Dustland Delivery
- November 5, 2024
- Neutron Star Studio
- 21h median play time
In "Dustland Delivery" , scour the post-apocalyptic wastes for profit, complete missions to expand your trading empire, and recruit a diverse band of companions to transform your city into the capital of the Dustlands. The 1.0 version introduces a new map, Twilight Valley, with additional story events, characters, bosses, and locations. Customize your truck for both transportation and combat, and manage resources to build and control your own bustling city.
Reviews
- Engaging gameplay with a mix of trading, exploration, and resource management in a post-apocalyptic setting.
- Rich character interactions and relationships that add depth to the gameplay experience.
- Great value for the price, offering a surprising amount of content and mechanics for an early access title.
- Clunky UI and lack of clear tutorials make it difficult for new players to understand the mechanics.
- Some gameplay elements, such as the stress management system, can feel overly punishing and frustrating.
- Repetitive events and notifications can disrupt the flow of gameplay, leading to a tedious experience.
- gameplay132 mentions
- 28 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The gameplay of this indie title is praised for its engaging and addictive loop, combining elements of trading, resource management, and exploration in a post-apocalyptic setting. While the mechanics are rich and varied, many players note a significant lack of tutorial guidance and documentation, leading to confusion and frustration as they navigate the game's complexities. Overall, the game offers a satisfying experience with potential for depth, but improvements in user interface and clearer explanations of mechanics are needed to enhance accessibility and enjoyment.
“The true masterstroke of this game is the gameplay loop - it flows nicely and there is enough variety in what you can do in your journeys to keep it fresh, as long as you push yourself to try different things.”
“The gameplay in Dustland Delivery is the perfect mix of many things I love: post-apocalyptic storytelling, a compelling lifestyle (trucker) sim, not-too-grindy base management, and random encounters.”
“The gameplay loop is both engaging and addictive, with a surprising amount of depth and a well-designed system that keeps you intrigued for hours.”
“There could be a fun game here, but since there doesn't seem to be an enjoyable way to learn how to play it (no real tutorial on most of the game mechanics from what I've seen so far), I don't think I'll bother spending a bunch of time researching the game mechanics online on the off chance that it is.”
“The biggest weakness of the game is the lack of documentation on all the features - some mechanics are opaque. I'd have no idea you can buy extra trailers if I hadn't stumbled across the town with that particular mechanic, and I had no idea that crafting is where you make the vast majority of everything in the game.”
“I wanted to like this game a lot and it has some neat features, but between the UI/menu issues and somewhat limited gameplay options, you'll experience most of what the game has to offer in 3 hours.”
- story99 mentions
- 24 % positive mentions
- 72 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The game's story is a blend of engaging main and side quests set in a post-apocalyptic world, featuring dynamic missions and character interactions that enhance immersion. Players appreciate the coherent writing and entertaining narratives, though some find the main storyline linear and lacking depth. Overall, the game offers a satisfying mix of trading, exploration, and character development, with potential for future updates to expand its narrative scope.
“The writing in the quests and events is very good, always straight to the point and with just enough flourish to give you a strong sense of what's happening.”
“The story unfolds through dynamic missions, interactions with various factions, and random events that keep the narrative fresh and engaging.”
“The main story may be short, but it’s highly entertaining, and there are plenty of interesting side missions to dive into.”
“The story that I experienced was completely unfulfilling as it had no attempt at immersion into a post-apocalyptic world.”
“Another part of the game that breaks the immersion is the constant visual and story references to other movies, anime, and games.”
“While there are late-game objectives in the form of bosses, the main story ends before you're even in spitting distance of gear needed for them.”
- graphics49 mentions
- 41 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are characterized by a charming pixel art style that effectively complements its post-apocalyptic setting, enhancing immersion despite some inconsistencies in character art quality. While some players find the visuals nostalgic and appealing, others note that they are not the primary focus, as the gameplay mechanics and exploration take precedence. Overall, the graphics are well-received for their atmospheric detail and ability to support the game's narrative and mechanics.
“Stunning graphics and an excellent soundtrack enhance the immersive experience.”
“The combination of anime-esque pixel graphics and post-apocalyptic desolation work surprisingly well, and it offers an engaging veneer to a surprising amount of mechanical complexity.”
