Hello, Shortcut crew! Remember when I said that “every day there’s something new to deal with” in episode #2 of The Short Stack? Well, it turns out the next challenge we faced was a torrid three-day heat wave in the UK, which broke all the previous temperature records by some margin.

It wasn’t just hot. It was horrendously hot. 🥵

I’m not usually one to complain about the weather, but you need to understand that the UK isn’t equipped to deal with anything other than gray skies and a scattering of rain. If it snows? Mass pandemonium. Too much rain? Prepare for flooding. Extreme heat? People melted, along with the country’s train tracks. 🔥

Anyway, while the world literally burned outside, I spent most of the heat wave with the curtains closed, sweating in my boxers and making sure my adorable fluffy Shiba Inu came out from under the couch for a drink now and then. She definitely struggled with the heat more than I did and was genuinely overjoyed when the sun retreated. Just look at that face. 👇

🚿 Wash and go

At some point during my heat-induced delirium, I decided to dive into a new type of game genre that I’d never dabbled with before – simulators. 

The simulators market has always had a surprisingly dedicated following, especially on PC, and now more of these types of games are coming to consoles. From driving trucks, trains, and buses to mowing the lawn and farming, it seems like no subject matter is off limits for sims. And that includes power washing. 

PowerWash Simulator dropped onto Xbox Game Pass on console and PC on July 14, and it’s the type of game I never knew I needed in my life. You’re tasked with blasting the dirt off countless filthy objects and locations as you restore them to their former glory. And I’m utterly hooked.  

• 👉 Don’t have an Xbox? Check out the Xbox Series X price and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate 12-month discount code

With a virtual jet washer in hand, I’ve hosed down a mud-soaked skate park, cleansed a crusty-looking playground, washed a giant shoe-shaped house, and sunk countless hours of my time spraying scum off all sorts of surfaces. 

The more you clean, the more efficient you become. Using the money you earn completing a job, you can upgrade your power washer with new nozzles and attachments, buy cleaning liquids to expedite the process, and even make your gear look a little snazzier. 

PowerWash Simulator shouldn’t be so immensely satisfying, but it really, really is. Spraying gunge off a grimy dirtbike while listening to your favorite podcast is a type of gaming nirvana that everyone should experience at least once. You can even play with up to six friends in Freeplay mode if you want to make power washing a more social experience.

😺 A purrfect addition to PS Plus

But it’s not just power washing that’s gripped me recently. On July 19, PlayStation Plus Premium and Extra subscribers got their first day one addition in Stray, a platforming adventure game where you play as a cat. Grab this PlayStation Plus discount code if you’re not a member.

You’ve probably already seen everyone wax lyrical about Stray online, and it’s definitely worthy of its praise. Even though I’m a dog person, Stray does a fantastic job of capturing a cat's cute characteristics and mannerisms. However, it’s the tight platforming, puzzles, and arresting world that really give the game some bite.

The game’s dilapidated, sci-fi world is a joy to explore. You’ll need to scamper across rooftops, leap over countless obstacles and keep your kitty safe from harm as you unravel the game’s surprisingly heartfelt story. It’s a cracking addition to Sony’s service and is worthy of a spot on our best PS5 games list. Check our PS5 restock page if you’re still looking to buy Sony’s console.

😬 What’s next?

So, now that the heatwave’s passed, any guesses on what we’ll have to deal with before The Short Stack #4 arrives? The World Health Organization has declared Monkeypox a global health emergency, so that’s a strong start. Maybe there’ll be an alien invasion or an asteroid heading for a collision course with Earth? I wouldn’t be surprised at this point. 🙈

‘Till next time, Shortizens.