If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if Quentin Tarantino directed a courier simulator set in the late 1950s—complete with explosive parcels, fishy deliveries, and destructible environments—then congratulations, because Konami and Far Out Games have answered your oddly specific prayers with Deliver At All Costs. Set against the atomic anxiety and vibrant cultural quirks of 1959, this game is a wild ride, blending manic action, absurd scenarios, and a pinch of dark comedy. If you thought your job was stressful, try navigating traffic with a giant marlin flopping wildly in your trunk.
At the heart of this unhinged action-adventure is Winston Green, a courier whose daily routine involves less mail sorting and more mass destruction. Winston isn’t your typical video game hero; he’s temperamental, mysterious, and rapidly spiraling into madness—just the sort of guy you’d entrust with highly volatile cargo. It’s a premise so joyfully absurd, it’s hard not to grin from ear to ear, even when you’re narrowly escaping nuclear annihilation or trying desperately to maintain control of your vehicle while avoiding enraged pedestrians.
Far Out Games, under Konami’s publishing banner, clearly revels in their concept’s delightful insanity, pushing boundaries with destructible environments, hilarious cargo types, and unexpected gameplay twists. With a detailed recreation of 1950s aesthetics—from period-accurate vehicles to radio jingles brimming with nostalgia—Deliver At All Costs promises an immersive, chaotic dive into an era defined by stylish cars, catchy tunes, and the looming threat of global catastrophe. Who knew Cold War paranoia could be this entertaining?
Still, the question remains: is this game a genuine delivery of joy, or just another package of empty spectacle? Does Deliver At All Costs balance its quirky gameplay with engaging storytelling, or is it all chaos and no payoff? Buckle up, throw caution to the radioactive wind, and join us as we discover whether Winston’s deliveries are worth accepting—or better returned to sender.
Setting and Story
In Deliver At All Costs, Far Out Games thrusts players straight into the nostalgic yet anxiety-ridden atmosphere of 1959, a time when atomic tensions were high, rock ‘n’ roll reigned supreme, and apparently, highly volatile parcels were the norm. The game’s backdrop is a meticulously recreated semi-open world inspired by mid-century Americana, filled with period-specific cars, neon-lit diners, quaint suburban neighborhoods, and plenty of destructible scenery begging to be smashed. It’s like stepping directly into a vintage comic book—albeit one where collateral damage is actively encouraged rather than politely discouraged.
The narrative centers on Winston Green, our disgruntled protagonist—a courier who clearly missed the memo about customer satisfaction and careful handling. Winston’s storyline rapidly spirals from mildly inconvenient deliveries to absurdly dangerous scenarios, complete with bombs, outlandish cargo, and eccentric clients. Beneath all this comedic havoc, however, lies a surprisingly compelling narrative arc. Winston’s mysterious past, increasingly apparent madness, and escalating circumstances create a plot that is genuinely intriguing, witty, and peppered with darkly humorous moments.
The story unfolds across three distinct acts, each filled with memorable characters whose interactions with Winston often range from hilarious misunderstandings to grim revelations. Far Out Games cleverly balances absurd comedy with genuine drama, using the chaotic deliveries as vehicles—pun absolutely intended—to explore deeper themes of Cold War paranoia, identity, and existential dread. The bizarre narrative twists ensure that each mission remains engaging, continually surprising players with unexpected developments that push Winston—and your sanity—to the edge.
Ultimately, the setting and narrative succeed precisely because they never take themselves too seriously. Far Out Games understands the inherent absurdity of their premise, leaning into a delightful blend of dark humor and playful nostalgia. The result is a refreshingly original story set against a vibrant and destructible playground that simultaneously evokes laughter, curiosity, and a nagging sense of impending doom, just like the best tales from the atomic era.
Gameplay and Mechanics
At its core, Deliver At All Costs is all about frantic driving, hilarious destruction, and unconventional cargo management—delivering exactly what it promises with reckless abandon. Far Out Games seamlessly integrates vehicle-based chaos with mission objectives that range from delightfully absurd to outright bonkers. Whether you’re carefully transporting a giant marlin that’s desperately trying to escape your vehicle, or nervously disposing of a bomb teetering precariously on the verge of explosion, gameplay remains thrillingly unpredictable and consistently hilarious.
Vehicle handling hits the sweet spot between arcade simplicity and satisfying responsiveness. Each vehicle type feels distinct, from speedy coupes perfect for evading angry citizens to bulky trucks designed for maximum destruction. The highly destructible environments amplify the chaos, inviting you to plow through fences, shatter storefront windows, and leave general mayhem in your wake. There’s something deeply cathartic—and just plain fun—about tearing through pristine 1950s neighborhoods with carefree abandon, especially when timed deliveries add frantic urgency to the mix.
Missions vary widely in mechanics, ensuring gameplay remains fresh and engaging throughout. One moment you might be carefully balancing delicate cargo, while another sees you desperately outrunning furious mobs provoked by your latest accidental act of vehicular terrorism. The dynamic response from NPCs adds another layer of hilarity and unpredictability; townspeople react to your actions with outrage, panic, or even bizarrely violent revenge, creating delightfully chaotic scenarios that keep players on their toes—and constantly laughing.