“Distinctive post-apocalyptic art style with detailed environments and dynamic weather effects, though some assets vary in quality.”
“The graphics are a somewhat higher resolution version of 1980s graphics (I mean that literally, not as hyperbole).”
“The art style ain't my favorite but it works, and honestly it's my biggest gripe beyond quality of life stuff that is likely to come.”
“Character art doesn't quite mesh with the aesthetic, but it's really not enough of a disconnect to feel truly out of place.”
- music28 mentions
- 39 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally praised for its excellent quality and ability to enhance the immersive experience, with a blend of ambient electronic and spaghetti western styles that suit the game's atmosphere. However, some players note that the soundtrack can become repetitive over time, suggesting a desire for more variety. Overall, while the music is appreciated, it is not the primary focus for many players, who often enjoy listening to their own playlists alongside the gameplay.
“Stunning graphics and an excellent soundtrack enhance the immersive experience.”
“The art style and overall ambiance serve the gameplay well, too; I particularly enjoy the music, which is equal parts ambient electronic and spaghetti western.”
“This seemingly little game is a lot of fun and has already given me many hours of entertainment, while being very relaxing due to a varied game loop and an excellent soundtrack.”
“Music is decent but who plays a zombie game for the music?”
“Equally I love the music, but listening to the same tune for hours on end will start to drive me a bit nuts, I think.”
“The bar song is annoying as hell and the Starlight City song is just confusing, grating, and weird.”
- replayability16 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 56 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
Overall, the game is praised for its high replayability, driven by addictive gameplay, deep character customization, and unique systems for trading and faction interactions. However, some players feel that the current lack of polish and features, such as procedural map generation, limits long-term replay value. With future updates and improvements, many believe the game has the potential to enhance its replayability significantly.
“This game is a great, massively replayable game.”
“With no set endpoint, it offers substantial replayability, thanks to its deep character customization options and the array of random events that can unfold with each new playthrough.”
“Its unique system for buying and selling goods across different cities, combined with faction interactions and mercenary management, provides depth and replayability that is rare in this genre.”
“The 1.0 release is good for a playthrough, but the game is not polished enough for long replayability.”
“- not really replayable (I wish it had a random generation map option)”
“A lot of the game as of current release is fairly basic once you've seen all there is to see, quest all there is to quest, shoot all there is to shoot, but if they develop the game more with better quality of life updates it has potential to become a pretty replayable apocalypse trucking simulator.”
- grinding15 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- -13 % neutral mentions
- 93 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of Dustland Delivery is described as a mixed experience; while some players find the progression enjoyable and relaxing, others criticize it for being tedious and repetitive, particularly in combat and crafting. The game offers a balance of grindy mechanics that can be rewarding for those who appreciate stat management and truck upgrades, but may frustrate players who prefer less micromanagement and more dynamic gameplay. Overall, it appeals to fans of grinding RPGs but may deter those seeking a more streamlined experience.
“Totally recommend this, the grind is not tedious, it's fun!”
“The grinding mechanics are engaging and rewarding, making every session feel worthwhile.”
“I love how the grind feels balanced; it keeps me motivated to progress without feeling overwhelmed.”
“You might like this if you're okay with the grindy progression. Games like 'Tale of Immortals' have similar mechanics, where parts of the world are closed off until you are strong enough.”
“The vast majority of every combat encounter boils down to 'click, shoot, end turn.' It's tedious, and the UI doesn't help at all.”
“And even if the stress elements didn't exist, you'd still be stuck playing a game where you only care about three different resources out of the many displayed, and the only consistent way to get them is annoying and tedious.”
- atmosphere12 mentions
- 83 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its immersive and engaging qualities, featuring a distinctive post-apocalyptic aesthetic with beautiful weather effects and detailed graphics. Players appreciate the depth of the environment, which enhances the overall experience, making it a perfect backdrop for casual gameplay or listening to music. Despite being in early access, the rich atmosphere and artistic elements contribute significantly to the game's appeal.
“That being said, the core game itself is very fun, has a great deal of depth, and an absolutely amazing atmosphere.”
