This review is based on playing on the Steam deck.
Unpacking is a zen-like puzzle experience about one girl's journey through life, from childhood to adulthood and all the twists and turns between. Set in each of her rooms, apartments and houses throughout her life, it's your job to unpack her story over the years and watch as she evolves with each new chapter. But does the game succeed at unpacking itself from the rest of its kind, or is it destined to gather dust in some forgotten corner?


The story of Unpacking revolves around a girl named P as she moves from her childhood room to her first apartment and finally to her forever home. But the story is more complex and nuanced than that may seem, as life's filled with moments that help define us as people, and P is no different. As you unpack her life with each new chapter unfolding, you will see items come and go and eventually return. You will see her career develop and her relationships evolve, and in the end, find solace that despite how messy life can get at times, a happy ending awaits us all.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3247498635


The game doesn't deliver many gameplay mechanics, nor do the mechanics evolve much throughout its relatively short five to ten-hour campaign. But there is some calming clarity in this simplicity, where you don't have to feel challenged to be satisfied with the outcome, and you can enjoy the story unfolding without time constraints or counters documenting your errors.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3247498717

The game consists of eight levels of varying size, where you essentially have to unpack boxes and place the items in the correct places based on the type of item they are. There is some moderate freedom in the placement process, and you won't be penalised for placing items in slight variations, although at times, you will have to ensure some items are in the correct rooms or specific places before moving on to the next chapter.

Much like the above, because of how the game is designed, there is also not a whole lot to look at. Graphically the game is beautiful and delivers an extremely soothing experience from a visual standpoint, with a clever cartoonish art style that helps carry the unspoken narrative, but just don't expect to be blown away.
With that said, the audio is in a similar boat, not delivering an enormous catalogue of sounds or music to the short experience, it still does an adequate job of backing the storyline without ever distracting from it.

Doesn't require a performance check, the game's low requirements ensure almost anyone can play this title.

Review chart here.
Unpacking didn't blow me away, it is extremely simple in its design and delivery and doesn't deviate from this in any tangible way throughout its short playtime. Coupled with a rather high price point it's hard to recommend it despite enjoying the experience it provided. I will say that it's a story worth playing through once, but only if you can get it on a steep sale.

If unpacking your life feels like it might get you down, head on over to Hell, Purgatory and Paradise to lighten your burdens and experience tranquillity at last..

Loved this game! Very satisfying to just decorate the room not having to worry too much about where things are supposed to go. My only complaint is that there isn't more to the game

Won't let me put things where I want; what's the point then?