Unpacking

Unpacking is a fun and innovative casual puzzle game that can empower players to become a master of a very familiar task that every one of us has experienced at least once in our lives – unpacking possessions when arriving at a brand-new apartment.

The Desktop game promotes Zen gameplay moments of satisfying organization of common household items, from personal clothes to childhood memorabilia, kitchen items, home decoration, and overall building of a complete and satisfying living space.



Released to the market in late 2021 by Witch Beam studios on the Steam platform, the Unpacking game quickly attracted attention from both players and media who praised it for its simplicity, multi-layered storytelling, well-crafted puzzle gameplay systems, and eye-catching visuals that can be experienced on almost every hardware PC configuration used today. Today in early 2024, over 90% of Steam gamers have recommended this title and left a positive review, marking it as one of the most praised modern puzzle titles on the Steam marketplace.

• Unpack a home — from a single bedroom to an entire house
• Meditative gameplay with no timers or scores
• Explore domestic environments with all their nooks and crannies while you stack plates, hang towels, and arrange bookshelves
• Discover a character’s story through the items that come with her to each new home (and the items that get left behind)
• Soundtrack by BAFTA award-winning composer & audio director Jeff van Dyck

The game has also received numerous awards and nominations from judging bodies such as DICE, Game Developer Choice Awards, AGDA, and many others.

The core gameplay of Unpacking revolves around the Zen experience of pulling possessions out of boxes and fitting them into a new living environment. The game requires players only to do drag & drop moves and arrange all generated items (they can’t see what they are pulling out of the box beforehand) in an apartment that already has major furniture in place.

As the player moves from one home to another, the background story starts showing up, providing the player with an expertly crafted tale of one person growing up as a child, moving away from home to school, buying a new apartment, forming a family in a bigger home, and more. The story is not told with narrative elements, but just with personal items, many of which are left behind and only a few following our main character from youth to an older age.

Itfeatures an attractive visual design, simple user interface, and soundtrack by BAFTA award-winning composer and audio director Jeff van Dyck.

Unpacking is a premium title that is today available on PC only via the Steam marketplace. In addition to PC, it was also ported to all modern PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo home consoles.

Features

Emotional Storytelling: The game tells its story through the act of unpacking, allowing players to delve into the life of the protagonist by revealing their past, present, and future through the objects they own.

Puzzle Solving: As you unpack and place items in different environments, you'll need to think critically to fit them in the available space. It's a unique puzzle-solving experience that challenges your spatial awareness.

Retro Aesthetics: The game features a pixel-art style reminiscent of the 16-bit era, providing a nostalgic visual experience that's both charming and distinctive.

Multiple Locations: It takes players through various stages of the character's life, from childhood to adulthood. Each location is filled with its own unique objects and memories.

Immersive Soundtrack: The game is accompanied by a beautiful and evocative soundtrack that enhances the emotional depth of the storytelling.

User Interface

Unpacking's user interface is minimalistic and intuitive, with clean menus that are easy to navigate. The game focuses on providing a seamless and immersive gameplay experience rather than bombarding players with complex menus or cluttered screens.

Installation and Setup

Installing the game is a straightforward process. Simply purchase the game from a digital distribution platform such as Steam or the developer's website, and follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it.

How to Play

Unpacking's gameplay revolves around unpacking and organizing items. As you progress through the levels, you'll be presented with a box full of items. Using your mouse or keyboard, you can pick up and place each item in its appropriate location within the room. The challenge lies in figuring out where each item belongs based on the context and the clues provided by the game.

FAQ

What is the gameplay duration of Unpacking?
The length of the game depends on your pace and how thoroughly you explore the story. On average, it takes around 2 to 3 hours to complete, but some players may take longer to fully appreciate the narrative and details.

Can I customize the controls in Unpacking?
Yes, the game offers customizable controls, allowing you to use either keyboard or controller inputs. You can configure the controls to suit your preference.

Is Unpacking a single-player game, or does it have multiplayer features?
Unpacking is a single-player game with a focus on a solitary and introspective gaming experience. There are no multiplayer features.

What makes Unpacking unique compared to other indie games?
Unpacking's uniqueness lies in its storytelling approach through the act of unpacking and organizing items. It offers a deeply emotional and personal narrative that resonates with players in a way that few other games do.

Pricing

It was available for purchase on Steam for approximately $19.99 USD. Please check the latest pricing information on the platform of your choice.

System Requirements

Minimum:

• OS: Windows 7
• Processor: 1.2GHz
• Memory: 2 GB RAM
• Graphics: DirectX Compatible graphics card
• Storage: 2 GB available space

Recommended:

• OS: Windows 11/10
• Processor: 2.0GHz
• Memory: 4 GB RAM
• Graphics: DirectX Compatible graphics card
• Storage: 2 GB available space

PROS

• Unique storytelling method through unpacking.
• Emotionally resonant and relatable narrative.
• Charming retro pixel-art style.
• Minimalistic and user-friendly interface.
• Engaging puzzle-solving gameplay.

CONS

• Relatively short gameplay duration.
• May not appeal to players looking for action-packed experiences.
• Limited replayability once the story is fully uncovered.

Conclusion

Unpacking is a gem in the world of indie gaming, offering a profoundly moving experience that is unlike any other. Its use of unpacking as a storytelling device is innovative and effective, allowing players to connect with the characters on a deeply personal level.

With its nostalgic pixel-art aesthetics and engaging gameplay, Unpacking for PC is a must-play for those who appreciate emotionally charged narratives and unique gaming experiences. While its duration may be relatively short, the impact it leaves is long-lasting, making it a valuable addition to any gamer's library.