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Unpacking’s finance bro boyfriend is the absolute worstThe evilest villain in video game history
The evilest villain in video game history
Image credit:Humble Games
Image credit:Humble Games
A big part of Unpacking is learning about the character’s personalities through their objects: what clothes they have in their wardrobes, what items fill their bookshelves, which kitchen utensils make it from move to move, and so on. These contextual clues act as a subtle but incredibly effective story-telling device. There is one level, however, where it’s not all laid-back fun times and it’s when the protagonist moves in with her first partner, who I will henceforth be referring to as ‘finance bro boyfriend’ - and wow, he is the absolute worst.Spoilers ahead for those who have not played Unpacking.
Unpacking Launch TrailerWatch on YouTube
Unpacking Launch Trailer
After a quick glance around finance bro boyfriend’s apartment, you can instantly tell this dude is not right for our protagonist. The grey-black modern décor, the Japanese miniature zen garden, the living room dumbbells, the pretentious copper kitchenware, the giant speakers, the electric guitar hanging on the wall - it all screams bachelor pad.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing, of course. Each to their own, you know? But here’s the kicker. There’s been no attempt to make room for the stuff you need to unpack. Like, no space at all. He’s cleared out a bedside table for you, left a grand total of three hangers empty, and two small drawers, but that’s it. Not exactly the warmest welcome, is it?
So, to make room for your stuff you need to move his stuff around which feels so awkward and wrong. It almost feels like you’re invading someone’s personal space without their permission, even though you now both live together. And the weird meticulousness of his stuff just makes it a thousand timesworse.
It’s not confirmed finance bro boyfriend works in finance, but the neatly rolled ties, freshly pressed shirts, and expensive cologne just exudes that pretentious energy. Maybe a banker or Silicon Valley tech bro? Sorry to those who work in those jobs, but there must be someone you know who’s like this, right? |Image credit:Rock Paper Shotgun / Humble Games
Also, your stuff and his stuff don’t go togethereven a little bit. Our colourful array of belongings just immediately clashes with the environment, a smart hint that maybe this isn’t the right decision for her. I just wanna reach through the scream and yell, “He’s not right for you babes!” Honestly, I felt so sad when I had to place my plush childhood toy Mr. Pig on the bland, grey bed.
It’s his unwillingness to make room for her that boils my blood. And as the final straw - and most heartbreaking moment in the game - he won’t even make space so that she can put up her diploma, so under the bed it goes. Absolutely fuck this dude.
I feel like developers Witch Beam nailed this level. As much as I seethe with rage at the boyfriend, it’s genius storytelling. I’m just happy that she ends it with that jerk and moves on with her life. Good for her.
