Unpacking, developed by Witch beam, is the cosy puzzle game I'll be reviewing today. Available on multiple platforms, including Steam, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Playstation, it will soon be accessible on phones and tablets too. In this game, your task is to assist an individual in moving homes and unpacking their belongings. The goal is to thoughtfully arrange their items in their new living space, creating a relaxing and enjoyable gameplay that seamlessly combines puzzles and interior decorating.
As you progress through the levels, you'll start noticing the same items reappearing in the boxes, and gradually, the story of the "new home" begins to unfold. The game takes you on an emotional journey, following one person's life from their first bedroom to their family home, through eight levels and 35 rooms, each named after the corresponding year they moved in
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Without revealing too much and spoil it for you, let's talk about the storyline. It was a surprise for me, as I hadn't expected the game to have such depth. The plot adds an extra layer of interest to the gameplay and puzzles. For instance, certain items may not fit into specific levels due to their significance in the character's life. These subtle details truly enhance the overall value of the game.
The visuals are charming, the music soothing, and the gameplay relaxing. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience with Unpacking, although there are a few aspects I found less favorable.
It is worth noting that Witch beam has mentioned that they currently have no plans to develop new levels or rooms for the game. While the existing content is enjoyable, this decision was a bit disappointing for me. Completing the game typically takes around 2 to 6 hours (it took me about five hours on my first playthrough). Considering the game's price of £17.99 on the Nintendo store, one might hope for a bit more gameplay or potential for future expansion. Introducing new characters or storylines could prevent the game from becoming repetitive and add more replay value.
Nonetheless, I still adore Unpacking, though I can't help but wish for more content. It's a shame that the game is relatively short-lived in terms of available material. All in all, I would give this game a solid rating of 3.5/5 stars.
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