Unpacking

93%
Game Brain Score Based on 22,458 reviews
  • story
  • music
  • emotional
Unpacking Game Cover
Unpacking is a satisfying, gorgeous and unexpectedly emotional dive into moving house and the importance of our possessions. This game simply must be played.
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Unpacking is a calming puzzle game where you organize and arrange items while moving into a new home. With each box unpacked, discover stories about the previous owner and find homes for all their possessions. The game features a variety of items, homes, and challenges that will test your organizing skills and creativity.

  • iPad
  • iPhone
  • Mac OS
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Phone
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Android
  • Cloud
  • Linux
  • Mobile Platform
  • Play​Station
  • Tablet
  • Xbox
  • Xbox Game Pass
  • x_box_cloud_gaming
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

93%
Audience ScoreBased on 22,458 reviews
story3,146 positive mentions
replayability104 negative mentions
  • story7,658 mentions

    The story in "Unpacking" is a unique and heartfelt narrative conveyed through environmental storytelling, where players piece together the life of a character by unpacking their belongings across various stages of life. The game subtly explores themes of growth, relationships, and personal identity without any dialogue, relying instead on the items and their placement to reveal the protagonist's journey. While many players appreciate the emotional depth and charm of the story, some express a desire for additional storylines or content, as the game is relatively short, typically taking around 3-5 hours to complete.

    • “I absolutely adored the story that subtly unfolded throughout this game.”
    • “The pixel art is beautiful, and I really enjoyed the story the game tells through the rooms, items, and where items can be placed.”
    • “Unpacking is a game where you discover a character's story through the changes in their environments.”
    • “The storyline is very cute and every level I looked forward to finding out what stuff the protagonist has taken with her.”
    • “I was really disappointed to find out it's just one very short story.”
    • “For the price tag, there should have been a different story for each of the three books.”
  • music1,735 mentions

    The music in "Unpacking" has been widely praised for its calming and soothing qualities, enhancing the overall relaxing gameplay experience. Many players appreciate the nostalgic and gentle soundtrack, which complements the game's pixel art and storytelling, creating a cozy atmosphere. However, some reviewers noted that the music can become repetitive over time, with occasional awkward silences between tracks, leading some to prefer listening to their own music while playing. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a significant highlight, contributing to the game's emotional depth and charm.

    • “The music is calming and the story is sweet, making it a perfect relaxing game.”
    • “The soundtrack is beautiful and perfectly complements the gameplay, creating a soothing atmosphere.”
    • “The music enhances the experience and brings waves of relaxation as you unpack and organize.”
    • “The music was charming, but not too intrusive to the experience.”
    • “The only real issues that I have with the game are that sometimes when a music track ends there is an incredibly long pause before any music starts to play again, not something that took me out of the game but felt like I should mention it.”
    • “The music is mediocre and people are labeling it as story rich.”
  • emotional1,550 mentions

    The emotional aspect of "Unpacking" is widely praised for its ability to evoke deep feelings through minimalist storytelling, primarily conveyed through the act of unpacking items that represent significant moments in the protagonist's life. Players report experiencing a range of emotions, from nostalgia and warmth to sadness and catharsis, often culminating in tears by the end of the game. The combination of charming visuals, soothing music, and the subtle unfolding of a heartfelt narrative creates a uniquely touching experience that resonates with many, making it a standout title in the realm of emotional gaming.

    • “This game made me cry.”
    • “I was not expecting such a heartfelt story when I bought this game.”
    • “Unpacking is a game where you are unpacking, you are supposed to put things in their place after moving though you are unpacking and through the years you realize you are watching someone else's life told as a story through their belongings, it has a heartwarming ending and has some nice representation.”
    • “It'll replace your life; I cried a bit.”
    • “The emotional moments felt forced and didn't resonate with me.”
    • “I expected to feel more, but the story fell flat emotionally.”
  • gameplay1,511 mentions

    The gameplay of "Unpacking" is characterized by its simple yet engaging mechanics, where players unpack and organize items in various living spaces, effectively telling a poignant story through environmental details. While many players find the gameplay relaxing and satisfying, there is a consensus that the experience is relatively short, typically lasting around 3-5 hours, which some feel does not justify the price point of $20. Despite its brevity, the game is praised for its unique approach to storytelling and its charming aesthetics, making it a delightful experience for those who enjoy cozy, low-pressure gameplay.

