Assemble with Care is a touching narrative puzzle game that has you learning how to repair many different objects while also learning about yourself and the people you meet.
You are Maria, a young woman who has made her way across the world for a food festival. To make enough money to buy some lovely eats, you need to repair other people’s belongings. This isn’t a very challenging job for you, but there is much more than just repairing items within this game.
Each chapter starts with a beautifully-voiced bit of story that tells you about how a character has come to this place or met this person. Then, you are given an item that means something to them, which you can repair by replacing parts, gluing things, or putting your trusty screwdriver to good use.
Every object is laid out so carefully, screws kept in a little bowl, as you do your work. It’s almost mindless, replacing cogs and putting together circuit boards. Sometimes, a few more issues pop up the moment you think you are done. Often, the owner of the object will talk to you, asking if the item can be fixed or talking about how important it is. The owners of these objects – one working in a cafe, another a mayor of the town, one a small child, and more – all have their own lives and stories.
These are what really bring together Assemble with Care, as learning about these people’s lives is a big part of the game. All of their stories have you reflecting on your own, which in itself is also a bit messy and sad. Fixing different objects surely isn’t fixing their lives, but the time spent with each person and helping them is worth its weight in gold.
Assemble with Care is available now on Apple Arcade.
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