This is my to-go game of 2023. It's the perfect blend of relaxing and challenging, with simple gameplay that is still intricate enough to keep me coming back for more.
Unpacking: the ultimate game for anyone who loves interior design, puzzle-solving, and snooping through other people's stuff! In this immersive game, players are tasked with unpacking and organizing a mysterious character's possessions as they move into a new home. From a single bedroom to an entire house, players must use their block-fitting skills to create a satisfying living space while learning clues about the life they're unpacking.
Pros
You can switch your mind off. It's got the perfect balance of challenge and relaxation, and I absolutely love it. Plus, when you're done with a round, you can always go back and try out new combinations to keep things fresh.
It doesn't rely on dialogue to tell its story. Sometimes, a nice simple game is all you need; having little dialogue allows you to focus on the gameplay and the immersive experience.
No timers or scores. So no pressure to perform.
As I played through Unpacking, I initially missed the fact that there was actually a story woven throughout the game. At first, I thought I was just randomly helping a character unpack their belongings as they moved through different homes. But as I progressed, I realized that there was actually much more to it than that. Through subtle hints and clues scattered throughout the levels, I was able to piece together a picture of the character's life and experiences. While we never actually see or meet them, the story adds an extra layer of depth to the gameplay. Who knew unpacking could be so engaging and thought-provoking?
Cons
It kept me entertained for an afternoon, but I found myself running out of things to do fairly quickly. While you can replay the game and try out different strategies, I feel the replay value is somewhat limited. All in all, it's a fun game to play in short bursts, but don't expect it to keep you occupied for hours on end.
I did find it to be a bit challenging to play on the Nintendo Switch. I think it would be a perfect fit for touchscreen platforms, but the controls on the Switch just didn't feel quite as precise as I would have liked.
While pixel art can be a fun and popular visual style, it didn't really do it for me in this particular game. Don't get me wrong, I can appreciate the nostalgia and the artistic aspect of it, but I found myself straining to understand what some of the objects in the game were supposed to be.
Of course, I wasn't expecting super high-quality graphics either, but I did have a bit of difficulty with the pixelated visuals at times. Just a personal preference, but it wasn't my favorite aspect of the game.
One thing I really wish this game had more levels! As much as I enjoyed working my way through the different homes and increasing my puzzle-solving skills, I found myself wanting more challenges to tackle. It's a shame the game wasn't longer because I was having so much fun. Here's hoping for some additional content or a sequel in the future! All in all, this game is a solid choice for all puzzle fans out there and is worth checking out.
Total Game Time: 6 hours
Games similar to Unpacking: A Little to the Left, Hidden Paws, Jenny Leclue
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