The critically acclaimed indie game Cart Life is a story-driven game which revolves around the life of street vendors in various settings. Players experience the hardships and rewards that come with life on the streets, from selling hotdogs and donuts to collecting merchant fees from customers. The narrative explores the lives of three protagonists – Mike, who sells newspapers; Melanie, a coffee vendor; and Vinny, a donut seller – as they adjust to their new lives. Players must manage their financial resources, dodge police harassment, and bond with their peers in order to survive in this unforgiving world.
Cities have long since been places of commerce and industry, with many of their inhabitants relying on the income generated from selling goods on the streetside. Cart Life explores the lives of street vendors as they attempt to survive in a society which often overlooks their struggles. Players take control of one of the three protagonists and their approach to vending, making decisions on when and where to work, how to spend their hard-earned money, what products to sell, and ultimately how to make a living. As they progress, the characters must negotiate with customers, pay off loans, and deal with ever-changing regulations.
The game features a vibrant pastel-coloured aesthetic, as well as a heart-warming set of characters that each face their own struggles. Many of the vendors encountered in-game also serve as sources of advice and guidance, showing players the different ways their characters can cope in the face of adversity. These characters are highly relatable, with their own unique quirks, hopes and dreams, and most importantly, the desire to succeed.
The core gameplay of Cart Life has the player managing their character’s day-to-day schedule in line with their goals. Every aspect of the game requires thought and planning, allowing players to strategize how they will manage their funds, find suitable locations to vend, and ultimately make enough money to subsist. The game's advanced artificial intelligence also takes into account variables such as weather and the economic climate, making every playthrough unique and unpredictable. With a huge range of options, players are able to tailor their character’s lives to their desired approach.
The game acts as an insightful exploration of the lives of street vendors, showing players the harsh reality of life on the streets. From having to find protected spots to selling their products out of, to avoiding dangerous customers and facing police harassment, Cart Life demonstrates the sometimes heart-breaking decisions that street vendors must make in order to survive.
The themes of resilience and hope run throughout the game, with characters overcoming obstacles to create better lives for themselves. Ultimately, Cart Life stands as an inspiring message of the strength and courage of street vendors, and shows that even when life gets tough, there is still always an opportunity to succeed.