    • “A short and very relaxing game, able to tell a story solely through its gameplay mechanics.”
    • “The gameplay is very relaxing and the music fits in perfectly.”
    • “The gameplay is simple and easy to pick up, but the audio design really helps elevate the whole experience.”
    • “I like the idea of this game, but the gameplay is just so repetitive and irritating I just can't bring myself to recommend this game to anybody.”
    • “The gameplay honestly annoyed me; it feels like a sliding block puzzle only isometric and you've gotta clear every single block from the puzzle.”
    • “For the price it's at, I was expecting the gameplay to be at least 8+ hours.”
  • graphics1,385 mentions

    The graphics of "Unpacking" have been widely praised for their charming pixel art style, which creates a cozy and nostalgic atmosphere. Players appreciate the attention to detail in the visuals, which effectively contribute to the game's storytelling without the use of dialogue. However, some users noted that the pixelated graphics can occasionally make it difficult to identify certain items, which can detract from the overall experience.

    • “The art style and sound design of the game is brilliant.”
    • “The graphics are adorable and I can spend hours on this game.”
    • “The pixel art graphics are beautiful and nostalgic.”
    • “While I did like the graphics, if it had the drawn/painted art feel that it has on the title art, not only would it have fit the storyline, but it would have looked amazing, too.”
    • “The graphics did create a few problems when trying to identify certain objects though.”
    • “I couldn't make out some of the items due to the pixel art style, so that's also something to note.”
  • replayability577 mentions

    The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with many players noting its short playtime of around 3-5 hours and limited replay value due to a lack of new content or modes. While some enjoy the ability to rearrange items and hunt for achievements, others feel that the repetitive nature of the gameplay diminishes its long-term appeal. Overall, it is often recommended to purchase on sale, as the price may not justify the minimal replayability for most players.

    • “The game overall is definitely replayable, and I will replay it to complete it to 100%, but a game like this isn't for everyone.”
    • “Despite its simple appearance, this game has an incredible story to tell and a surprising amount of replayability.”
    • “There's a remarkable amount of replayability in this game!”
    • “I wish it was longer :( as, in my opinion, there's not a ton of replay value for the current price.”
    • “The only downside is there obviously isn't much replayability to it; another reason to buy it on sale.”
    • “The game is very short and has no replay value, for the price is way too expensive even if it’s on sale.”
  • atmosphere146 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its calming and cozy qualities, enhanced by charming pixel art and a soothing soundtrack. Players appreciate the relaxing gameplay that allows for creative expression, creating a therapeutic experience that evokes nostalgia and comfort. Overall, the game's aesthetic and sound design contribute significantly to its serene and intimate atmosphere, making it a delightful escape for players.

    • “The game’s gorgeous aesthetics and gentle gameplay create a serene atmosphere, making each level feel like a cozy, intimate journey.”
    • “The soothing music and calming atmosphere create a lovely experience that anyone can enjoy.”
    • “The pixel art style, paired with soothing color palettes, creates a calming atmosphere.”
    • “The game was alright, I think it does give a relaxing atmosphere and it has a very cute style.”
    • “Its very calming and lets you lose yourself in an atmosphere that I haven't really experienced before.”
    • “The atmosphere, the music, the graphics, it's all charming and relaxing.”
  • grinding114 mentions

    The reviews consistently highlight that the game's grinding aspect can be quite tedious, often feeling more like a chore than a relaxing experience. Players note that while the game starts off enjoyable, it quickly becomes repetitive and frustrating, especially in later levels where the task of unpacking and organizing items can feel overwhelming. Overall, the game is described as charming but ultimately limited in replay value due to its monotonous gameplay loop.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “Time for grinding will be required.”
    • “You'll be grinding a lot.”
    • “As of now, I can't bring myself to play it over and over to get all the achievements and 100% it since the story gets kinda stale and the gameplay a little tedious.”
    • “It's more like a compulsion; the act of moving items between various locations and containers is actually incredibly tedious, made even more of a chore thanks to Bethesda's cumbersome UIs.”
    • “The game has nice art but it costs too much and becomes incredibly tedious and frustrating towards the end, as the main character ends up hoarding so much stuff that you just end up having to dump everything on any available surface and hope that it's in the right place.”
  • humor100 mentions

    The humor in the game is widely appreciated, with players finding joy in its quirky achievements and lighthearted scenarios, such as placing unexpected items in amusing locations. Many reviews highlight the game's ability to evoke laughter through its playful mechanics and relatable situations, making it a delightful experience for those looking to unwind. Overall, the humor adds a charming layer to the gameplay, enhancing the enjoyment of the unpacking process.

