Spilled! Review: Ocean Cleaning Made Relaxing

I picked up Spilled! on a whim after seeing it pop up in the “cozy games” category on Steam. I was looking for something simple, relaxing, and not too long, something I could finish in a single evening or maybe over the weekend. What I got was a charming little eco-cleanup game with surprisingly satisfying gameplay, soothing vibes, and a clear message. If you’re the kind of person who enjoys tidying up in games, whether it’s vacuuming in PowerWash Simulator, organizing your farm in Stardew Valley, or clearing fog in Townscaper, this might be up your alley.

First Impressions

Right off the bat, Spilled! sets a tranquil tone. The pixel art is vibrant without being loud, and the music is mellow and pleasant, nothing too dramatic, just enough to help you zone in. You’re put in control of a tiny boat, plopped into a body of water that’s clearly suffering from oil spills, floating trash, and general neglect. No cutscene, no dialogue just you, the boat, and the mess. And honestly? That’s all I needed. The game immediately gave me that “let’s get to work” feeling.

Gameplay Loop

The loop is simple and satisfying: you pilot your boat around, scoop up oil and garbage, and drop it off at a recycling center. The more you clean, the more coins you earn. And with those coins, you upgrade your boat, your engine for speed, your scoop size for collecting more waste, and your tank so you can hold more before needing to dump. You unlock seven different zones as you progress, each with new mechanics. I won’t spoil too much, but the later areas introduce a bit more complexity, things like extinguishing fires and dealing with submerged barrels. It’s not challenging in a traditional sense, but it adds variety without losing that chill, no-pressure atmosphere. The upgrades are noticeable and satisfying. Going from sluggishly puttering across the water to zipping around with a maxed-out motor feels earned. There’s also this nice sense of progression tied to the environment, watching a once-polluted area turn clean and clear gives real satisfaction. It’s like watching a “before and after” in real time.

Visuals & Sound

Let’s talk about the art style. It’s pixel art, sure, but done with care. The water shifts colors as it gets cleaner, and the subtle animations like little splashes, the boat’s movement, or the flicker of fire on the oil patches all add to the immersion. It’s not flashy, but it’s not trying to be. It’s cohesive and effective. The soundtrack deserves some love, too. It’s ambient and never intrusive, which is perfect for the tone. I usually turn down in-game music and put on a podcast, but I actually let Spilled! play on its own. The sound effects from the hum of your motor to the satisfying plop of dumping oil into the recycler round out the vibe.

Controls & Feel

I played on keyboard and mouse, and while it’s functional, I’d probably recommend a controller if you’ve got one. The boat controls are intentionally a little floaty makes sense for a boat, but it can get awkward when you’re trying to line up just right to scoop a tight cluster of oil or avoid bumping into terrain. There were a few moments where the controls felt like they were fighting me, especially when navigating tighter areas or reversing. But nothing game-breaking. It just takes a few minutes to get used to the rhythm. That said, I do wish there were more control customization options for a game this simple; the lack of flexibility stood out a bit

Real Talk

Spilled! is a short, peaceful experience that delivers exactly what it promises: a chill cleanup game with a satisfying loop and a subtle environmental message. It’s not deep or complex, but it nails the vibe and makes you feel good while playing. If you enjoy low-pressure games that let you unwind while doing something simple and rewarding, this one’s worth your time.

FINAL SCORE: 85/100