What to Play While You're Waiting

While I'm waiting for the "Songs of the Past" DLC for The Witcher 3 (supposed release date September 29th), I'm spending what little gaming time I have with some relaxing titles.  Fall weather has slowly been settling in and there's something nice about grabbing a blanket, popping on some relaxing tunes, and playing something decidedly non-stressful.  If you're also feeling those vibes, here are a couple of suggestions for cozy, gaming time.

A stunning bouncy mess to clean up.

PowerWash Simulator 2 just released the last of its free Caldera Chronicles updates.  The newest level to spray down features an absolutely amazing bouncy castle.  This object could not exist in real life (it's huge!) but there is something very satisfying about levels that feature very bright, primary type colors.  Cleaning off all the muck and revealing the colorful playground underneath brings a very odd sense of joy and accomplishment.

There's also some additional good PowerWashing news--there's new DLC coming out later this year (official release date is "late 2026," so I'm thinking maybe Black Friday/holiday time).  It's possible that not everyone will be jazzed about the content, but seriously, the goal of the game is to powerwash things, so does it really matter what you're spraying?  If you've got some 80's & 90's nostalgia or are a big Barbie stan, the next DLC is perfect for you.  The Barbie DLC offers up the ability to powerwash some of the most iconic Barbie items out there--we're talking the Dream House and the camper.  And, of course, there are some new Barbie themed cosmetics so that you can do your powerwashing in pink style.  Personally, I am not someone who is a big Barbie fan, but I enjoy fake powerwashing and nostalgia, so I will be grabbing this DLC in all its pink glory.

If powerwashing isn't your jam, maybe running a fictional card game shop is more in your lane.  I decided to grab the newly out of early access TCG Card Shop Simulator and take a stab at running my own fake business.  Your goal is to open a shop that sells a Pokemon-like (but definitely not Pokemon because copyright) card game and other tabletop gaming items.  You have to manage sales, stocking/pricing items, and making sure to pay your rent and electric bills.  As you earn more profits you are able to expand your shop and buy a wider selection of items--plushies, accessories like card sleeves and collectors albums, special decks, and a ton more!  You can add tables so that customers can play (you make money from people playing in your store).

My card shop is fairly basic.

One of the surprisingly fun aspects of TCG Shop Simulator is collecting and managing the Tetramon (the fake Pokemon game) cards.  You can open card packs that you purchase and keep your own collection.  With the cards you gather you can sell them or send them off to be graded.  Grading cards takes time and costs a small fee, but can triple or even quadruple the value if the card turns out to be in a certain condition.  I have never played Pokemon but I can definitely understand the thrill of opening a pack of cards and finding a particularly valuable one.

As your shop levels up (you earn experience from your daily sales) you can purchase licenses to unlock additional items (they get more and more expensive) and can even sponsor tournaments in your store.  You can also decorate your shop with a variety of fun posters, statues, and other items to make it look nice.  Unfortunately a lot of the big upgrades are fairly expensive, so you have to wait quite awhile to unlock new floor and wall designs.

Probably the best aspect of TCG Shop Simulator is the ability to spray down stinky customers.  I'm pretty sure that they added this in as a bit of a joke/commentary on the personal hygiene (aka non-belief in deodorant) struggles that can impact the average con.  As a person who works with teenagers everyday I would love to be able to douse the stinky ones with some deodorant spray.  At least I can live out this fantasy in a video game.

EDIT 9/29/26:  It's future me here to reply to my own dumbness.  I excitedly logged into Steam this morning thinking that "Songs of the Past" released today when, in fact, it does not release until 2027.  The free "remastered" upgrade to The Witcher 3 did come out today.  My reading and/or listening skills really failed me and I think I just was so excited about new content that I completely ignored the fact that the DLC was not a part of the remaster.  Carry on with your life now (hopefully filled with tons of The Witcher 3: Remastered).

