Unpacking

Unpacking is, you guessed it, a game about unpacking boxes. But it takes that mechanic and turns it into a touching tale about growing up and finding ourselves. “How do you get that from cardboard boxes?” I hear you asking.

The answer is simple: Environmental storytelling.

And this game has loads of it. Little objects that carry over from level to level, unexpected items, and amazing level design tell a story that touches the hearts of players.

As previously mentioned, some objects carry over from level to level. This allows for a good flow of storytelling and allows us to get to know the character we are following better. We all have little things we carry with us throughout the years, and this reminds us of those mementos.

Level design in particular is crucial for puzzle games, as one doesn’t want to bore players or frustrate them into quitting. Unpacking is a unique sort of puzzle game in that there is more than one answer to where an object can go, so there is more leeway for players to have fun and play in the space.

Unpacking also shines in the art style department. Pixel graphics are growing in popularity, and this game captures their charm and appeal perfectly. It carries with it a certain nostalgia of older games when graphics were pixelated, yet has a modern and fresh appeal without sacrificing that nostalgia factor.

Would I Recommend It?

Absolutely! If you are in the mood for a relaxing game to play in your free time, this is a great option. I’ve personally replayed it several times, so it also has great replay value.