Rocket Cargo

Rocket Cargo is an order-delivery game where you pilot a rocket — explicitly inspired by SpaceX's Starhopper prototype for Mars. The premise ties the gameplay to real-world space engineering: you are not dogfighting or exploring, you are running a delivery operation, managing fuel and air traffic to complete missions.

The mechanics are physics-driven: you refuel at a fuel pump, thrust upward, steer with lateral controls mid-flight, and can activate a Flight Termination System (FTS) if you run out of fuel — a real aerospace safety concept repurposed as a game mechanic. Each completed mission increases the air traffic difficulty, turning what starts as a gentle delivery loop into an increasingly crowded airspace management challenge.

The SpaceX inspiration gives Rocket Cargo a distinct identity among jam entries. Rather than generic sci-fi, it leans into the specifics of real rocket operations. It earned top recognition in its js13k competition year, and for players who enjoy physics-flight games with a logistics layer, it is a focused, themed experience.

Rocket Cargo controls:

• F — refuel the rocket at the fuel pump • W or Up — thrust the rocket upward • A/D or Left/Right — steer while flying • Q — activate Flight Termination System (FTS) if you run out of fuel

Strategy: always refuel before takeoff — running out mid-flight forces an FTS abort. Wait for gaps in air traffic before launching; the skies get busier with each mission. Plan your delivery route before thrusting, because steering a rocket under momentum is harder than it looks. Treat FTS as a last resort, not a regular tool.