Technological Nooks and Crannies

The misguided adventures of my male V in CyberPunk 2077 recently ended.  (Spoilers ahead for "Phantom Liberty" related endings--proceed with caution or skip ahead) For some dumb reason that was easily Googleable, I thought there was a different ending if you opted to side with Reed.  Fun fact that could potentially save you a LOT of time--there's not!  Basically, if you side with Reed, you get the same "you're just another face in the crowd" ending.  I thought that maybe there was a choice where V could choose to work for the FIA (since Reed keeps offering it up as a choice).  Minorly disappointing, I suppose.  Overall though, I got to experience a whole different final mission with a completely divergent vibe that turned out to be both scary and fun.  I also got to mess around with the new CrystalCoat feature and found it to be vaguely fun--looking out for interesting looking vehicles to try to find unique paint colors adds another task.  I think the thing I enjoyed most in this most recent playthrough was the new cars (the Semimaru and Mordred both are probably the smoothest drives in the game) and the expanded photo mode that lets you pose with various random NPC's.

But what to do after an epic CyberPunk playthrough?  Totally switch gears, that's what!  In an act of almost perfect timing, the newest DLC for PowerWash Simulator 2 dropped.  It's a real BIG NAME doozy, folks--none other than the original "Star Wars!"  I've cleaned through all of it, so is it worth your $9.99 to powerwash in a galaxy far, far away?

The Millennium Falcon took some damage.

What is it?

The most recent DLC for the ultimate powerwashing game.  It includes 6 different jobs that include some of the most iconic Star Wars locations and ships.  These jobs range from small-ish to cleaning an entire freakin' ship!

How much additional playtime can I expect?

Depending on your cleaning skills/speed (my pace verges on sloth-like), I would estimate a good ~20-30 hours.

Pros:

+ You play as cleaning droid PO-W2 (but this means there are no new skins or cosmetic options).  It's a fun, Star Wars droid addition.

The 6 jobs in the Star Wars DLC.

+ The six new jobs feature iconic locations and vehicles.  The attention to detail is fantastic (of course) and you get that very 70-ish feeling as you're spraying down all those weird blinking light panels and strange doodads (that are very obviously random electonic-esque items made to look high tech).  I know that there has been some disgruntled folks who didn't like the vehicle focused DLC, but the vehicles in this pack are ginormous.  You get to clean an entire AT-AT (and it's a bit of a pain in the buttocks because you have to get all up in its weird underside), an X-Wing, and even the Millennium Falcon.  If you're a Star Wars fan, you'll appreciate the variety (although...maybe a Yoda's swamp or Jabba's palace would've been fun too).

+ Fun new random achievements.  I always forget to look them up prior to cleaning, so only get them rarely if I accidentally do something that is an achievement.

Cleaning up the cantina.

Cons:

- Some Star Wars cosmetic options and maybe even some base items would've been fun.  Seems like a bit of a missed opportunity, but I wonder how much latitude they actually got with this very guarded piece of IP.  You do get to be a droid, so I suppose there's that.  Maybe like an imperial-themed washer suit?  Or a rebel one?  Missed the ball, I tell ya.

- There are a ton of little nooks, crannies, and doodads on the vehicles.  Some folks will likely find this annoying.

Recommendation:

If you like PWS2 and Star Wars, it's the perfect combination.  Cleaning up those iconic locations and vehicles is every Star Wars nerd's dream.  I kind of wish they'd come up with some cosmetic stuff, but it's not a deal breaker.  My advice is to throw on the soundtracks from the movies while you clean (I mean, why wouldn't you want to listen to the cantina song while you clean it up?) and give yourself the full immersive experience.

Bonus Powerwashing

This week I was pleasantly surprised by an update for PowerWash Simulator 2 that featured the first of several bonus levels that are part of a package called the "Caldera Chronicles."  Similar to the "Muckingham Files" from the original game, this is a series of updates that will add in new levels and some new items.  Check out the preview video:

The new level features a cute, miniature town area to clean.  I was surprised at the size--it took me a couple of hours to fully clean.  The tiny houses, shops, and bean-themed features are a lot of fun.  I absolutely love the fact that they continue to periodically roll out new content--it's nice to return and PowerWash Simulator 2 isn't the kind of game where you'll forget how to play if it has been awhile.

