When FuturLab started developing PowerWash Simulator they probably had a vision of where this endeavor would lead them. Although I’m not entirely sure, I can’t imagine they thought this game would become such a hit over the span of 2 years. We got to play the game again with the just-released Switch Version.

Find your niche

I’m almost purely a console gamer with a blind spot for anything in the PC gaming world. I have no need for it so I tend not to look over the fence. I do know PC gamers can play some weird quirky stuff. Apparently, there is a niche market for about every type of game. Some of these often crazy game ideas actually turn out to be excellent ideas. Some of these blow up and get a massive following (sometimes helped by some shouty dude/gal on Twitch). Some of these ideas eventually make it out on consoles too. PowerWash Simulator is one such rags-to-riches story. To turn power washing dirt of various objects into a game does not sound appealing but let me assure you – after playing and losing myself in the game for hours – it is.

So satisfying

The main part of the game is starting a PowerWash Simulator career path. Once you accept a job, you get to work to earn money in order to improve your tools for the next job. From a 3rd person’s viewpoint, you handle the nozzle. Aim at the dirt and start blasting away. With each sway of the PowerWasher, you’ll see the world around you getting cleaner. If it’s cleaning a van, a backyard, a playground or even the mars rover you want, PowerWash Simulator got you covered. It’s all here and it all needs a thorough cleaning.

Using the right tools for the job will greatly improve your efficiency. Selecting the right nozzle which gives you the right amount of pressure while reaching maximum surface area is all key to getting a 100% job well done. Not all dirt is equal. Mold or graffiti will need some extra pressure and could use some additional soap to make things much easier. All these small adjustments can be made through the use of a simple flick of a button making this aspect of the simulator not tedious at all. This game is all about the actual PowerWashing job and the satisfaction you get when you get things done.

Small steps

How you go about cleaning is all up to you. It depends on the sort of person you are I guess. I would go as far as saying the way you play this game could be useful information for anyone with a degree in psychology. The game does not force you to do anything and stays pretty much out of your way so you can focus on the task at hand. The occasional bell chiming once you completed a section is the only thing that reminds you, you’re still in a game. This Pavlov-esque mechanic helps you find out if you haven’t forgotten a spot and rewards you with a warm feeling of delight and fulfillment. Those who want more exact knowledge of their progress can look in the menu for a breakdown of every section with percentages completed to cater to their needs.

Challenges – Co-op – Extra content

This game is made for the same demographic of people who bought those coloring books for grown-ups. People who want to have something at hand that is soothing and mindless at the same time. The game does try to beef things up with co-op gameplay – I could not test this for this review – and a few water/timer challenges. These challenges felt like they missed the point of the appeal of this game. I don’t want to go fast or get it done with a ridiculously small amount of water. I just want to clean things and be satisfied once all the grime and dirt are gone. A nice addition is more content that benefits from the partnership FuturLab has with Square Enix. The Croft Manor from Tomb Raider fame is already available as a level and a Midgar from Final Fantasy VII level is on its way.

Conclusion

PowerWash Simulator is a game you have to try in order to fully grasp the appeal. Sure it’s no GTA VI with these OK-ish graphics, lack of soundtrack, and almost zero depth but trust me… You’ll enjoy this is a whole different way and before you know it you’ll be PowerWashing for hours to come. And what’s more… Now you can continue on the go with the Nintendo Switch version.

8/10

Tested on Nintendo Switch