Have you ever found yourself mesmerized by oddly satisfying videos on social media, so much so that you can’t put your phone down? Whether it’s cleaning, organising or ASMR, we’re all guilty of getting lost in our phones during a late-night doom scroll.
But did you know there are video games that provide an even greater level of satisfaction? With simulation games becoming more and more popular, soon there’ll be a satisfying game for everyone, no matter your niche.
This gaming market is expected to grow tenfold over the coming years, but here are five oddly satisfying video games currently available for you to get lost in:
Powerwash Simulator
If you have found yourself watching hours of power-washing videos on social media, then Powerwash Simulator is the perfect game for you.
The objective of the game is simple; use your power washer to make your surroundings squeaky clean. Playing from a first-person perspective, you’re tasked with cleaning a large variety of muddy, rundown locations and vehicles. You earn payments from each level that can be used to upgrade your power washer, buy new nozzles and customize your uniform. Each level ends with a very satisfying timelapse of your progress. Not only is it extremely satisfying to blast the dirt from the surface, but you can also replay your favourite levels in free-play mode whenever you like!
Powerwash Simulator is available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Switch. When you finish the game’s base levels, you can dive into the themed downloadable content (DLC) which allows you to power wash well-known locations such as Bikini Bottom from SpongeBob SquarePants and Croft Manor from the original Tomb Raider games.
Unpacking
There are many ways to tell a story through video games, and Unpacking has found a unique, relaxing way of doing just that -- without any dialogue or flashy animations.
Designed with simple pixel art, Unpacking is basically a block-fitting puzzle. Your job is to take items out of a box and unpack them.
Whether you’re unpacking in one room or an entire house, you learn more and more about your character with every item. Unlike most other storyteller games, with Unpacking, you never see or hear the character. Their belongings give you a unique way to learn about their world. Paying attention to detail will tell you elements of the story, such as their interests, career and what’s happening in their life.
Alongside the game’s unique form of storytelling and relaxing music, Unpacking is extremely satisfying for anyone who loves organisation. The player even has the creative freedom to decorate in whatever way they like, as long as every object is in its correct room. The game is all about going at your own pace, there are no timers or scores. Unpacking has not only been praised for its innovative narrative but has also won an Australian Game Developer Award for Excellence in Accessibility.
Unpacking is available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, iOS and Android.
A Little To The Left
Do you enjoy organisation games but find they are a little too easy? Well, A Little To The Left is the perfect solution.
This game offers a beautiful mix of organisation and puzzles. You must sort, stack and organise household items while solving the puzzles hidden among them. There are several ways to complete each level, such as sorting by size, colour or pattern. While the puzzles are challenging, players won’t feel any pressure as there is a “Let It Be” option which allows the player to skip that level and return later.
Accompanied by soothing sound design, hand-drawn graphics and a gentle colour palette, this drag-and-drop game is sure to leave you feeling calm after a long day. But be on the lookout for a very mischievous cat while you play, who shakes things up when you least suspect it.
A Little To The Left is available on both PC, Xbox, PlayStation and Switch.
Supermarket Simulator
If you have worked in a supermarket before, you’re probably triggered at the very thought of playing a game that emulates this. But the newly released Supermarket Simulator lets you organise and run your own supermarket -- without the rush or stress of angry customers.
Supermarket Simulator is a spectacular blend of design and management simulation; making this another great game if you find organising relaxing. The 3D game runs from a first-person perspective, allowing you to get lost in the digital world of your supermarket. You will organise storage, stock shelves and layout the supermarket however you like. You can even work as a cashier and enjoy the satisfying “beep” as you scan items.
While Supermarket Simulator is still in early access, the solo developer behind the game has shared a list of all the features and advancements they plan on adding in the near future. So, if you think the game sounds good now, it’s only going to get better!
Supermarket Simulator is currently in Early Access on Steam.
House Flipper 2
A lot of us complain about cleaning our own homes, yet we are guilty of binging reels of home cleaning or renovations every other night. If this is something you’ve found yourself enjoying, House Flipper 2 is the game for you!
As an upgraded version of House Flipper, in version two the player buys and renovates run-down houses or build their own from scratch! The game includes all the tasks involved in renovating such as cleaning, painting, tiling, knocking down walls and building new ones. When the building is done, the player can go furniture shopping and decorate their homes however they like. The game is also from a first-person perspective, making it the perfect, detailed game to sit back and relax with.
While House Flipper 2 is still new on the gaming market with new DLC sure to come in the future, Frozen District's first House Flipper is still available on Steam with DLC’s that include gardening and farming.