Yet beneath the madness lies surprising depth. Players can approach missions creatively, experimenting with various strategies and vehicles to achieve objectives more efficiently or spectacularly. A robust progression system further rewards experimentation, unlocking new vehicles, upgrades, and character abilities. This combination of accessible chaos, varied objectives, and rewarding strategic depth ensures Deliver At All Costs consistently delivers gameplay that’s entertaining, dynamic, and addictively replayable.
Multiplayer and Replayability
Let’s address the delivery van-shaped hole in the wall immediately: Deliver At All Costs is strictly a single-player experience. If you were hoping to cause cooperative chaos alongside a friend, you might initially feel disappointed. However, Far Out Games cleverly compensates for the absence of multiplayer modes by delivering (no pun intended) robust replayability through its varied missions, destructible environments, and engaging progression system.
Replayability is significantly enhanced by the sheer unpredictability built into every mission. Even after completing a delivery, returning to missions often reveals alternative routes, hidden objectives, or hilarious outcomes you previously missed. The unpredictability of NPC behaviour, whether citizens react with angry mobs or bewildered panic, also adds replay value, making each mission feel fresh and distinct upon revisiting. This dynamic sandbox nature encourages players to experiment repeatedly, discovering new strategies or simply indulging in chaotic fun.
Further boosting replayability, Far Out Games has included a satisfying upgrade system and unlockable content. Players can earn rewards to access new vehicles, quirky customization options, and gameplay enhancements that fundamentally alter how you approach deliveries. Whether unlocking sturdier vehicles that can better withstand explosive mishaps or obtaining unique abilities for Winston, this progression system continually incentivizes repeated playthroughs, ensuring players remain engaged long after initial completion.
Although multiplayer enthusiasts might lament the missed opportunity for shared chaos, the game’s abundant single-player content, combined with its open-ended mission structures and dynamic gameplay, provides more than enough incentive for repeated enjoyment. In short, while you won’t be able to run amok through 1950s streets with friends, Deliver At All Costs packs plenty of solo entertainment, making it the perfect game to repeatedly revisit whenever you’re craving absurd, destructive fun.
Graphics and Sound
Visually, Deliver At All Costs is a delightful homage to the vibrant, chrome-laden era of the 1950s. Far Out Games meticulously captures the aesthetics of the decade, filling the world with period-accurate vehicles, authentic signage, and charmingly retro urban environments. The attention to detail is impressive—neon signs buzz and flicker convincingly, classic cars gleam with glossy finishes, and destructible environments crumble with satisfying realism as you wreak havoc through the city streets.
Character designs are exaggerated and whimsical, perfectly matching the game’s tone of comedic chaos. Winston Green himself is wonderfully expressive, with animations conveying his spiraling descent into madness with humorous clarity. NPC citizens react hilariously to your destructive antics, their exaggerated gestures and expressions contributing significantly to the game’s comedic charm. While not necessarily pushing the graphical boundaries of the PS5, the stylized visual approach feels perfectly suited to the game’s playful, satirical atmosphere.
Sound design shines brilliantly, enhancing immersion and humor at every turn. The game’s audio effects—from screeching tires and crashing glass to the comically panicked screams of pedestrians—perfectly amplify the chaotic fun. Environmental sounds are carefully crafted, immersing players in the bustling, paranoia-filled world of 1950s America. You’ll hear snippets of conversations, angry shouting, and humorous commentary from radio DJs, enriching the experience with delightful audio details.
The soundtrack, meanwhile, deserves special mention. Featuring an original score heavily influenced by 1950s rock ‘n’ roll, jazz, and swing, the music perfectly complements the game’s playful, nostalgic tone. Radio advertisements and jingles add an extra layer of authenticity and humor, capturing the optimistic yet slightly absurd spirit of the era. Combined, the graphics and sound design deliver a polished, cohesive audiovisual package, ensuring players remain fully immersed—and constantly entertained—throughout their destructive delivery escapades.
Final Thoughts
Deliver At All Costs is a delightfully absurd, explosively entertaining action game that embraces chaos, comedy, and 1950s charm with unapologetic enthusiasm. Far Out Games masterfully blends destruction-filled gameplay, quirky storytelling, and immersive audiovisual design, creating an experience that’s as hilarious as it is engaging. While multiplayer is notably absent, the game compensates generously with its replayable single-player missions, dynamic environments, and robust progression system.
Winston Green’s spiraling journey through madness and mayhem offers a genuinely compelling narrative wrapped in laugh-out-loud humor and eccentric characters. The meticulously detailed 1950s setting provides a vibrant playground for destruction, inviting players to repeatedly experiment and cause chaos in increasingly creative ways. Far Out Games clearly understands the joy of unrestricted havoc, ensuring every moment feels both exhilarating and hilariously unpredictable.
Graphically charming and sonically captivating, the game expertly captures the essence of the era, immersing players in a nostalgically stylized world filled with period-specific details, quirky NPC interactions, and a fantastic original soundtrack. It’s a joyous audiovisual trip back in time, brought vividly to life by lovingly crafted details, clever humor, and an infectious sense of fun.
Ultimately, Deliver At All Costs delivers (literally and figuratively) on every front. If you’ve ever fantasized about gleefully wreaking havoc across 1950s America—preferably while carrying questionable cargo and fleeing outraged pedestrians—this is undoubtedly your kind of game. So buckle up, crank up the radio, and prepare to embrace the chaos. Just remember: handle your cargo carefully—or don’t; it’s much funnier that way.
We prepared this review with a digital copy of Deliver At All Costs for the PS5 version provided by Konami PR.