If you're a fan of "Adventure Time" (I have never watched it and am totally unfamiliar with this popular adult cartoon series) the first DLC package features levels inspired by the series.  I'm not sure I'm going to jump on this one, but we'll see.  I'm curious to see what other DLC they release.  How about from "The Pitt?"  Maybe a bit too gory there though.

It's the weekend again and I hope everyone gets to do some quality gaming--maybe even some powerwashing!

PowerWashing with Perks

On top of finishing up the excellent Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, I also puttered my way through PowerWash Simulator 2.  I thoroughly enjoyed the second installment in the decidedly quirky game about cleaning up.  Sure, it's no Clair Obscur, but it definitely scratches a very specific itch for a certain type of gamer--namely the type who just wants to relax and wash away hours of grime in numerous fun locations.

What is it?

The second game in a series where you simulate the role of powerwasher extraordinaire.  Gameplay consists of using your upgradeable powerwashing equipment to remove the dirt and grime from every nook and cranny of a location.  Sure, it might sound boring, but they have implemented a clever system of "ding" noises when you've fully cleaned part of a location--those dings are so satisfying.  There's a bit of a story baked into the locations you clean and it provides some fun background.

How much playtime can I expect?

I finished up all the locations in 64.9 hours.  I'm going to admit that I'm likely a pitifully slow cleaner and that I should utilize the variety of different attachments to improve my times.  Let's just say that there's plenty to keep you busy.

Pros:

+ New tools!  There's a new washer--the Urban X series--which promises increased power at the cost of area.  They also added in a floor washer with several different sized cleaning heads for all those flat surfaces.  Each washer also includes a set of extensions and different angle/size cleaning heads.  One of the best additions is a re-sizeable head that allows you to manually adjust the size of your stream.  Most excitingly, they made the soap attachment a default piece of equipment--no more annoying money spent to re-stock soaps!  The only downside is that it has a bit of a cooldown--you can't just soap with wild abandon.

+ A fun, new partially customizable office.  On each job you earn two types of currency--the classic dollars (used to purchase new equipment)--and a new powerwash currency.  The powerwash currency can be used to purchase dirty furniture that can be cleaned up (of course!) and then placed around the bare ground floor of your office.  There are several different styles of furniture to give your office it's own unique feeling--from whimsical, colorful pieces to dark gothic.

Triple the feline fun!

+ Three cats to pet!  Ulysses, the mayor's cat from the first game (who it turns out wasn't a male), had some babies so now the cat population has increased to three.  You can pet the kitties and they accompany you on each job.  Part of the fun is to find the cats on each level--they're always somewhere fun.

+ Co-op play.  You can clean solo or with a friend.

+ Silly achievements.  I always forget to pay attention to them, but there's usually an achievement for cleaning up in a specific order or doing something specific.  It's worth checking at the beginning of each level if you like achievements.

The curio wall fills up as you complete levels.

+ Fun curio wall to mark your cleaning progression though the game.  Located in the upstairs office you can find a new tiny model related to the place you just cleaned.  They also opted to keep the time lapsed summary of your cleaning at the end of each level (still wish they'd make them downloadable).

+ Tons of cosmetic items.  You can customize the colors of your suit (with options for your visor, suit, and gloves), purchase skins for your washer, and also even apply skins to your van.  There are a lot of fun options that cost increasing amounts of powerwash cureency.

+ A variety of locations to clean.  There are shorter levels that might be cleaning up a vehicle and longer levels where you are cleaning the entire exterior of a building.  Each location features lots of cute details tied to the story.  Many locations are colorful and seeing those colors pop out from underneath the dirt is part of the joy of PowerWashing.

+ Save and quit at anytime.  It's perfect for playing in shorter or longer chunks.

+ They've already announced the first of many DLC packs.  The first game also periodically received free updates, so we can look forward to more content.

Cons: 

- If you were a fan of the timed/speed cleaning challenge mode they decided not to include it.  Personally, I never tried it because I enjoy cleaning at my own leisurely pace.  You can re-play all the base levels and that's it.

- Furniture placement in your base is wonky.  You can't place anything on top of rugs and you can't position furniture freely--it has to be within a certain distance of other items.

