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Cargo Commander

A fun platformer that gives random generation an online twist, but lack of depth stops this from being a job for life.
Cargo Commander Game Cover
83%Game Brain Score
gameplay, music
grinding, stability
85% User Score Based on 872 reviews
Critic Score 72%Based on 1 reviews

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Cargo Commander Game Cover

About

Cargo Commander is a single player survival shooter game with a science fiction theme. It was developed by Serious Brew and was released on November 1, 2012. It received mostly positive reviews from critics and positive reviews from players.

In Cargo Commander, you play as a solitary space miner, tasked with salvaging valuable cargo from alien-infested containers. With procedurally generated levels and fully destructible environments, each sector offers a new challenge. Compete with other players for promotions and high scores, collecting over 80 different cargo types in your quest to earn your way back home.

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Cargo Commander screenshot
Cargo Commander screenshot
Cargo Commander screenshot
Cargo Commander screenshot
Cargo Commander screenshot
Cargo Commander screenshot
Cargo Commander screenshot
Cargo Commander screenshot
Cargo Commander screenshot
Cargo Commander screenshot
Cargo Commander screenshot
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85%
Audience ScoreBased on 872 reviews
gameplay90 positive mentions
grinding12 negative mentions
  • Unique concept combining platforming and cargo retrieval mechanics in a space setting.
  • Addictive gameplay loop with progression and leaderboard integration, providing a compelling incentive for replayability.
  • Great atmosphere and humor, effectively conveying a sense of loneliness and urgency in space.
  • Technical issues and performance optimization concerns, such as framerate drops and crashes.
  • Gameplay can become repetitive over time, with similar environments and tasks leading to a grind.
  • Limited sound design and music variety, which can detract from the overall immersion.
  • gameplay
    210 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of "Cargo Commander" is characterized by its unique blend of platforming and cargo retrieval mechanics set in a space environment, which many players find addictive and engaging. However, while the game offers a fun and innovative experience with a solid progression system, it suffers from repetitive tasks and a lack of depth, leading to a monotonous gameplay loop over time. Overall, it is praised for its mechanics and atmosphere, but some players note technical issues and a need for more variety in gameplay.

    • “Cargo Commander introduces a fresh and innovative concept, combining platforming with cargo retrieval mechanics in the vastness of space.”
    • “The mechanics of navigating through zero gravity, dealing with the vacuum of space, and facing unexpected dangers add depth and excitement to the gameplay.”
    • “At its core, Cargo Commander is a roguelike platformer where you spend your time exploring cargo crates for loot items and bringing them back to base while also trying not to get killed by enemies, but it has a lot of smart mechanics that keep the experience interesting.”
    • “Great presentation, totally wasted by the bottom of the barrel of gameplay design.”
    • “Taken together, it made for very disorienting, monotonous, tedious gameplay.”
    • “Uninspired and stale gameplay drag down a relatively decent game.”
  • music
    122 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game is generally described as atmospheric and fitting, but many players find it repetitive and lacking in variety, with only a couple of tracks available by default. While some enjoy the catchy tunes that can become earworms, others express a desire for a broader soundtrack to enhance the overall experience. Fortunately, the option to incorporate custom music offers a welcome alternative for those seeking more auditory diversity.

    • “This is an excellent platformer/action/roguelite hybrid with intriguing environmental storytelling and a soul-crushing soundtrack.”
    • “It's a beautiful game with an awesome soundtrack.”
    • “Fun & funny little platform game with a great soundtrack.”
    • “Considering that the game only has a grand total of two audio tracks available by default (relying less on the presence of musical score and more on sound design), this becomes something you'll find hard to live without should you want to see the game through to its conclusion.”
    • “There are only 2 music tracks for the game that, despite being pretty cool, become grating and repetitive after a couple of hours in.”
    • “It is nothing more than an ear-worm: the same awful song over-and-over; tacked on to the shallowest gameplay imaginable.”
  • story
    84 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's story is delivered primarily through emails and environmental storytelling, creating a backdrop of disconnection and corporate struggle. While some players appreciate the subtle narrative elements and character development, many criticize the story for being weak, fragmented, or lacking depth, often feeling like a chore to engage with. Overall, the narrative is seen as a compelling but underdeveloped aspect of the game, with potential for greater exploration.