    • “The funny thing is, I didn't know some of the stuff until the game told me I put it in the wrong place.”
    • “It's cute, has good music, some nice hidden bits of humor and a heartfelt, albeit thin, story.”
    • “Some of the achievements are hilarious and I enjoyed watching the protagonist's life unfold.”
  • stability23 mentions

    Overall, the game's stability is generally praised, with many users reporting no significant bugs or glitches during gameplay. However, some players noted minor glitches, particularly related to item placement, which can affect the experience. Regular updates seem to help maintain a smooth performance, contributing to a mostly bug-free environment.

    • “No bugs, no glitches, no crashes, and no stress whatsoever.”
    • “I 100% recommend this game; no bugs, no glitches, just runs smoothly!”
    • “Found no bugs and no glitches yet; the game is very well made and programmed.”
    • “That said, it's buggy as hell.”
    • “There also seems to be some weird placement glitches with some of the shelves where there is clearly a space left for something like a book but you just can't place it.”
    • “The game offers some nice graphics and environments, although some ugly glitches here and there.”
  • monetization15 mentions

    The monetization of the game has drawn significant criticism, with many users labeling it a "cash grab" due to its high price relative to the limited content and gameplay duration. While some appreciate the absence of ads compared to mobile counterparts, others feel misled by promotional materials that promised a richer experience, leading to disappointment over the game's lack of depth and future support. Overall, the sentiment suggests that players expected more value for their investment, especially given the game's similarities to free mobile alternatives.

    • “This game is like that mobile game where you can organize rooms with boxes, but this has a story and no ads!”
    • “The monetization model is fair and doesn't feel intrusive, allowing me to enjoy the game without constant interruptions.”
    • “I appreciate that the in-game purchases are optional and don't give paying players an unfair advantage.”
    • “I feel like this is only highly rated because they like the idea/gameplay, and I do too, but there's barely anything there. So no, I would not buy it, and for that price, it feels like a cash grab.”
    • “Unpacking is a mobile app that's been dumped on Steam as if it were a real PC game. It's a cash grab from greedy mobile developers. This barely qualifies as a game, as all you do is drag and drop various items out of boxes into a room.”
    • “Overall, the issues I had with the game are why I can't recommend it. Virtually all the advertisements I saw told me it was a relaxing game about a family moving in and unpacking boxes, but items have to be placed in certain locations, blocking progression if you don't. The asking price is too high, even on sale, for a mere three hours of gameplay, and confirmation from the developers that the game won't receive any workshop support or future updates was truly disappointing.”
  • optimization13 mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization is highly praised, with users reporting smooth performance and minimal glitches. Its low system requirements allow for broad accessibility, and it runs well even on lower-end hardware. While some minor issues were noted, they did not significantly detract from the overall experience.

    • “Doesn't require a performance check, the game's low requirements ensure almost anyone can play this title.”
    • “The game runs smoothly and the mechanics are easy to understand.”
    • “I 100% recommend this game; no bugs, no glitches, just runs smoothly!”
    • “Doesn't require a performance check; the game's low requirements ensure almost anyone can play this title.”
    • “Game had no problems performance-wise and no bugs that I encountered either!”
    • “Mouse and keyboard optimized: I wanted to play this with my controller and kick back, but ended up playing with mouse and keyboard since some of the precise pointing could only really be achieved quickly with the mouse.”
  • character development10 mentions

    Character development in the game is a mixed bag; while some reviewers note a lack of traditional storytelling and emotional depth, others praise the innovative use of objects and environmental storytelling to convey growth and intimacy without direct character interaction. The game's ability to communicate character development through subtle details and design has garnered high praise, despite some skepticism about the development time relative to the game's length and complexity. Overall, it appears that the character development is appreciated for its creativity, even if it doesn't follow conventional narrative structures.

    • “However, the details bring the story and character development to a new level.”
    • “The character development through different objects over time rewards a careful and curious eye.”
    • “This game is incredibly intimate, and I am so impressed with the way the developers were able to communicate growth and character development so well without dialogue or visible character interaction.”
    • “There isn’t much of a story or emotional investment to unpack, and there isn’t much character development beyond 'growing up'.”
    • “Who would have thought you could have such character development in a game where you don't directly meet anyone!”
    • “Also, I really can't understand how they spent four years on making a three-hour game which has no camera movements, renderings, 3D objects, or character designs, which would have taken much time.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

81% average critic score

Buy Unpacking

Play time

4hMedian play time
6hAverage play time
4hMain story
4hCompletionist
3-5hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 461 analyzed playthroughs

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