The Power to Wash

My fervor for Hades II has mostly dissipated--I managed to overcome two of the heroic challenges and then decided that I didn't have much desire to keep pushing toward that last one.  Who knows, maybe someday I'll feel the urge to go back (but by then will likely be so rusty that it will require starting from scratch).  Instead I've switched gears to an something that is basically the exact opposite--the relaxing effect of power washing an extremely dirty set of landmarks in PowerWash Simulator 2.

If you missed it or niche simulator games just aren't your jam, PowerWash Simulator 2 is the follow up to the surprisingly satisfactory first game that featured gameplay with a silly story that revolved around cleaning up very filthy locations around a fictional town.  These locations range from the mundane to the somewhat bizarre and even feature some DLC from popular games, movies, and shows.  Even though it might sound like the dullest experience in existence, many people have discovered that it is an oddly relaxing experience that is perfect for times when you just want to slowly dissolve some filth from a playground.

The second iteration has promised to improve upon the basic premise of the original game--more detailed dirt, a wider variety of locations, a whacky story that somehow ties together, and a wider set of powerwashing tools to make your cleaning experience even more enjoyable.  I've briefly delved into this bold new world of washing and have to say that the same fun spirit of the first game is still firmly in place, but that there are some more individualized features and a wider set of tools to make cleaning even more of a snap.

A collection of knickknacks to commemorate the places you've cleaned.

One of the best additions is the fact that you get your own home base/office.  Within your office you can view a large map that displays all your current (and eventually free play missions), you can hang out with your growing cat family (you've claimed the erstwhile Ulysses the cat and let's just say that she had a bit of a surprise in store). and as you complete jobs you can purchase used (and filthy furniture that requires powerwashing) to decorate your main floor space.  You also have access to an office where a giant corkboard displays articles related to all the weirdness that is constantly occurring in Muckingham and the surrounding area.  One of the best features of the office space a display wall where tiny models of the places that you have cleaned will appear.  It's fun!

When it comes to new tools, there are a few worth mentioning.  By default you have access to two different types of sprayers--the basic (upgradeable) one and the Urban XL sprayer that promises more power but less of a spread/control.  One of the best new tools is a floor polisher/cleaner for flat surfaces.  You no longer have to buy soap but it is on a bit of a cooldown which makes laying down a nice soapy later a good strategy for quickly cutting through dirt.

Traversing even the tallest obstacles is a breeze with the abseil.

Getting to all those hard to reach locations has also gotten much easier--there's a new scissor lift that can be raised and lowered to your desired height.  There's also a handy abseil that allows you to move across both vertical and horizontal axes in order to reach every nook and cranny.  There are numerous purchasable attachments and nozzles for every purpose--even one that can be adjusted from a concentrated stream to a finer mist for easier to clean messes.

If you're looking to clean up with a pal/partner, the handy co-op mode allows you to tackle the dirt together.  There are also numerous cosmetics to deck out your character in the color scheme or pattern of choice.  This time around that also includes your van!

Even though I've mostly just dabbled in PowerWash 2 it feels like an improved and more enjoyable experience than the original.  I would encourage anyone who is looking for some light relaxation to check it out.