Gamer Nostalgia
Hyperspace Delivery Service definitely appeals to gamer nostalgia. Designed by Zotnip, this pixelated title is all about strategy. You live in a world of failed galactic colonies, where planet outposts are connected by hyperspace routes. Although the colonies ended badly, the people there are still very much alive. As captain of a space crew, journeying to these far corners of the galaxy is part of your day to day. You and your team are tasked with transporting goods to the most distant and desolate of outposts: Miridian V. You’ll undertake dangerous, yet lucrative ventures along the way.
Everything in Hyperspace Delivery Service is part of a delicate balance, which can be incredibly frustrating to juggle. It’s up to you to know when to scavenge for parts, when to retreat or fight against robot pirates, and who to send on missions when other ships request labor in exchange for supplies. You can also accept unpredictable passengers, some of who ask to hitch a ride only to attempt a violent takeover. No matter the scenario, the game’s alternatives are endless.
Wandering the Galaxy
Hyperspace Delivery Service embodies the less is more mantra. The game’s story progresses smoothly through one mostly unchanged image—a full view of your crew at work as your ship zips across light-years. As issues arise, you’ll receive notifications at the bottom of your screen in the form of text boxes.
Get ready, because your crew is going to be pushed past their breaking point. The whole ship might get hit by a nasty case of space flu. Hell, you might even find your navigator passed out cold after hitting his head. And as they say, the Devil is in the details.
You’ll have to save your crew from space bug bites and robot pirate abductions. This part is somewhat exhausting, as you’ll have to calculate how much ammunition you’re willing to gamble on your crew member turned savior. Should you fail your mission attempt to rescue a comrade, you’ll lose any supplies your chosen rescuer was carrying. This is why getting them back on the first try is so nerve-wracking.
Despite its simple design, you’ll be fully immersed in the game. The pixelated graphics might give you the impression that the gameplay will be slow and choppy, but don’t be fooled. As you shoot down the enemy ships that are quick to swarm you (they’re annoyingly slippery to catch) you’ll find yourself hard-pressed to move your controls fast enough to catch them. They tend to veer off at the last second, so you’ll have to take them down from afar.
Mini-Games
Although Hyperspace Delivery Service can get repetitive after a while, the mini-games keep things interesting. Your crew might be asked to inspect another ship’s cargo or be chosen to rescue their hapless comrade. Even though the controls are simple, Hyperspace Delivery Service still manages to give thrill-seekers a rush. As they enter dark, low lit rooms, mechanical assassins are lurking around every corner.
You’ll often encounter these mini-games as you voyage across seas of asteroid belts or when nearing your next planet pit stop. Hyperspace Delivery Service’s mini-games test your marksmanship and thriftiness. Calculate possible damages to your crew and ship before making your next move; the last thing you’ll want is to be stranded in the vast expanse of space.
Overall, Hyperspace Delivery Service is a game that invites the player to entertain both strategy and imagination. Once you’ve gotten the hang of it, the game can get dull. Even so, it’s a refreshing take on a classic look. Due to its chunky graphics and retro style, the player has to imagine the details. You’ll have to do this by picturing the narrative that appears in text boxes. For those who are inclined to do their fair share of mental landscaping, imagination is great. However, those who crave premium graphics may find that their eyes will wander.
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