay and numerous advancement opportunities, emphasizing its strong replayability.
“Fantastic gameplay, countless opportunities to advance in the game, and definitely replayable.”
