This isn't the first time I've been drawn to a "delivery simulation" game. Last time, I was hooked by Death Stranding, immersed in that almost zen-like rhythm of crossing the wilderness alone. So when I scrolled past Shipping on the eShop home page — a blocky art-style game without even a Chinese title — I admit, my first thought was: another delivery game?

But after playing the demo for half an hour, I changed my mind. Its approach is completely different from those "big titles": Nintendo game recommendations rarely feature this type, yet an indie team has made it surprisingly compelling.

Why I Think Shipping Is More Than Just a "Logistics Simulator"

The core of Shipping is indeed abstract: you run a "transport company" on a grid map, moving packages from A to B. But its focus has never been on "how to drive a truck" or "vehicle handling." Instead, it cares about something else — the pressure of route planning.

Each map has obstacles, time limits, cargo of different weights, and that "life-or-death" countdown timer. You can carry at most two boxes at a time, but whether you can deliver multiple orders in one trip depends on how well you know the map and — whether you're willing to endure the annoyance of "running an extra trip."

I lost twice in my first three levels. It wasn't a skill issue; it was greed. Seeing three high-value orders at opposite ends of the map, I thought I could complete them all in one go, only to waste all my time halfway. This game forces you to do one thing: calculate exactly how much you can handle.

Trade-offs: The Fine Line Between Fun and Torment

To be clear, Shipping isn't the kind of game that makes you "play nonstop."

What it does well:

  • Strong puzzle feel. Each level is essentially a micro path optimization problem. Every time you take an extra step on foot, your brain is re-routing the plan.
  • Controllable pace. Individual rounds are very short — 3-5 minutes per session, perfect for fragmented time. Pull it out while waiting for the subway or in line, no regrets.
  • Playing with a friend completely changes the experience. Among two-player Switch games, there aren't many that can spark arguments over "who carries this box" like Shipping does. In co-op mode, two people need to communicate in real time about who picks up orders and who delivers, creating a mix of chaos and synergy.

What gives you pause:

  • The visuals are too plain. If you're used to flashy effects or character performances, this game might be a deal-breaker. Every character is a small round block; there's no story, no cutscenes.
  • Late-game repetition is noticeable. Although there are plenty of levels, the core mechanics don't see breakthrough changes. You'll be doing roughly the same things on level 20 as on level 40, just with more winding maps and tighter time limits. If you crave constant surprises, Shipping won't satisfy you.

So my judgment is straightforward: it's not a "must-buy masterpiece" for everyone. It's more like a game where "you'll know whether you like it or not." If you've ever thrown down your controller in Overcooked because no one washed the dishes, or if you plan your farm layout in Stardew Valley using Excel spreadsheets — then you'll probably fall into the Shipping rabbit hole.

Three Scenes That Stuck With Me

First, the ice map. The delivery route becomes completely uncontrollable due to the slippery ice. I calculated the distance perfectly, but as soon as I stepped onto the ice, I slid away, and the box flew off. That was the first time I laughed out loud in a delivery game.

Second, the late-night overtime mode (hidden level). The map is pitch black, with only a small circle of light around your character illuminating the ground. You have to navigate by checking the mini-map and memorizing the intersections. That intense tension, where one mistake means starting over — not everyone can handle it.

Third, during two-player mode, my friend and I were shouting, "Left! Left! No, the blue box!" — It ended with us blaming each other, and each of us running half the map. In cooperative two-player Switch games, this kind of "chaotic fun" turned out to be the most enjoyable experience.

These scenes aren't grand, but they precisely hit my preference for the "plan-execute-trial and error" loop.

Is It Worth Your Time?

I have a reason for putting Shipping on my indie game recommendations list: it does one simple thing and does it with focus. It doesn't try to please everyone. Its difficulty curve, art style, and gameplay habits all carry an attitude of "This is who I am; take it or leave it."

If you're looking for a strategy game that can keep you company for dozens of hours, you might be better off checking out the big titles on the game ranking charts. But if you want something that fits into fragmented time and makes your brain work a bit — or even if you and a friend need a cooperative game to bicker about on the couch for half an hour — then Shipping is worth a try.

Don't be fooled by its simple appearance. Inside, it hides a clever and sufficiently torturous little system. Try the demo and see if it scratches your itch before deciding whether to buy it. In the full version's player community, people are already sharing game guides and optimal route walkthroughs — perhaps the best proof of its "hardcore" appeal.