As a cynical, disgruntled, possibly demented gamer, clinging to my 30’s like cat to the curtains, there are few things in this life that provide me with genuine childlike joy. A beautiful, sun drenched weekend. Discovering the last chocolate digestive in a tin full of malted milks. Watching an infant run full pelt into a lamppost. So satisfying. But getting excited about new games is an even more sparse occurrence. Yet the announcement of a sequel to the most based, dad game ever made in “Powerwash Simulator” is genuinely exciting. I’ve already discussed the euphoric satisfaction I get from cleaning the various households, skateparks, aquariums, lunar modules and indeed ancient temples, etched with arcane hieroglyphics and murals that depict some kind of prophetic Power Washing Deity! But the prolific diversity that the developers have presented through the levels is one of the series most defining attributes.

Aside from the projects featured in the main game, some which take minutes, whereas others may require hours of intense yet soothing work, the way they have expanded this curiously grubby world with both free and paid DLC is simply magnificent! From “Tomb Raider” to the newly released “Wallace & Gromit” DLC, everything they add is both compelling and genius. For example the “Back To The Future” DLC allows you to cleanse the DeLorean, the cinema featuring Jaws 19 and the clock tower. All heavily nostalgic as well as rewarding to clean. But that creative fervor doesn’t stop with the paid DLC either. Their free Christmas updates, whereby you douse Santa’s suspiciously grimey workshop or clean the detritus in an ice rink. There are so many different surfaces that elicit this odd sort of dopamine kick from cleaning. Even the frustration you elicit from that one veiled spot of dirt that you simply cannot find, isn’t enough to dampen the pleasure you get from gaining 100% completion.

It’s difficult to express to someone that has never played “PowerWash Simulator”, just how much contentment you get from cleaning these absurdly dirty locations. I’m sure there is some deep psychological reasoning why this game provokes such a vehemence from what in reality would be considered a mundane task. One to be avoided. Personally I think it’s a more realistic interpretation of being a superhero. You arrive at a location or property, task with cleaning an insurmountable amount of dirt. Armed with just a Powerwash, hose extensions and accessories. An unlimited supply of water and moral duty, to rid this excursed filth from these facilities, with expert precision and poise. But also getting well paid to do so. “Thank you Powerwash Man/Women/disembodied hand/Alien?. You’re the greatest!”

I cannot wait for Powerwash Simulator 2!