Unpacking

 PC
Unpacking Image
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 83 Ratings

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  • Summary: Unpacking is a zen puzzle game about the familiar experience of pulling possessions out of boxes and fitting them into a new home. Part block-fitting puzzle, part home decoration, you are invited to create a satisfying living space while learning clues about the life you’re unpacking.

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Unpacking - Announce Trailer | PS5, PS4

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. GamesHub
    Dec 13, 2021
    100
    Unpacking captured and recalled that messy abundance of emotions precisely. It’s a special game. It drew me in, it pushed me away. It was a chore at times. But its thematic strength and effectiveness in conveying that is incredible. Unpacking is a remarkable piece of work that elegantly evokes the ebbs and flows of life. A game that evokes a very special brand of nostalgia that is yours, and no-one else’s.
  2. WellPlayed
    Nov 2, 2021
    90
    Unpacking is the perfect game to unwind with and provides unique and cosy storytelling through its simple point-and-click mechanics that will keep players wanting more.
  3. Hey Poor Player
    Nov 8, 2021
    90
    Unpacking was absolutely worth the wait. A delightful experience in every sense of the phrase, Unpacking will resonate with anyone who loves that feeling of fresh possibilities a new place offers. Even in its downturned moments, that unflappable optimism shines through, giving players a sense of excitement with each unpacked item. With its charming aesthetics, playful nature, and nuanced storytelling that will tug at your heartstrings, Unpacking unequivocally deserves a place in your game library.
  4. Stevivor
    Nov 1, 2021
    80
    These little niggles aside, a stellar soundtrack from Jeff van Dyck helps to create a sense of calm and zen (that I can only maintain myself for one or two levels at time) as you continue to play voyeur and peek into the lives of the silent protagonist and their loved ones. The anxiety of moving prevents Unpacking from being something I would get stress relief from, but I nonetheless find myself returning again and again to continue its story.
  5. The Indie Game Website
    Nov 11, 2021
    80
    I liked Unpacking very much. It’s complicated, but it’s as simple as a peanut butter sandwich, toasted in the sandwich press that you got three apartments ago.
  6. Hardcore Gamer
    Nov 2, 2021
    80
    Unpacking is a delightful and charming puzzle game, one that perfectly takes a chore such as moving and perfectly shows how it can highlight the most important parts of our lives, allowing us to reflect upon them and the transitions we go through along the way. It helps that it also has terrific gameplay built around trying to find space by rearranging items as if they were blocks, all while telling a captivating story through each small bit taken out of each box. It’s an impressive little package that you’ll want to dive into.
  7. GameSpace
    Dec 1, 2021
    55
    Do you remember what you saw in this game? The unboxing will be no less for me than the last superhero movie I watched. Maybe I'll remember her the next time I move, or maybe even grin. I enjoyed the short time I spent with Unpacking and hope there will be more in the future.

See all 28 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 35
  3. Negative: 3 out of 35
  1. Mikky1234
    Nov 9, 2021
    10
    I loved it. Casual Game, very calming! Very nice! Good to just organise things into their propper areas, and it was a good few hours!
  2. qxtsa
    Jan 4, 2022
    10
    One of my favourite games from 2021, it doesn't become boring as other relaxing games and i think that making us guess what's happening in theOne of my favourite games from 2021, it doesn't become boring as other relaxing games and i think that making us guess what's happening in the life of the protagonist only by showing us her stuff is amazing! The final actually made me tear up! It really is wholesome. Its doesnt last more than 6 hours so you can pass it in just one day.… Expand
  4. SplitMind
    Dec 25, 2021
    9
    Unpacking is a very different game. It is also a very simple game yet one that also carries a compelling gameplay loop that had me coming backUnpacking is a very different game. It is also a very simple game yet one that also carries a compelling gameplay loop that had me coming back again and again, completing the game one level at a time.

    The graphics of Unpacking take a simplistic and befitting approach. The vibrant artwork is pleasing to the eye, and my only criticism is that smaller objects can be hard to distinguish and identify, but this was never game-breaking for me.

    The gameplay is the bread and butter of Unpacking. The premise is incredibly simple: you have boxes piled up in each room of your home and you need to literally unpack them and place items in a suitable manner. This begets a fun game of Tetris-like gameplay as you slot items into shelves or chaotically chuck them wherever you can find space. There is a lot of satisfaction to completely unpacking a room.

    My biggest criticism of the gameplay is that it can be restrictive in where items must be placed. One room in particular had me hide a photo in a drawer, which was really obtuse and specific; I’d never have figured that out without looking it up, but at the same time it fits with the narrative.

    The story of Unpacking may seem non-existent, but there is a subtle narrative at play, as each home you unpack seems to be for the same person as you follow them on their journey of life, sharing their adventure and heartbreak along the way.

    One of my favourite things about Unpacking is probably that the game does not outstay its welcome and is the perfect length for compacted enjoyment.

    Overall, unpacking is a real breath of fresh air for someone like me who tries of beating people to death in videogames. Far too many games fall into this gameplay loop and we can easily forget that videogames need not be violent to be enjoyable. I can definitely recommend this game.    … Expand
  5. Rimorine
    Dec 1, 2021
    8
    This game is perfect, the only minus is that it is short and didn't go to the emotional depth I wanted of it. I was ready to cry and getThis game is perfect, the only minus is that it is short and didn't go to the emotional depth I wanted of it. I was ready to cry and get proper feels, but instead I got more sweet, comforting feels, which is nice too it is just not the emotional depth I was hoping for.… Expand
  6. jolychik
    Oct 19, 2022
    8
    Игра небольшая, начну наверное сразу с самого главного, провёл в игре 3 часа, за которые и прошёл её как раз, и все 3 часа мне нравилось в неёИгра небольшая, начну наверное сразу с самого главного, провёл в игре 3 часа, за которые и прошёл её как раз, и все 3 часа мне нравилось в неё играть, так что ставлю 3 часа кайфа игры из 3-х во время которых игра справляется со своей главное задачей, что по факту является расслабить игрока

    В игре приятный саундтрек и медитативный геймплей, к тому же она не длится слишком долго что бы надоесть, как раз в меру, но почему же оценка 8?
    1. Виной этому то что некоторые предметы ты не можешь поставить туда где вроде бы есть место, но игра думает нету, ибо если ты поставишь туда какой-то маленький предмет, то его будет невозможно оттуда достать
    2. Есть некоторые предметы которые должно находится именно в этой комнате, но по логике могут и в другой, или просто в другом месте этой же комнаты
    3. Есть предметы которые я так и не смог идентифицировать, я так и не понял что это такое, и находил куда их ставить лишь наугад

    В заключении бы сказал, что игра тебя не развлекает по сути, и далеко не все захотят в неё играть, тебе по факту должен нравится такой геймплей сам по себе, в который ты должен погружаться и отдыхать    … Expand
  7. CodaHensley
    Dec 11, 2022
    6
    An interesting way to tell a story, and one that feels as though it could only be done in this way. While I will admit that simply placingAn interesting way to tell a story, and one that feels as though it could only be done in this way. While I will admit that simply placing objects around a house doesn't exactly make me think award-winning gameplay, it is much more interesting than it has any right to be. If arranging household goods sounds like it interests you, you've probably already bought this game, and if it doesn't, I think you know this isn't a good match for you.… Expand
  8. Xerenis
    Nov 17, 2021
    0
    3rd time i have to write this review because u cant take criticism and delete it. 0/10 boring .

See all 35 User Reviews

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36
#36 Best PC Game of 2021
65
#65 Most Discussed PC Game of 2021

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