Unpacking

Press StartKieron Verbrugge

10/10

Unpacking is proof that a pixel tells a thousand words. Through simple, zen gameplay and a startling attention to detail a story unfolds in this tiny, pixelated world in a way that just wouldn't have been possible in another medium. That's truly something special on its own – a wholly unique and original narrative experience – and the fact that it's wrapped up in an incredibly cathartic and tangible puzzle game makes it all the more praiseworthy. Witch Beam has something incredible on their hands with this one.

GameSpewKim Snaith

9/10

You shouldn’t hesitate to pick up Unpacking. This is a true indie gem; a game that deserves to be celebrated for years, or even decades, to come. From the clever storytelling through objects to the incredible sound design imprinted into each and every item you pick up, every minute spent with this game is a joy. You’ll be invested from start to finish – and you won’t want it to end.

Nintendo LifeRoland Ingram

9/10

Unpacking manages to do several things very well, all at the same time. It’s a touching story told through interaction, it provides the creative play space of a great dollhouse game, and it deftly applies established game design ideas from completely different genres. Its only real shortcoming is the repetition that is a necessary byproduct of landing its message. Effort has gone into making the controls satisfying on Switch, and the visual and sound design are delightful throughout, making Unpacking, like any sane person’s cutlery, absolutely top-drawer.

Playstation UniverseJohn-Paul Jones

8/10

Unpacking is like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket as you gently watch the years roll away in front of you. Though much too short, the relatively brief experience that you'll have with deconstructing the emotional narrative of characters that you'll never see via its block fitting puzzles, cements the fact that Unpacking won't quickly be forgotten and will be an experience that you'll likely go back to time and again whenever you need a precious smidgen of soul affirmation

VGChartzChristian Evans

8/10

Thinking outside the box!I hate moving house, it’s nearly all stress, from the inevitable breakages, to putting your back out trying [...]

TheSixthAxisSteve C

8/10

Unpacking is real gem that deserves a wide audience. It is short, but the sheer love and care put into the entire game shines through at every turn and the careful balance achieved between freedom and restriction ensures satisfaction without frustration. Add in a wonderfully realised and intimate narrative that makes brilliant use of the values we place upon objects and you have an indie game that should find a place in your collection.

KeenGamerMarc Catalano

7/10

Unpacking is a game all about helping a woman move into different places throughout her life. A simple and possibly tedious concept takes a dreaded chore and transforms it into a calm and engaging narrative experience, told entirely through the items you unpack.

XboxEraHarm0nica

7/10

Unpacking is an incredibly accessible, meditative game revolving around room decoration and block-fitting puzzles.  There is no pressure here and the only target is to make each environment a satisfying place for the main character to live.  This may not be the type of game that you usually play but it is well worth checking out, although short sessions of a level at a time may be a good idea due to the repetitive nature of the gameplay.  Being another recent arrival to Xbox Game Pass there really is no reason not to try it.

Rock Paper ShotgunAlice Bell

Unscored

This compact little puzzle-story-game has care in every line. It tells a lovely story without words, leaves you room for interpretation, and invites you to be playful. It's absolutely lovely.

Lords of GamingJoseph Repko

Unscored

Developer & Publisher // Witch Beam, Humble Games Platforms // Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 MSRP & Release Date // $19.99, November 1st, 2021 Reviewed On // Xbox Series X Unpacking is a cozy point-and-click puzzle game developed by Witch Beam. In Unpacking, you must...

KotakuLuke Plunkett

Unscored

Moving your own stuff sucks. Moving someone else's is a lot more fun.

But, like I’ve said, those nifty puzzles are just the jumping-off point for what makes this such a remarkable, memorable experience. A clever game of unloading boxes would have been enough to make Unpacking worth playing, but it’s the way it weaves its beautiful story through those puzzles that makes it truly sublime.