Unpacking, developed by Witch Beam and published by Humble Games, is a unique and emotionally resonant indie game that offers players a captivating and introspective experience. It’s a game that invites you to step into the shoes of its protagonist, exploring their life and memories through the act of unpacking boxes. In this review, we’ll delve deep into Unpacking’s gameplay, narrative, and emotional impact.
Unpacking Review: Key Game Elements
- Genre: Puzzle, home decoration
- Creator: Witch Beam
- Publisher: Humble Games
- Player Modes: Single-player
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PC, Playstation 4, Playstation 5
- Price on Nintendo Store: $19.99
- Price on Playstation Store: $19.99
- Price on Steam Store: $19.99
- Price on Xbox Store: $19.99
Launched on November 1, 2021, it is available on various platforms, including Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Playstation 4 and 5, and PC. The unique premise lies in the absence of explicit dialogue or characters, relying solely on the act of unpacking personal items to convey a profound narrative.
Unpacking invites gamers to explore the emotional resonance of personal belongings, offering a fresh and heartfelt perspective on the passage of time.
Unpacking Gameplay
Unpacking’s gameplay is deceptively simple, revolving around the process of unpacking boxes and placing their contents in various rooms. You’ll start in a sparsely furnished room and gradually fill it with objects and personal belongings as you progress through the game’s levels. The controls are straightforward, making it easy for players of all skill levels to engage with the game.
The beauty of Unpacking lies in its attention to detail. Each object you place has a purpose, and it’s essential to arrange them in a way that feels natural and meaningful. The game gradually introduces new settings, such as a childhood bedroom or a college dorm, which not only keeps the gameplay fresh but also unravels the story of the protagonist’s life.
One of the most satisfying aspects of Unpacking is the sense of discovery. As you unpack each box, you unearth memories and stories associated with the items you handle. This creates a deep emotional connection between the player and the game world. It’s a slow, contemplative process that encourages reflection and empathy.
Narrative
Unpacking’s narrative is communicated entirely through its gameplay, and it’s a testament to the power of subtlety and minimalism in storytelling. Without using a single word, the game manages to convey a heartfelt, personal narrative that touches on themes of family, relationships, nostalgia, and growth.
The protagonist’s life unfolds before you in a non-linear fashion. You’ll witness key moments in their journey, from childhood to adulthood, by interacting with the objects in each room. The beauty of this approach is that it encourages players to piece together the narrative themselves, creating a unique and individualized storytelling experience.
The attention to detail in Unpacking’s narrative is exceptional. Objects in each room are meticulously chosen to reveal the protagonist’s personality, interests, and relationships. The way certain items are packed or unpacked can also shed light on emotional states and life changes. For example, unpacking a prized trophy might signify a sense of accomplishment, while carefully storing away an old toy could represent nostalgia.
Game Mechanics
Unpacking’s game mechanics are elegantly simple, allowing players to focus on the emotional journey rather than complex controls. Controls are intuitive, utilizing a simple point-and-click interface. Left-click effortlessly picks up and places items, while right-click rotates them.
The intuitive nature of the game makes it accessible to a wide range of players. However, some may find the lack of challenge or variation in mechanics a bit too straightforward.
Cozy Factor
Unpacking excels in creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere. The pixel art style, soothing soundtrack, and the act of unpacking itself all contribute to a feeling of warmth and comfort. It’s a game that envelops you in its world, making you feel like you’re a part of the protagonist’s life.
Unpacking ingeniously weaves a narrative through the seemingly simple act of unpacking. The game unfolds the protagonist’s life story without relying on explicit dialogue or character appearances.
Subtle hints and nostalgic items guide players through different eras, creating an intimate connection with the character and her loved ones. The 2010 level, for instance, delicately portrays a clash of tastes when the protagonist moves into a partner’s apartment, highlighting the game’s ability to convey complex emotions without words.
The journey is both personal and relatable, allowing players to reflect on their milestones while unpacking memories.
Game Exploration
Unpacking goes beyond mere unpacking, offering delightful extras that enhance the gaming experience.
Players can unlock stickers to personalize their in-game space, utilizing the versatile photo mode with various filters and frames.
The playback feature adds a satisfying dimension, allowing you to witness the journey of each item from start to its place of belonging.
Creativity knows no bounds with this beloved cozy game. Some players have even crafted mini-games within the game using the playback feature.
Unpacking Pros
Nuanced Storytelling: Unpacking beautifully crafts a nuanced narrative through the protagonist’s life, skillfully revealed through the items unpacked across different eras.
Aesthetic Cutesy: The pixel art aesthetic is not just visually pleasing but holds intricate details, from the wood patterns to labels on bottles, creating a charming and immersive environment.
Nostalgic Trip: Taking players through various years, Unpacking offers a nostalgic trip down memory lane, featuring beloved items from different eras, invoking a sense of personal connection.
Creative Freedom: The game encourages creative expression through features like stickers, photo mode, and the playback feature, allowing players to personalize and document their unpacking journey.
Relaxing Soundtrack: The calming chiptune soundtrack adds to the overall soothing atmosphere, reminiscent of classics like Kirby’s Dreamland, enhancing the relaxation of the gaming experience.
Unpacking Cons
Restrictive Item Placement: The game can be picky about item placement, occasionally restricting creative freedom, such as dictating specific locations for certain objects, which may limit natural decorating instincts.
Sparse Bowl Options: While a minor concern, the absence of a bowl or general receptacle to organize items like wooden spoons or spatulas is noted, impacting the overall organization and aesthetic choices in certain scenarios.
Brief Gameplay Duration: Speedrunners may find Unpacking relatively short, completing it in around 3 hours. While rich in experience, some players may desire a more extended gameplay duration.
Limited Impact of Choices: Certain decisions, especially in later levels, might seem inconsequential, as the game does not heavily explore diverging storylines or varied consequences based on player choices.
Minor Spatial Challenges: Some players might face spatial challenges, especially when determining specific item placements, leading to occasional frustration in achieving the perfect arrangement within confined spaces.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there’s a reason why Unpacking remains a cozy staple. Its emotional and nostalgic journey through life’s moments, beautifully told through the act of unpacking, is a balm in life’s tougher moments.
The game’s ability to connect with players on a deep emotional level is its greatest strength. It’s a reminder that games can be more than just entertainment; they can be powerful tools for self-reflection and empathy. Unpacking is a must-play for anyone looking for a unique and moving gaming experience.
Here’s our scorecard:
- Game Design: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Game Narrative: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Game Mechanics: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Cozy Factor: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Platform Availability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Feel free to dive into Unpacking and create your own cozy memories!
