Over the past few years there has been a huge surge in simulator games with the likes of Farming Simulator, Euro Truck Simulator and (my personal favourite) PowerWash Simulator being released.
They take something which is menial and gamify it by adding rewards for completing different routes or objectives.
Moving Out is a different type of simulation game where the aim is less about realism and more about simply having fun.
After the success of the first game, the sequel Moving Out 2 aims to expand on the original in weird and wonderful ways.
There is a wizard world, a candy world and a futuristic utopia all waiting for your particular services.
After completing the tutorial area where you get used to loading up trucks, the game takes a massive shift as portals open up, allowing you to travel to various strange dimensions.
There is a wizard world, a candy world and a futuristic utopia all waiting for your particular services.
It allows developer SMG Studio to get creative with the levels, and it adds layers to the puzzle solving element of the game.
Along with the chaotic nature of breaking windows and trying to get a corner couch through a door, the levels have a time limit which give them a sense of urgency.
Most levels have a standard time and a pro time which means you can give it a go the first time and try to get a better time on your second attempt.
This makes for an addictive game loop where you are trying to get all the items on the truck as fast as possible but also need to be careful with bigger items as they can really hold you up if you get stuck.
It is all wrapped in an incredibly colourful and charming aesthetic that gives it a real sense of character.
F.A.R.T.
There also a great sense of inclusion as every character can be played in a wheelchair, and it very much feels like a game everyone can enjoy.
It extends to the accessibility options and the assist mode which lets you customise the way you want to play.
Whether it means having more time to complete level or items disappearing when you place them in the truck, so you don't have to rearrange everything.
The icing on the cake is the sense of humour which adds to the lighthearted nature of the game. Even the job title you have is a quip as you are a 'Furniture Arrangement Relocation Technician' or F.A.R.T.
The banter between your companions is another highlight as before and after each mission you talk about the odd locations you find yourself in as well as tips for the job.
What really pushes the action to the next level is the co-operative gameplay. You can add up to four friends to your game session, and that is where the real chaos begins.
It is akin to another video game published by Team 17 'Overcooked', as it won't be long until friendships start to become frayed as you rush around levels bumping into each other and breaking everything in your way.
The physics of the game also adds to the madness as you slink around the levels and pull the items along with you.
While there are moments of frustration it is all part of the fun, and it never gets to the point where you feel cheated. Even if you do not manage to get the pro time, the game encourages you to keep going.
The game's sense of spirit is infectious, and its modus operandi is to simply have fun. In an industry where most games are vying for your time (and money), it is refreshing to play one that just wants you to enjoy the experience, no matter how long.
It all makes for an irresistible package of fun gameplay, endearing characters and real creativity around the level design. Moving Out 2 is an impressive follow-up to its predecessor that takes the fun of moving out to a whole new dimension.
8/10