    • “The gameplay mechanics, story, music, and online elements all help to create this wonderful story of disconnection and loneliness.”
    • “A compelling story about a man on a quest for food money for his loving wife and son gives way to going salvaging in space and blowing whatever tries to take a bite of you into a fine yellow mist.”
    • “Beneath it, a moving storyline built largely from implication as you rise through the ranks, a new employee of cargo corp, sustaining the lie to your family that you've a cushy desk job off-world for a cardboard box factory.”
    • “It's a single player game, but without any storyline or campaign mode.”
    • “The small amount of storytelling included in the game, subtle as it is, is something that definitely should've been expanded upon as well.”
    • “But this is just random levels without any storyline.”
  • graphics
    68 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game are generally described as simple yet effective, with a charming, cartoony art style that enhances playability. While some players experienced performance issues and graphical lag, many appreciated the playful visuals and found them suitable for the game's aesthetic. Overall, the graphics are considered good for the game's design, though not groundbreaking, and they contribute positively to the overall experience.

    • “The graphics are playful, the sound effects were well done, and the controls were well configurable.”
    • “If you have what little computer strength needed to get max graphics, it is stunning.”
    • “What a truly incredible game this is...lovely cell-shaded graphics, effects are amazing and is packed with great gameplay.”
    • “Now mix this in with graphics circa arguable the PS1, and there's the long and the short of Cargo Commander.”
    • “The graphics kept slowing down to a crawl every time I left the inside of a crate.”
    • “I had to lower graphic settings just to play at all.”
  • humor
    44 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game is praised for its humor, featuring a mix of light-hearted and dark comedic elements, including amusing emails and quirky in-game scenarios that enhance the experience. While some players find the humor to be a delightful addition, others feel it may not resonate with all audiences, suggesting it could limit appeal to younger players. Overall, the humor is seen as a strong point, contributing to the game's charm and enjoyment.

    • “The e-mails from the company have some kind of humor, so it's not only text to skip - it makes you smile, if you died the tenth time and reading an e-mail from your company, that they are proud of their new all-time-dying-employee.”
    • “Your family’s grim situation couples tragically (hilariously) with your lowly job collecting cargo, most of which is of equivalent worth as an old boot to a fisherman.”
    • “This game is hilarious while still being fairly challenging.”
  • atmosphere
    34 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its unique immersion in the vast loneliness of space, effectively balancing moments of tension and tranquility. Players appreciate the small details that enhance the experience, despite some criticism regarding the diversity of the sound design. Overall, the game's atmosphere is described as moving and resonant, making it a standout feature that significantly contributes to the gameplay experience.

    • “Cargo Commander has a very nice atmosphere to it that truly immerses you in the vast loneliness of space and the horrors of running out of oxygen while drifting between containers.”
    • “Gameplay is great and all, but the atmosphere this game sets up is so amazing...”
    • “Seriously though, drilling into containers 20 light years from anywhere in order to make money to send home to your wife and kid, running through both containers and space when a wormhole opens to swallow you and the containers whole... the wonderful atmosphere the game creates will both thrill you and break your heart every single time.”
    • “Fast turning between chill and thrill atmosphere.”
    • “Great platformer with rogue-like elements and an ironic atmosphere.”
    • “At least for me, this game's atmosphere really needs to be experienced.”
  • replayability
    24 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game boasts exceptional replayability, featuring an infinite number of levels and various game modes that encourage players to return for more. Users highlight its addictive nature and the ability to collect new items, ensuring a fresh experience each time. At a low price point, the game offers significant value and enjoyment, making it a highly replayable option.

