First Impressions: POWERWASH SIMULATOR Is Nice and Relaxing
PowerWash Simulator is a game from FuturLab that is recently published by Square Enix and is available on Steam via Early Access. FuturLab was kind enough to supply me with a code to check it out, and I thought I’d share some early impressions of the game. Of course, please remember that this game is in Early Access and is constantly being updated. This is not a finalized review.
Release the Pressure with PowerWash Simulator! Wash away your worries with the soothing sounds of high-pressure water. Fire up your power washer and blast away every speck of dirt and grime you can find, all with the simple satisfaction of power-washing to a sparkling finish.
Before I get started, I just want to say that if you’re sensitive to motion sickness in first-person games, you’ll want to be very careful with this one. I found that the less I moved, the less sick I felt, so standing in one spot and getting everything I can before moving was my best strategy. Now, the premise of the game is that you are being hired to use your power washer to clean up cars, bikes, houses, and more. It’s very simple, but effective. First, let’s cover some of the things I’m enjoying.
When the game doesn’t make me feel sick, I really enjoy this game. It’s very casual and very relaxing. It’s like watching those videos of very satisfying things, but now you’re in control of it. There’s also a variety of nozzles that adjust the angle and pressure of the water you’re spraying and help add some variety to the game. Plus, you can press Shift to have dirt glow temporarily and show you where you need to clean. The graphics aren’t mind-blowing, but they are good for a casual indie title.
What do I dislike about PowerWash Simulator? The game is constantly being improved, and I really only have one wish at the moment. The game could really use a tutorial to help you understand what’s going on and how things work. The most tutorial you get is merely a splash screen with the controls. In the HUD, there’s a spot that tells you what material the current target is. Why should I care about that? I’m not entirely sure. There are cleaners you can buy that supposedly make the job easier that relate to different materials, but I’m not sure how they work. There are also other pieces of equipment that you can purchase, but it’s not very clear how useful they all are. That’s really my number one complaint (their most recent update notice even acknowledged that many didn’t know they could change nozzles).
If you’re looking for a casual game that is mesmerizing and relaxing, I would definitely check out PowerWash Simulator. The game is off to a great start.