As a "zen Tetris", this game was quite a surprise for me. It's a design that just works extremely well with environmental storytelling. Unpacking hits lots of things right, some of which I've honestly never seen before!

The game is meant to be a relaxing experience of moving objects within spaces, as the title suggests. This is executed beautifully through some really nice music and incredible pixel art (although that can work against it, as I'll explain in a bit). Gameplay works as promised, and it's even more fleshed out with narrative. I don't want to spoil any surprises, but the environmental storytelling of a young artist and her love life is brilliant! As she adjusts her life around a partner, you begin to notice certain items to be a bit trickier to fit in spaces. Think of something like Florence, but told entirely through objects. And what's even cooler is how the game teaches you where certain objects belong, as you go further into the game.

My only gripe with this one, conversely with the gorgeous pixel art, is the lack of explanation for certain items. There were times where I would unpack an object and have no idea what it even is, even when zoomed in. (Some items like can openers and bed sheets come to mind.) Thankfully though, the final phase of each stage involves fixing item placements for those highlighted in red, so missing a spot for items won't penalize you in any way.

Unpacking is quite a surprise! It's a formula that works splendidly with the narrative it's presenting itself with, and can even be utilized for speedrunning if desired. A great example of an indie within this genre.

Reviewed on Sep 16, 2022


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