Where Unpacking is a game about unravelling a life through moving boxes, A Storied Life: Tabitha serves as a poignant anti-Unpacking experience. Instead of settling into a new space, you are tasked with piecing together the identity of a deceased relative by sorting through their personal belongings.

The game begins when you receive a posthumous letter from an elderly relative, prompting a visit to her delightfully cosy cottage. As you navigate her possessions, you discover fragments of her history—ranging from an impressive collection of cat accessories and witchy goods to various oddly-sourced, shady trinkets.

The Mechanics of an anti-Unpacking Experience

The gameplay revolves around the difficult decisions of what to keep, what to auction off, and what to discard for good. It is not merely a sorting simulator; it incorporates clever puzzle elements where you must manage the physical properties of each object. You have to consider the shape, weight, and fragility of every item to ensure they fit into your "keep" box.

To manage your inventory effectively, you can utilize several different techniques:

  • Wrap breakable items in bubble wrap for protection.
  • Use vac-packing on soft furnishings to save precious space.
  • Fold paper pieces into neat, stackable squares.
  • Add reinforcements to boxes to support heavier objects.

While the mechanics are straightforward, they encourage a thoughtful approach to curation. However, the game lacks a way to donate items; if you cannot fit something in your box, your only option is to recycle it. This can make discarding sentimental homemade gifts feel a little disheartening.

Crafting a Narrative Through Belongings

The items you choose to claim become the foundation for writing Tabitha's life story. Each possession provides specific keywords that you must use at the end of each chapter to shape a narrative passage.

This system allows for incredible player agency, though it can lead to some wonderfully weird results. In one instance, my choices resulted in a chapter describing a dinner party attended by a gang of cats. Despite the potential for absurdity, the process is incredibly endearing. You find yourself becoming immensely careful with your word choices, trying to honor the fictional woman you are helping to memorialize.

A Cozy, Thoughtful Journey

A Storied Life: Tabitha is a wonderful, slow-paced experience that demands a quiet environment—ideally accompanied by a warm blanket and a cup of hot chocolate. The setting is delightfully British, featuring quaint objects like a bright plastic off-license lighter that felt like a nostalgic trip to my nana's house.

The game is available now on Steam. If you are hesitant, a free demo is also available to let you test the waters before committing.