Most people are familiar with the experience of moving homes; having to pack up your belongings, move to a new location, and then unpack and organize. Many of us have done this multiple times in our lives, from our childhood home to a dorm room, our first apartment to our first home. Unpacking explores how each occasion brings new challenges and emotions.
Content Guide
Unpacking shows a variety of items one would find in a home, including men’s and women’s undergarments and women’s toiletries. Unpacking is rated E for everyone.
Review
In Unpacking, developed by Witch Beam and published by Humble Games, the player is given the opportunity to see the process of unpacking and organizing through the eyes of an unidentified character. They begin as a young child, unpacking belongings that need to be organized throughout their room. We then follow them through the next few stages of their life, unpacking many items, both new and familiar, along the way. Some they have kept since we unpacked their first childhood room, and we are tasked with finding a place for them in the character’s journey through adulthood.
The music for each level accurately portrays the stages in the main character’s life. Unpacking items during their childhood and young adulthood sounded carefree and relaxed, while levels resulting from conflict are reflected by melancholy melodies, and new beginnings sound upbeat and optimistic.
The visuals in Unpacking feature pixel style illustrations that are bright and creative. While I love the look and design, a couple items were difficult to identify. This didn’t hinder gameplay too much though. It just took a few extra guesses to figure out where they belonged.
You can play Unpacking two different ways: either placing items wherever you want, or the puzzle option that highlights items when placed incorrectly. A few of these locations were strange and counterintuitive and you can’t progress until you find where they belong. Additionally, many of the boxes contained items from other rooms, and it felt like too much time was spent shuffling back and forth between the bedroom, bathroom, or kitchen to put them away.
Overall, Unpacking is a poignant and emotional journey through life. It was impressive to me that the character’s journey was told so clearly without any dialogue or exposition. As someone who has moved numerous times since childhood and was only recently able to donate items I’ve kept that whole time but no longer needed, Unpacking hit very close to home.
“I have cared for you since you were born. Yes, I carried you before you were born. I will be your God throughout your lifetime – until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.” -Isaiah 46:3-4
Great!
Overall, Unpacking is a poignant and emotional journey through life. It was impressive to me that the character’s journey was told so clearly without any dialogue or exposition. As someone who has moved numerous times since childhood and was only recently able to donate items I've kept that whole time but no longer needed, Unpacking hit very close to home.