To a de-luxe moving truck in the sky

The past several months of quarantine have seen my local nerd gang turn to online multiplayer (largely, Steam Remote Play Together) as a substitute for in-person banter. And though we've tried a ton of different co-op and counter-op games, I think the one that's impressed me most is Moving Out.

At a glance, it resembles a chaotic move-fast-and-throw-things party game, like Overcooked!. But where those games tend to rely on awkward mechanics or random events to keep things unpredictable -- Moving Out has lasting appeal due to its very un-awkward, un-random level design chops.

The game's simple controls and straightforward carry-these-objects goal clear the way for later levels to devise truly awe-inspiring arrangements of obstacles - elevators, conveyor belts, flamethrowers, lava - without feeling unfair or punishing. (Except for the ghosts, which can fuck right off.) Solid fundamentals and well-crafted level layouts make these absurd challenges innately achievable.

Don't get me wrong: there is still plenty of chaos to revel in, especially in initial levels which provide generous opportunities to screw around with mechanical twists like fragile boxes, or ... chickens. But I feel like Moving Out is distinctive among party games for not using the "party" atmosphere as a crutch, instead delivering a legitimately well-built and fun furniture-carrying simulation, level after level.

The game's overall sense of humor is also an undeniable appeal, as are its many pop culture references. I'll put it this way: the "Frogger" level isn't even my favorite. (That honor might go to the Ferris Bueller house, which allows you to re-enact this memorable scene.)

Progress: We just got to ... outer space!