Confession time, here’s what I got..
(My fellow federalists will tell you I’m a terrible sh…)
No, now isn’t the time for Hamilton references but instead, I will confess that I got the Platinum on PowerWash Simulator 2 this year. I’m terribly proud of this, weirdly. It was a game that I played when I needed a break. The ‘no stakes, just clean stuff’ mechanics hit my brain in a way that no other game does, and I was terribly happy to spend hours (and hours) of my life power washing mud off a fairground attraction.
PowerWash Simulator is one of life’s little pleasures and so upon DLC being released, it seemed rather easy to fall back into its simplistic world, without the fear of worlds ending or my father figure dying or whatever.
OK confession number two, I know very little about Adventure Time – the IP which this DLC is based upon. I have a very basic idea of what the show is about thanks to LEGO Dimensions, of all things (Gone Too Soon RIP), and so it seemed quite apt that my second foray into this universe would be another video game. Now I get to clean Adventure Time stuff!
And much like the licensed DLC from the previous game, a whole amount of care has been taken to ensure fans will revel in the five levels offered up here. Purely from a PowerWash Simulator fan point of view, this is a stacked DLC which we haven’t seen the likes of before. Whilst Final Fantasy and Shrek were all well and good, taking us to known locations or featuring iconic items and vehicles, Futurlab have gone all out for Adventure Time, with each level feeling like it’s been ripped directly from the show.
Firstly, we’ve gone cel-shaded. Each level – along with your Power Washer item of choice and your chosen suit – is suped up in colourful hand-drawn glory, something that initially threw me, but was fun to see a new visual style layered on top of the PowerWashing goodness I was here for. Each level is bursting with colour, with the ‘dirt’ you need to wash looking like the end of a round of Splatoon.
Each item you would normally find in PowerWash levels have also been cel-shaded, such as steps, ladders, lifters and whatnot all matching the aesthetic of the DLC. The aforementioned washing items available are limited though – perhaps so each one didn’t have to be remade in this visual styling – you’re only able to use a single Washer – unfortunately not whichever of the more powerful ones you have already purchased – and the almighty Surface Disc. Everything else is off limits. Still, the attachments are all included so you can still get each job done with relative ease.
And each level I have no doubt has plenty of deep cuts for fans to really enjoy. Again, as a non-viewer I imagine plenty have gone over my head so do shout at me in the comments if there indeed are easter eggs up the wazoo in each level. Being able to pelt BMO with water is a delight though, and he seems to be terribly happy about it.
So PowerWash Simulator veterans will get a kick out of seeing the game in an entirely new visual style, whilst Adventure Time fans are going to fall deep into the rabbit hole of easter eggs and explore these well known, iconic locations with nothing but a dream and a PowerWasher. Like the licensed DLC before it, Futurlab really take care to cater to the fans of these IP DLC packs, and Adventure Time is no exception.
Some levels are quick and exciting. Some levels are long and laborious (looking at you Tree House) but hey, it’s PowerWash Simulator. It is what it is.
It’s always a delight to see new PowerWash content pop up, and I’m intrigued to see what’s coming next down the DLC waterpipes.
PowerWash Simulator 2: Adventure Time DLC is now available on PC, Xbox Series S|X and PS5 (review platform). The Switch 2 DLC Pack has been delayed until further notice.
Developer: Futurlab
Publisher: Futurlab
Disclaimer: In order to complete this review, we were provided with a promotional copy of the game. For our full review policy, please go here.
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