PowerWash the World!

I've recently spent an embarrassingly large amount of time playing the new, zen-classic PowerWash Simulator--I've virtually power washed a stunning array of objects and feel like I've experienced the bulk of what the game has to offer.  For such a weirdly niche game, I've got to say, it's impressive.  There's still more for me to wash, but I figured I'd write up a review in case anyone else is desperately searching for a game about power washing (a huge audience, I'm sure).

What is it?

A FPPW (first-person powerwasher) where your goal is to grow your budding power washing business by taking jobs to clean up a variety of disgustingly dirty homes, vehicles, and other items/locations.  There are multiple gameplay modes (which I will explain) but the core of the game lies in career mode--a mode where you complete jobs, collect pay, and then unlock other jobs (of varying complexity).  The gameplay consists of literally spraying surfaces clean--the real challenge lies in the fact that many of the surfaces you clean are complex with all kinds of obnoxious nooks and crannies that must be lovingly squirted with pressurized water.  Each job is rated on a five star scale and earning all five stars can be a bit irritating, but is highly satisfactory.  As you complete jobs you earn money based on how thoroughly you cleaned (earning five stars pays the highest amount) and can upgrade your gear with more powerful washers, a set of extensions to help you reach even the tallest targets, and even an array of cosmetic items to upgrade your look (there's nothing more badass than a lightning-streaked sprayer, right?)

Pros:

+ A surprising amount of gameplay.  I figured it'd be fairly short--and sure, maybe if you just want to bust through jobs and not go for five stars it would play much quicker.  Besides career mode there's also other gameplay modes--there are bonus jobs that can be completed repeatedly (if you want to earn extra cash after you've finished career mode), there's a free-play mode where you can replay levels (for no pay though), and there's a challenge mode where players must attempt to complete levels with only a limited amount of water or as quickly as they can.

+ Fun locations with lots of variety.  A medieval-themed mini-golf course, a gnome themed fountain (I truly hate gnome fountain!), a supposedly haunted house...you aren't just cleaning the same generic places.

+ The overwhelmingly positive reviews on Steam are warranted.  If you're looking for a relaxing, low-pressure kind of game, look no further.  On the surface, it sounds like a silly game, but there's something oddly satisfying about cleaning up all those mucky messes and then seeing the sparklingly clean product.  It's even more enjoyable when it's something that's vibrantly colored--like the playground level.

+ There's a bit of a story weaved throughout the jobs you do.  You unlock new jobs by completing jobs to a certain level and receive text messages from clients who need your cleaning expertise.  There's a cast of goofy characters who all need your help...and there's a missing cat who you can track through many of the different jobs.

Cleaning up the mayor's house is no joke.

+ You can upgrade your gear with more powerful washers, special extension tools, and soap sprayers.  There are also multiple cosmetic upgrades for your character (who you really can only see at the end of the level)--you can unlock a variety of colored gloves, suits, and skins for your washer.

+At the end of each level you can watch a brief gif that shows a time lapsed recording of your clean-up efforts.  It's fun!  It'd be even better if it was saved, but alas, it's not.

+ There's no music, so it's perfect for popping on your favorite tunes or podcasts.  I love throwing on a podcast and letting it be the background.

+ Auto-saves and the ability to play as much or little as you want with few worries.

+ Free DLC!  So far there have been two bonus locations added and, they have fun tie-ins to other video games.  One is Croft Manor (you know...of Lara Croft fame) and the other is Midgar themed (which I am unfamiliar with but apparently it's related to Final Fantasy).

+ The opportunity to participate in a video game research study--with some cosmetic perks!  Although this project just recently closed, I was able to participate and unlocked several unique cosmetic items.  Hopefully they offer up another opportunity for players who missed out on their chance.

+ You can co-op clean with a friend/spouse/random stranger!

Cons:

- Occasionally irritating to figure out exactly where the last little bit of dirt is to five-star a job.  There is an ability to briefly, visually toggle the visibility of dirt but finding the exact little nook or cranny can be enough to make you grit your teeth in an otherwise relaxing game.  There is a handy menu that shows you how clean each object in the level is, but sometimes when there are 22 objects labelled "timber beam" it will require you to traverse the entire level and analyze every beam in the level to look for the tiniest speck of dirt.  I guess that's the price you pay for perfectionism though.

- Rare, weird stuttering.  Every once in a great while my character will all of a sudden just jerk up toward the sky for no reason.  I've seen some complaints about stuttering, but have only experienced it a few times.

Recommendation:

If you are looking for an oddly enjoyable, low-pressure relaxing game, I would highly recommend PowerWash Simulator.  There's plenty of gameplay with tons of unique locations and objects to clean.  Cleaning in real-life is never this enjoyable.