Unpacking is a game that proves you don’t need dialogue, visible characters, or complex interactions to tell a deeply engaging story. From the moment you start, you’re only narrative comes from the items you unpack, and yet it’s more than enough to stir a range of emotions, including a surprising amount of animosity towards a character you never see or speak to.

I would say that the game has a level of simplicity to it that makes it so easy to pick up and put down but also the emotions it evokes as you unpack someone’s life, one box at a time makes it very special. I have played this whenever I am starting to feel my depression creep up on me and it's been helpful to play multiple times. Something about myself having no connection to start with any of the items, I can feel the beloved childhood toy, a worn pair of shoes, or something that doesn’t quite fit with the rest, while the story unfolds without a single word, and yet you find yourself piecing together the life of the person you’re unpacking for, understanding their joys, sorrows, and struggles through the belongings they carry with them from place to place.

Whether you’re meticulously organizing every item to create a cozy, harmonious space, or embracing chaos within the game’s limits, there’s a satisfying freedom in how you approach each room. I think it has a perfect blend of calming gameplay and subtle storytelling, offering a peaceful yet engaging experience that allows you to stay present and mindful of your surroundings.