As much as I want to like this game, the sheer volume of crashes on my state-of-the-art PC indicates a lack of care went into this port. Crash on save, crash on load, crash on new windows popping up, crash crash crash. Allegedly some patches or fixes went into helping this, but I haven't seen any benefit from them.

If you're streaming, or entertaining an audience, or just want a smooth experience in general, opt for the original or find another franchise. Sorry.

Edited 2024-11-27: With frequent holiday updates, DLC packs, and even fresh multiplayer enhancements, PowerWash Simulator remains one of the best relaxing experiences of 2024. If you're just getting into PWS, I strongly recommend checking out the Steam Forums for helpful tips and tricks for first-time washers!

Do yourself a favor -- go to YouTube, pull up your chill music of choice (I use Lo Fi Beats but you find what works for you), and give this one a whirl. It's as simple as it is straightforward -- here is a dirty thing, wash it until it's sparkling clean. Little touches like the individual parts having a satisfying "ding" when you've finished them off, and only having to get things 99% clean before they ding (so you don't waste time pixel hunting in an engine not built for it) really work well to keep things chill.

If you decide you do want more adrenaline in your laid-back washing hobby (why?), an optional Challenge Mode exists for you to wash things in the least amount of time, or using as little water as possible.

AS of 2021-08-28, game has just about 20 hours of "Career Mode" washing content, plus maybe an additional 10 of challenge and bonus content.

The only real improvement that comes to mind would be adding a "like object" counter to your main HUD, so that for example if you think you're on your last window, joist or piece of wood trim, you'll know there's actually 1/19 left to go.

Four and a half out of five stars -- maximum comfy, minimal fuss.

Edit: And now with improved QoL including live stain descriptions, lighting mode toggles and improved ambient sounds. Five stars it is.

Unfortunately the common opinion is true -- it's just not as good a game as Dark Souls (or Dark Souls III). Inexplicable design changes for the worse, gimmick after gimmick to create artificial difficulty, and a lack of, well, SOUL in the plotline or characters. Play it once for the experience, then bail for a better Souls title.

The game that revived the "zombie carve-em-up" genre, now remastered in all its campy glory. Yes, the AI is crap. Yes, the combat is easily cheesed. And yes, the 7-day Survivor achievement still requires a focused will. But at least with multiple save slots and pause functionality, it's no longer a giant slog to get those last few achievements!

Now go change into a Servbot costume and hurl gardening implements at zombie heads until it stops being funny (it does not stop being funny).