    • “With an infinite number of levels and several game modes, this game has a great replay value, especially at its price point.”
    • “Addictive and infinitely replayable.”
    • “There's practically limitless sectors possible, so plenty of replay value.”
    • “With an infinite number of maps, you will find a lot of replayability.”
    • “It's pretty simple, but there are a lot of unique elements that keep it fresh and the replayability high.”
  • grinding
    12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players have mixed feelings about the grinding aspect of the game; while some find it manageable and enjoyable, others describe it as monotonous and tedious, particularly due to the repetitive nature of farming for items and upgrading equipment. Overall, the game strikes a balance, but prolonged play can lead to a sense of grindiness with limited focus on other activities.

    • “Taken together, it made for very disorienting, monotonous, tedious gameplay.”
    • “It is grinding... with your fist cannon, literally grinding.”
    • “After a while of playing, it can feel kind of grindy with not much else to focus your efforts on.”
  • stability
    12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's stability is mixed, with some players experiencing minor bugs and glitches, such as lag during certain actions and occasional freezing when navigating screens. However, others report a smooth experience with no major issues, particularly on Linux, indicating that while there are some technical hiccups, the overall functionality is solid.

    • “Even though the game is both indie and simple, there are no bugs, no glitches, no crashes, and no major problems in its final build.”
    • “Runs great on Linux.”
    • “Game was a little buggy for me; each magnet use or console use was a bit laggy.”
    • “It can have some glitches at times, such as being stuck between two containers and forcing you to die and end the mission, as well as random texture issues, but the overall game functions pretty well.”
    • “There were some minor technical issues (e.g., the game freezes for a bit when entering/exiting/skipping some screens).”
  • optimization
    8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's optimization has received criticism for various technical issues, including frequent framerate drops, crashes, and stuttering, which detract from the overall gameplay experience and stability. Many players report instances of the game freezing, indicating a need for improved performance optimization.

    • “Some players may encounter technical issues or performance optimization problems, such as framerate drops or crashes, impacting the overall enjoyment and stability of the game.”
    • “It's frozen on me more than a couple of times and there's a lot of stuttering to be found in some areas.”
    • “Technical issues and performance optimization concerns.”
  • emotional
    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game is praised for its surprisingly emotional depth, effectively conveying the theme of loneliness in space through subtle storytelling that enhances the overall experience without being intrusive. While some players noted the need for a better tutorial, the emotional resonance keeps them engaged until the end.

    • “It is an absolute gem and surprisingly emotional.”
    • “It's very subtle and doesn't interrupt the game experience, but it's kind of touching nonetheless and it helps keep you going until you reach the end.”
    • “Needs a better tutorial, but ultimately a fun little game which manages to nail the emotional loneliness of space.”
  • monetization
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Reviews indicate that the monetization in the game is heavily reliant on microtransactions, which some players find off-putting and detracts from the overall experience. The presence of these purchases may lead to a perception of the game being tedious and unengaging.

    • “The monetization in this game is overwhelming, with constant prompts to buy microtransactions that detract from the overall experience.”
    • “I feel like I'm being pushed to spend money at every turn, which makes the game less enjoyable.”
    • “The reliance on microtransactions ruins the gameplay, making it feel more like a cash grab than a fun experience.”
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72%Critics’ scoreBased on 1 critic reviews
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31h Median play time
22h Average play time
3-40h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 4 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Cargo Commander is a survival shooter game with science fiction theme.

Cargo Commander is available on PC, Mac OS, Windows and Linux.

On average players spend around 22 hours playing Cargo Commander.

Cargo Commander was released on November 1, 2012.

Cargo Commander was developed by Serious Brew.

Cargo Commander has received mostly positive reviews from players and mostly positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its gameplay but disliked it for its grinding.

Cargo Commander is a single player game.

Similar games include Cosmochoria, EVERSPACE, Risk of Rain, Tower of Guns, BEEP and others.