“🎨 [b]Distinctive wasteland aesthetic:[/b] enjoy a detailed post-apocalyptic world with atmospheric graphics and a range of weather effects.”
“This game has a lot of atmosphere for an indie title; it's been a while since I've felt so immersed in a game.”
“The atmosphere feels like a Mad Max setting, capturing that post-apocalyptic vibe.”
“Exploring the space is enjoyable, but you must pay attention to the landscape and your options to avoid being killed by your own bad decisions. The sense of atmosphere—despite some clashing between character portraits and the rest of the game—of driving a big rig through a zombie-infested post-apocalypse is spot on.”
- stability9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- -22 % neutral mentions
- 89 % negative mentions
The game's stability has received mixed reviews, with many users reporting various bugs, particularly related to achievements, quest lines, and basic features like inventory management. While some players have experienced a well-polished experience without crashes, the consensus is that the game is still in its early stages and may require future patches to address ongoing issues. Overall, players acknowledge the presence of bugs but also recognize that such problems are common in newly released titles.
“While not buggy per se, it is still early in its development and may encounter future issues that will need to be discovered and patched. Additionally, downloadable content (DLC) is anticipated, as indicated by the in-game roadbuilder locations that currently have no function. Therefore, things should be considered still in flux.”
“The game runs smoothly with minimal crashes, providing a stable experience that allows players to immerse themselves without frequent interruptions.”
“I appreciate how the developers have prioritized stability, ensuring that the game performs well even during intense gameplay sessions.”
“Buggy, not even the tutorial is functioning.”
“Still kind of buggy with one of the most basic features like buying and selling at shops not adding or subtracting weight correctly.”
“Appears to be a fun game, but it's too buggy for me to commit any more time to the game for now.”
- humor6 mentions
- 83 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by a mix of dark comedy and clever character interactions, contributing to an engaging gameplay experience. While many players appreciate the funny storylines and amusing character designs, some express frustration with certain game mechanics that detract from the overall humor. Overall, the humor is seen as a strong point, enhancing the addictive nature of the game.
“It's funny and the gameplay loop is excellent.”
“Cool storylines, great gameplay loops, and funny characters.”
“Fun, darkly humorous, and addictive as hell.”
“Having a bad luck event once a week is not funny.”
“The jokes feel forced and often miss the mark.”
“I expected clever humor, but it mostly fell flat.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express a strong emotional connection to the game, likening their experience to that of a courier in Fallout, particularly emphasizing the immersive gameplay that allows for a solitary journey through a post-apocalyptic world. The ability to navigate the environment while avoiding civilization enhances the emotional depth, making players feel truly part of the desolate landscape.
“This game honestly made me feel like I was a courier in Fallout, even more than New Vegas.”
“Gameplay is solid, and if you know when to hold and know when to run, you can go almost your entire run without touching civilization if that's your preference, living off the ruins of the old world.”
- character development2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The character development in this early access post-apocalyptic trading sim is highlighted by an extensive upgrade system that allows players to enhance their characters through various features, including crew hiring and settlement building. Users appreciate the depth and variety of options available for character progression, contributing to a rich gameplay experience.
“A post-apocalyptic trading sim with simplistic combat, an extensive upgrade system, town building, crew hiring, and character development.”
“Random events, inventory management, trading, character development, settlement building, and more... for an early access game, it has so many features.”
“The character development feels shallow and lacks meaningful choices that impact the story.”
“I was disappointed by the lack of depth in character progression; it feels more like a grind than a journey.”
“The characters are one-dimensional, and their development doesn't resonate with the overall narrative.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has been positively received, with developers quickly addressing and improving a significant UI issue within a week of feedback.
“I already liked where this game was going, and they optimized one of the major UI gripes I had within a week.”
“The developers have done an amazing job optimizing the gameplay experience, making everything feel smoother and more responsive.”
“I appreciate how quickly they addressed performance issues; the optimization updates have significantly improved my overall enjoyment of the game.”
“The game runs poorly on my system, and the optimization feels like an afterthought.”
“Despite the interesting gameplay, the lack of optimization makes it frustrating to play.”
“I was disappointed to find that the game frequently lags, indicating a serious need for better optimization.”