Unpacking

 PC
Unpacking Image
Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 81 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.

Trailer

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Unpacking - Announce Trailer | PS5, PS4

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  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. Noisy Pixel
    Nov 1, 2021
    85
    Unpacking has a simple presentation with some thought-provoking moments for players who are willing to immerse themselves in the experience. The story is straightforward, yet the method by which the player engages with it is so novel that it feels grander than it truly is. It’s a shame the abrupt ending left a bittersweet taste in my mouth. However, for a title designed to be played in one sitting, it manages to pack many different emotions into its short runtime, and utilize its medium so creatively that it has become one of my favorite games of the year.
  5. NME
    Nov 2, 2021
    80
    Unpacking takes a simple and relatable task and turns it into a meditative and cosy experience that makes the art of environmental storytelling interactive. While the visuals, music and period items certainly make a tug for nostalgia, it’s the quietly revelatory story of the life whose possessions you’re unpacking, and the joy that it sparks, that makes it one of the best surprises of the year.
  6. Screen Rant
    Nov 1, 2021
    80
    From the tiniest details in each item to the massive story told through simple gameplay, Unpacking is a fantastic indie game. The relaxing gameplay and chill music create a nice getaway experience. It's easy to disappear into Unpacking and complete the entire game in one playthrough, but the experience is so satisfying that players will want to do it again and again.
  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 27 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 34
  3. Negative: 3 out of 34
  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. RKGAMES953
    Nov 15, 2021
    8
    great game and fresh idea to feel relax and get off all other games love it
  6. Bnn
    Sep 15, 2022
    8
    Unpacking is definitely not for everyone, you might find it relaxing or boring, it is basically a game for unpacking stuff after all. TheUnpacking is definitely not for everyone, you might find it relaxing or boring, it is basically a game for unpacking stuff after all. The storytelling is very well done, in a unique way and the level of detail is really surprising.
    The game can get a little boring or frustrating towards the end, as the player can get "demotivated", but, overall, it's a good game and it's worth a try if you're looking for different experiences in gaming.    … Expand
  7. Yaav13
    Apr 27, 2022
    6
    My truthful honorable incorruptible conclusive rating of this considered game: 6.
  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 34 User Reviews

Trailers

Awards & Rankings

30
#30 Best PC Game of 2021
66
#66 Most Discussed PC Game of 2021

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