Unpacking

Genre: Simulation

Players: 1

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Review:

Unpacking is a unique Simulation-style game released on PC, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch in 2021, and ported to PlayStation 4 in 2022. This is a simple, relaxed game where players are only tasked with unpacking moving boxes and putting their contents away in a room or series of rooms.

It should be noted that there’s not much of a puzzle element involved here. There needs to be some common sense about where you’re putting things, and some items will naturally have a specific place they belong (a diary, for example, needs to go in a drawer rather than being out in the open where anyone could see it), but for the most part, players have full latitude to put things wherever they want, and are not rated on where they place things – this is essentially a way for you to express your creativity, but also a relaxing low-stress and even somewhat meditative activity.

As you proceed through the game, you’ll unpack items in additional locations, and it becomes clear that you’re following one character from place to place throughout her life, and in a way you’re getting a sense of the story of her life as told through her stuff – what she acquires, what she keeps from prior years, and what she no longer owns. It’s not really necessary for players to follow this, but it’s a nice touch.

One of the nice little joys in this game is all the detail in the 2D pixel art objects, portrayed in an isometric view. Everything is fairly colorful, and comes across almost like a pixel art version of a scale model in how nicely you can get things to fit together (if you so choose). These visuals are backed by a relaxing soundtrack with soothing synthesized and acoustic rhythms.

The only negative I can really point to here is that this isn’t going to be a game for everyone. The lack of a goal structure or any real challenge will be a huge turn-off for some players. However, those seeking a relaxed no-pressure experience will likely find this game delightful.

I was pleasantly surprised by Unpacking. While it lacks any goals or challenge, its relaxing, contemplative gameplay is wonderful in its own way, and the way it gives you a subtle feel for the character behind all this stuff is a really nice touch. If you’re looking for a pleasant, relaxed experience, Unpacking is a game you’ll find absolutely well worth playing.

tl;dr – Unpacking is a unique sort of Simulation game where players open moving boxes and put away their contents. There’s no real challenge here, and very little in the way of goals, but the core gameplay of putting stuff away is delightfully relaxing, and the great presentation and subtle way the game implies character is wonderful. If you don’t mind a quieter, more contemplative game, Unpacking is an absolute delight you should definitely try.

Grade: B+

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