I’m generally not one to play the simulation genre. For the most part, barring a few outliers in the genre, I find such games rather tedious. The idea of working, even simulated, after finishing work doesn’t sound appealing. But my wife convinced me that, despite the “simulator” in the name, PowerWash Simulator was different. It was unique and worthwhile. And hey, turns out she was right!
Without further ado, here’s my Early Access PowerWash Simulator review.
Please note: This game is still in Early Access and is not yet feature complete. I’ll return for a more in-depth review upon full release!
Relaxing Tedium
I’m lucky enough to be a homeowner in the real world, so the idea of power washing a virtual home in-game somewhat put me off from the prospect of PowerWash Simulator. Again, work after work and all that jazz.
But let me just say, wow!
PowerWash Simulator manages to take what was once a tedious, backbreaking job that you hire a contractor to handle on your behalf and turns it into a relaxing adventure. After a long day, when I want to unwind and relax, I never thought that power washing a van or cleaning the mayor’s home of its graffiti would let me clear my mind and find a touch of inner peace.
PowerWash Simulator has that “it” factor. The “one more turn” type of gameplay that keeps you hooked on turn-based strategy games. You feel a genuine sense of satisfaction when, after working for ten, fifteen, or even ninety minutes at a time, you finally finish a job and get to watch that oh-so-satisfying timelapse of your workmanship.
Level Design and Variety
One would expect a variety of intricate levels with unique, puzzle-like challenges to complete in a relatively inexpensive simulator-type game like this, and PowerWash does deliver. It features a large selection of maps, some more straightforward and easily cleaned, and others that made me want to rip my hair out at times.
I’m looking at you, treehouse!
For some maps, like the fire station, you must utilize available ladders and scaffolding to reach and clean every orifice on both structures. If you position your scaffolding incorrectly, you need to climb down and move it. It’s a chore, and somewhat like solving a rudimentary puzzle.
But again, the results of your labor prove satisfying.
Hand-Holding Mechanics
Before buying PowerWash Simulator, I spent more than a few hours watching gameplay on YouTube. The one mechanic I found infuriating each time was how, when you’re almost finished cleaning, the game would sound out the “ding” and finish the piece on your behalf. I wanted the satisfaction of doing it myself, damn it!
But no, I now know that this hand-holding mechanic is a must-have. Some maps, like the drill or the fire helicopter, require this mechanic. Otherwise, you’d rage quit and move on to another game. There are hidden pieces of dirt and rust that, even with a correctly positioned ladder, you simply cannot reach without more than a little wang-jangling.
Shopping for Equipment
To offer a sense of progression and achievement, every power washing job you complete rewards you with cash and the next level in your PDA. Using your accumulated money, you can purchase cleaning liquids to make the next job easier, or new equipment, like extensions to help you clean hard-to-reach areas.
But it’s the new power washers that caught my attention. I found myself grinding and saving up money to buy the $5,000 power washer.
Man, that jetstream makes quick work of all but the toughest rust spots!
Multiplayer Washing Fun
I waited until the multiplayer mode was released to purchase PowerWash Simulator, that way I could play with my wife in our limited spare time.
Honestly, I’m glad I did. I’ve completed more than a few maps by my lonesome, but more so with my wife than not. It’s a boatload of fun to tirelessly clean a playground, then look over to see your power washing partner whittling away at the jungle gym.
It’s an achievement that I’m happy to share, as it doesn’t limit the sense of satisfaction of completing a map.
My Verdict
With a price point of $19.99 on Steam, PowerWash Simulator is hands down one of the most enjoyable purchases I made in 2021.
I highly recommend picking the game up, even when it’s not on sale, because you’ll more than get your money’s worth while the game is in Early Access!