Welcome to Convoy, a game that asks the question, "What if Mad Max had a baby with FTL and started a trucking company?" If you’ve ever wanted to commandeer a heavily armed semi-trailer truck and venture into the wastelands in search of spaceship parts while engaging in turn-based tactical battles, then boy, do I have a treat for you. This is Convoy! And it's about as fun as discovering your hidden talent for karaoke after a few too many drinks. Spoiler: it’s not pretty but it is entertaining.
Convoy's mechanics are a delightful mash-up of tactical combat and roguelike chaos. Picture this: you’re traversing the sandy expanses of a desert planet, strategically managing your convoy—that's right, an actual convoy (no, this isn't a math quiz). You need to navigate through persistent waves of enemies that seem intent on ruining your day. Remember that time you thought multiplayer games were chaotic? This is a whole new level as you face pirates, bandits, and robotic foes who have a vendetta against your semi-truck crew. The game segments its gameplay into two main parts: exploration and combat. During exploration, you’ll visit various locations while managing resources and salvaging parts for your broken spaceship. It’s a bit like a scavenger hunt but with more explosions and way fewer “Where’s Waldo?” moments. You'll engage in text-based dialogue where your choices matter, putting the 'Rogue' in Roguelike. Spoiler alert: Sometimes, the wrong choice could lead to you being attacked by a mutant llama. But wait, there's more! Combat kicks off in turn-based style where your strategic prowess truly shines. Think chess, but instead of bishops and knights, you have trucks and turrets. You can upgrade your trucks, arm them with various weapons, and generally make your opponents quite regretful of their life choices. But just like in real-life survival situations, death is permanent in Convoy. Lose a truck, and that’s it. It’s like accidentally flushing your goldfish down the toilet. Painful and irreversible. The game also gives you the thrill of upgrading your convoy as you scavenge for parts. Each playthrough is unique, making it feel like a fresh slice of pie every time. Speaking of slice, make sure not to slice your palette on the numerous tactics you’ll need—if you mess up, you’ll be facing embarrassment on a grand scale, reminiscent of that time you accidentally posted your most embarrassing high school photo on social media. Simply put, it’s tough but rewarding.
Now let's talk visuals. Convoy sports pixel art graphics that are as charming as a cat video gone viral. This isn’t cutting-edge realism, but sometimes simplicity is what hooks you in. The brightly colored environments clash with the gritty undertones of a wasteland in a way that feels both nostalgic and wonderfully bizarre. Imagine a kid’s movie where the characters try to take on Thanos. It’s intense, yet joyful, like a colorful tornado of chaos with cute chubby pixel monsters. The animations are delightfully smooth, and the pixel aesthetic adds a layer of retro charm that will have you reminiscing about 8-bit adventures from yesteryear — if you can remember that far back without getting too dizzy from nostalgia. If you’re into the indie game vibe of simplicity with character, you’ll find yourself grinning like a Cheshire cat watching a marathon of cat memes.
Convoy is that uniquely satisfying indie game that dabbles in strategic mayhem while allowing you to play the role of an armored cargo driver in a dystopian world. It’s not just a game but an experience you didn’t know you needed until it rolled into your life like a well-outfitted truck, scattering mutant bandits left and right. Whether you’re a die-hard roguelike fan or just in for some laughs (and explosions), Convoy delivers a chaotic romp through the desert with a surprising dose of tactical charm. So grab your controllers, fuel up your trucks, and prepare for a journey that can only be described as a wild, pixelated road trip. Overall, Convoy earns a respectable 7.2 out of 10. It may not be the perfect trucking experience (sorry, Euro Truck Simulator fans), but it’s undeniably fun! So, get ready to strap in, and remember to pack your favorite snacks because it’s going to be one hell of a ride!