10
ReviewUnpacking - a great example of storytelling through gameplay
Posted March 5, 2024 by Lemonade_Masquerade in Games

I may be late to the party, I don't know. It came out in 2021. I've heard of this game before, but I never really paid it any attention. I thought it was just a home decorator game. And well, it is a home decorator... but not just one

I just want to praise this game for it's amazing execution at "show don't tell" visual storytelling. At first I was just putting things away and decorating a room. Okay, that's cute. It's kind of a puzzle, but not a difficult one. Each level adds more rooms, and is set a few years after the last.

Pretty soon I found myself invested in the story that was being told. There's no narration and you never really see the character. The story is told entirely though the gameplay and through the items you are sorting through.

I'll admit I got a little personally invested. I was strongly reminded of all the moves I've had to make, not all of them good times. Having to figure out what's important enough to keep and find room for, while bringing in new things for different stages in life. It was close to home, including the time period and the kind of nostalgic items you go through.

Anyway, great experience. It's pretty short, I finished it in less than 5 hours easily. I got it from my Playstation plus sub, so I didn't really risk anything for the cost. I don't know if $10 usd would be worth it, but I've spent $10 on worse things so 🤷🏻‍♀️ depends on whether that's pocket change to you or not.

7 comments

flyingteapotMarch 7, 2024

I loved this game too! Glad to see someone on here writing about it :)

kuzcos_poisonMarch 5, 2024

I watched a Let's Play of this and thought it was a great game! Super cute, and such a fun way to tell a story. Very soothing and cosy too.

WristfeversMarch 5, 2024

I got myself unpacking on one of the switch sales and got so invested in the story. This game is so so good. It's money well spent.

FeminaMarch 7, 2024(Edited March 7, 2024)

Hey thanks this game seems interesting I will definitely be checking it out! :) This makes me think it would be nice to have a pixel The Sims game!

[Deleted]March 5, 2024

I played this shortly after it came out and really enjoyed it.

I'll admit I got a little personally invested. I was strongly reminded of all the moves I've had to make, not all of them good times.

I don't remember the details of each level but the one that stuck with me was when she moved into her boyfriend's apartment. They did a perfect job of portraying that relationship *.

Spoilers:

*and how it was doomed to fail. From the way he didn't make room for her, to the way she was forced to put herself second (like her degree not fitting anywhere except under the bed), it was a great analogy!

The moment I realized that the only place for that item was under the bed was the turning point on the whole game for me.

I also noticed that in a later level when your girlfriend moved into your apartment, not only is there enough space for her things and you can rearrange most of the stuff already put down, but your art studio doesn't have any boxes in it. Like you weren't going to compromise on this one thing again, and she respected that.

[Deleted]March 5, 2024

I loved this game. I think I got it for like $3 on sale through switch’s game hub (whatever it’s called).