Amidst all of the intense, player versus player, combat and other demanding games, it’s sometimes nice to relax. That’s where a title like MailTime comes into play, as it’s nothing but ‘chill.’
In MailTime, which we reviewed on PlayStation 5, you play as a new mail carrier recruit who’s working his first day. This isn’t in a city, though. In fact, you’re delivering mail to the citizens of the forest and its different regions. Birds, a cat, a groundhog and so on. Therein lies some of the game’s charm and cuteness, and a reason it’s good for kids.
The goal isn’t to deliver mail as quickly as possible. No, you can take your own time throughout this approximately two to two-and-a-half hour long game. Your task is to find out who Greg is, and donate his letter to him, but the only way you’ll do that is by talking to all of the animals multiple times. In doing so, you’ll also deliver mail to them. At least, if you have anything for them at that point of time. Going up to one animal will get you a letter for another, and so forth, until the game is done.
As such, the gameplay is quite simple and easy to grasp. You’ll just need some light platforming skills to reach some of the animals. A couple of them can be a bit hard to find, so kids may need some help here.
Platforming is also the key to reaching higher areas, which is where you’ll usually find hidden items, or be able to jump and float to some of the higher regions of the forest. There are also coins you’ll need to collect for the greedy cat landlord, and doing so will require getting up high and using some decent platforming skills. That’s where the game may be a bit too difficult for younger kids. Then again, they’d probably just like exploring the forest and talking to the animals.
Hidden items, in this game, amount to different types of mushrooms and other random things. The mushrooms can be given to a mushroom fanatic, who will — in turn — allow you to use said mushrooms as a hat. That, along with being able to pick your outfit colours, provides the game’s customization.
This is such a short and simple (which isn’t always a bad thing) game that there’s not a lot else to say, outside of talking about its performance which is pretty good. MailTime looks like a platformer from a bygone era, and plays like one too. It’s easy on the eyes with its colourful, 3D art style, and sounds fine too. There’s no voice acting, though, and that’s fine. This was made by a small team.
If you’re looking for something short, different and relaxing, MailTime should be on your list. It’s not an amazing game, but it’s a solid and ‘chill’ experience that is good for all ages. Those looking for action, or high intensity gaming, need look elsewhere though.
This review is based on the PlayStation 5 version of the game, which we were provided with.