HoverCab is like Crazy Taxi if it were 2D and a sidescroller.
It’s a game that takes place many years into the future with jet-powered yellow taxis hovering about (hence, HoverCab) delivering and picking up patrons all over a spaceport probably set on planet Mars. If you’ve played games like Crazy Taxi or Simpsons Road Rage, you already know the concept. You pick people up and drop them off at their marked destination and earn cash!
HoverCab is the same thing but on a much simpler scale. The game is rendered on a 2D plane with 3D objects- so 2.5D? You find random passengers scattered around the map and bring them to their location using a nav point green marker. You have a timer and each passenger you deliver takes up time. If you run out of time, the game’s over. It’s completely skill-based. You get a debriefing with tips after each mission to know where you can improve to be a better space taxi driver.
You’re a hovercab operator and you need to deliver passengers as quickly as possible. The game comes from the original concept of Spacetaxi, released in 1984 which was also a 2D space taxi game.
As you do this, you’ll rack up cash which you can use to buy upgrades for your cab and unlock new things as well. This is unique to HoverCab as you couldn’t do this in many other taxi sims. You also have to watch out for your gas meter and fuel up when necessary! It drains pretty quickly so be sure to keep an eye on it and estimate ahead of time whether or not you can make the next trip or risk your space taxi career! The cash upgrades and gas meter are two new dimensions to work with and adds a nice sense of challenge and urgency to the game.
The game is based on missions that you complete to move onto the next one. It’s sort of like a campaign mode at its bare minimum. Most of them have you picking up and delivering a set number of patrons before time runs out. Getting cash is important to buy gas and repairs for your taxi and is necessary for the harder missions. Each level has different missions you need to complete. There are four levels each with a unique environment and challenges.
Some levels can get really difficult not only because of the terrain structure, but rather the controls. You’ll need to master them in order to traverse some later levels for sure. They’re responsive but very precise.
The artwork is simple, yet detailed. It uses a mix of low-poly resolutions and some incredible textures. your can is in 3D as you watch it swirl and twist around in fluid motion like a fish in an ocean. It’s easy on the eyes and it works.
If you’re into arcade taxi games, try out HoverCab using the link below and see how’d fare as a space taxi driver!
- Unlock upgrades for your ride
- Repair and gas will require you to manage your time
- Get cash by delivering patrons faster
- It’s Crazy Taxi in space
- Simple artwork
- Skill-based
- Some missions can be very difficult with the controls and terrain
Download and Play HoverCab (Early Access)
Weird indie game specialist. Adventure, retro, and simulators are my fav. Xbox One and PC gamer on the side.