Recommendation:

If you enjoyed the original PowerWash Simulator you will definitely want to pick the second game up.  The variety of locations to clean is unique and features lots of enjoyable environments.  The addition of new cleaning tools and the customizable office give you even more of a reason to play.  Pick it up at full price--you won't be disappointed.

My Belated 2025 GOTY Picks

In the post-holiday + rebound mental health issues crush I sort of forgot to post.  My bad for the 1-2 humans and probably many AI/bots who actually view my page.  But alas, I suddenly remembered, so we're all in for a treat...you know, another personal list that may or may not match your personal preferences.  So here it is in all its belated glory--my personal picks for my favorite games of 2025.

#3: PowerWash Simulator 2

I have been slowly working my way through the main storyline in PowerWash Simulator 2 and even though I haven't quite wrapped it up (I think I'm getting close-ish), I find the second incarnation to be just an enjoyable as the first with a few fun improvements.  There's a new fun tool specifically for cleaning up floors, you get your own office that you can decorate with a wide variety of random furniture styles, you now possess not one, but three cats who are not only cute, but can be found in a fun spot in each area you clean, there are a lot more personalization options for decorating your suit, washer, and even your van!

The collectible wall in your new PowerWash office.

The gist of all of this is that the second chapter in the oddly soothing series about nothing more than cleaning up a wide variety of very dirty places has improved and is definitely worth the cost.  Plus, there's the option to clean up with a partner, so it could be a fun activity with a partner or weird friend.  If I had one gripe it would be that there doesn't seem to quite be the same level of background whacky story that the first game had--or at least it's not as much of a central focus.  There's still some weirdness going on in the greater Muckingham area...

#2: Two Point Museum

The Zooseum DLC features plenty of cute critters--large and small!

After Two Point Hospital and Two Point Campus it was a bit unclear what the next move in the Two Point series would be.  I suppose there are lots of options for quirky management games but I was excited when they decided to go with a museum theme.  The museum theme gives players the ability to manage several museums with a fun variety of specifically themed locations.  Much of the fun lies in sending your experts out on expeditions to recover new items for display.  Like the other two games you'll be balancing the needs of your staff, your guests, and the many story mode characters who want you to accomplish specific goals.  It's a pretty casual affair that anyone who just enjoys some silliness and management will have fun with.  There's also the sandbox mode where you can cobble together your own supermuseum that offers up multi-themed displays.  Plus, they're still releasing seasonal updates that add fun new items to the game and introduced digital rifts that add in digital experts and require your own experts to unlock unique new rewards (and some are crossovers from other games like Dredge or Vampire Survivors).

#1: Hades II

Scylla and the Sirens are probably my favorite boss fight.

Even though Hades II spent quite awhile in publicly playable early access, I resisted the urge to join in on the unfinished fun and just wait for the full release.  I feel like that was a good choice because the finished product was an absolute blast to play.  At first I was a bit skeptical about changes like increasing the delay between dodges, but Melinoë's added slow ability plus magick attacks made the gameplay feel unique and maybe slightly more strategic than in the original.  The story is great and the fact that there are two different pathways with their own challenges and set of bosses gives it more variety.  Plus, there's a whole new cast of mythological characters to befriend (and even form romantic bonds with--ooh-la-la).  I definitely felt more compelled to continue playing beyond the story in the second game than I did in the first.  I suppose that if I did have one sort of gripe about Hades II it would be that the boss fights were easier than taking down Hades in the original game.  (*I'm not claiming that I one-shotted them or anything, it probably took me an embarrassing amount of time to take down Typhon) Personally, I felt like taking down Hades was always a toss up--it's a ridiculous multiphase fight that didn't seem to get much easier regardless of the number of times you took him down.  Overall though, Hades II manages to take the already great formula from the hit first game and improve it.  I think it'll be a real challenge for Supergiant to figure out what to do next.

So that's my list, I grabbed Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 as part of the holiday sale and have been working my way through it (I've seen it mentioned on many GOTY lists).  It's definitely different that much of what I play, but the story, graphics, and gameplay have all been great in the short amount of time that I've played.  I hope everyone finds their own personal GOTY and has a great time with it.  Happy holidays (and Steam sale)!

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.