What happens when you mix Crazy Taxi and TMNT? You get Pest Apocalypse, a chaotic indie pizza delivery simulator. Developed by Kikimora Games, the game was honored with a spotlight at the 2024 Winter’s Game Expo on Dec 4th. Pest Apocalypse makes another public appearance at Steam’s 2025 Laugh & Smiles Fest. It will be sold under a supporter pack from January 30th to February 6th to promote more upcoming indie game titles. Let’s dive into the wasteland apocalypse and see what makes this pizza delivery sim special.
Inspired by SEGA’s Crazy Taxi
Pest Apocalypse’s delivery mechanics reminded me of Crazy Taxi. The 1999 Dreamcast classic introduced players to drive customers to their destinations at fast speeds. They can perform ramp tricks, drifting, and quick vehicle dodges to earn extra cash and time. Pest Apocalypse has a similar concept except you gain passengers through pizza deliveries.
For each delivery you make, you earn tips based on your speed. The difficulty increases when the pests appear after Delivery One. They will chase after the pizza van to steal your food. More powerful enemies will appear such as spiders, scorpions, and rat kaiju to destroy your vehicle. Like Crazy Taxi, it will take trial and error to study a level’s map to find faster routes. Doing so will result in more tips and less vehicle damage. Luckily, Pest Apocalypse has added a player defense system to relieve the stress.
Passengers, Upgrades, and Power-Ups
Being rewarded passengers and upgrades through successful deliveries is satisfying. Passengers offer different perks to protect the pizza van. The game’s mascot, Mr. Whiskers is a fantastic close-combat fighter but has a cooldown. If you have someone with an ongoing area effect like Toxiko’s Poison Cloud, you stay alive longer while driving your routes. However, not every delivery will offer a passenger, forcing you to improvise with what you are given. Kikimora Games found a solution by having skill points earned to make current riders stronger.
It’s possible to try a run without them as you are given a choice of Van Upgrades. They vary between experience gain boost, nitro charges, and increasing health and tips. Power-ups are also scattered around each level within delivery routes. They must be used carefully for each has a one-time use. I got pretty good at avoiding them when I had passengers in the van. I save the Bomb for times I’m surrounded by a massive horde.
Nostalgic Graphics With A Good Soundtrack
Pest Apocalypse’s presentation is very easy on the eyes. Using low-poly 3d with 2d sprites, it creates a vibrant rustic atmosphere. No level takes place in the same environment that gives players refreshing experiences. Enemies also match with level design giving them an idea of The Wasteland’s ecosystem.
Thinking we are traveling alone, we have Pest Apocalypse’s soundtrack to keep us company. There’s a wonderful mix of music genres that keeps our hearts pumping. Game composer Christopher Peduru-Aratchi’s style gives me Jet Set Radio and Megaman X vibes. My favorite song is “Knead the Dough” for its chill 32-bit Jamaican beat. I catch myself singing along with the voice while rocking my head to the rhythm.
Pest Apocalypse’s Verdict
Kikimora Games made a wonderful indie gem with an absurd concept. Pest Apocalypse is a game whether you want to challenge yourself or relax after an exhausting day. The game’s design gives it a colorful personality that allows the gameplay to speak for itself. If you are searching for that Crazy Taxi fix, this post-apocalypse driving simulator is for you.
