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(BURIED TAPES) The Cleaner

(BURIED TAPES) The Cleaner Game Cover
81%Game Brain Score
gameplay, humor
graphics, atmosphere
90% User Score Based on 41 reviews

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PCMac OSWindowsPlayStation
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(BURIED TAPES) The Cleaner Game Cover

About

(BURIED TAPES) The Cleaner is a single player survival simulation game with a horror theme. It was developed by LIAR MANNEQUIN and was released on September 2, 2025. It received very positive reviews from players.

The Cleaner is a psychological horror experience set in 1996, where you play as Mary, a house cleaner called to a mysterious home. With PSX-style graphics and a VHS aesthetic, you must complete ordinary tasks while uncovering sinister secrets in a deadly environment. Can you survive the night in this short, immersive horror story?

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(BURIED TAPES) The Cleaner screenshot
(BURIED TAPES) The Cleaner screenshot
(BURIED TAPES) The Cleaner screenshot
(BURIED TAPES) The Cleaner screenshot
(BURIED TAPES) The Cleaner screenshot
(BURIED TAPES) The Cleaner screenshot
(BURIED TAPES) The Cleaner screenshot
(BURIED TAPES) The Cleaner screenshot
(BURIED TAPES) The Cleaner screenshot
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90%
Audience ScoreBased on 41 reviews
gameplay2 positive mentions
story2 negative mentions
  • The game features a beautiful retro aesthetic with PS1-style graphics that create a nostalgic atmosphere.
  • It's a short yet enjoyable experience, with solid gameplay that keeps players engaged from start to finish.
  • The unexpected twists in the story and the eerie ambiance contribute to a fun and memorable indie horror experience.
  • The game is very short, lasting only about 10-15 minutes, which may leave some players wanting more content.
  • Some players experienced issues with slow movement and mouse sensitivity, which affected gameplay enjoyment.
  • The ending and certain story elements were seen as underwhelming or confusing, detracting from the overall experience.
  • graphics
    12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's graphics are widely praised for their nostalgic PS1 and VHS aesthetic, effectively creating an eerie atmosphere that enhances the horror experience. Players appreciate the retro art style, though some note limitations in graphics options and mouse sensitivity issues. Overall, the visuals contribute significantly to the game's charm, despite being simplistic.

    • “A beautiful game with amazing graphics.”
    • “The PSX-style graphics and VHS aesthetic give it a haunted-nostalgia feel, and as you wander through those shadowed floors and drip-wet halls, you realize you’re no longer just cleaning—you’re surviving.”
    • “A short but fun retro horror game with PS1-style graphics.”
    • “This is not the first time I bumped into something with the VHS aesthetic that can't be turned off or changed.”
    • “Just not many graphics options to choose from, and for some reason, it takes an effort to look around as the game has issues with the mouse sensitivity.”
    • “I genuinely love the VHS style aesthetic; it nails that eerie retro vibe, but seriously, if you’re epileptic, do not play this game.”
  • atmosphere
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is generally praised for its nostalgic and eerie qualities, effectively enhancing the experience with moments of surprise. However, some users feel that the background music could be improved to create a more intense and mysterious ambiance. Overall, the atmosphere contributes positively to the game's appeal, despite suggestions for enhancement.

    • “I liked the atmosphere, but I felt like there could have been better background music that left it feeling more mysterious and intense.”
    • “The nostalgic look and eerie atmosphere work really well, and there are a couple of moments that caught me off guard.”
    • “The graphics and atmosphere are nostalgic, and the storyline is simple and straightforward.”
  • gameplay
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay is praised for its solid mechanics and intuitive design, effectively complementing the storytelling. However, some players feel that their experience was limited, as indicated by minimal engagement with the gameplay elements.

    • “Solid gameplay.”
    • “I liked how the story was told and the gameplay was intuitive.”
    • “All I know is: 'it's closed, I should look under the doormat' and that's all the gameplay I did!”
  • story
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story is primarily focused and well-told, featuring a simple and straightforward narrative that enhances the gameplay experience. However, the horror elements are somewhat overshadowed, with the cleaning mechanics being a notable aspect. The nostalgic graphics and atmosphere contribute positively to the overall storytelling.

    • “I liked how the story was told and the gameplay was intuitive.”
    • “Mostly story-driven, so the horror aspect doesn't get much of a chance to shine through (unless you find cleaning terrifying).”
    • “The graphics and atmosphere are nostalgic, and the storyline is simple and straightforward.”
  • humor
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is characterized by a mix of clever foreshadowing and absurdity, with some moments being perceived as silly yet ultimately enjoyable, leaving players amused rather than frustrated.

    • “The reveal of what the other pet is was kind of silly, but it was also well foreshadowed and too funny to be mad at.”
  • music
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    While the atmosphere of the game is appreciated, many users feel that the background music falls short, lacking the intensity and mystery that could enhance the overall experience.

    • “I liked the atmosphere, but I felt like there could have been better background music that left it feeling more mysterious and intense.”
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Frequently Asked Questions

(BURIED TAPES) The Cleaner is a survival simulation game with horror theme.

(BURIED TAPES) The Cleaner is available on PC, Mac OS, Windows and PlayStation.

(BURIED TAPES) The Cleaner was released on September 2, 2025.

(BURIED TAPES) The Cleaner was developed by LIAR MANNEQUIN.

(BURIED TAPES) The Cleaner has received very positive reviews from players. Most players liked this game for its gameplay but disliked it for its graphics.

(BURIED TAPES) The Cleaner is a single player game.

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