Street Cleaner: The Video Game
- January 7, 2021
- Creaky Lantern Games
Street Cleaner: The Video Game is a top-down shooter set in a gritty urban landscape. As a street cleaner, your job is to eliminate trash-themed enemies using a variety of weapons. With challenging gameplay and retro-style graphics, this game offers a unique twist on the traditional shooter genre.
Reviews
- The game features outstanding visuals and an amazing soundtrack that perfectly captures the retro vibe.
- Gameplay is fun and challenging, reminiscent of classic platformers, with responsive controls and well-designed enemies.
- It offers a nostalgic experience for fans of retro games, with a variety of bosses and the ability to adjust difficulty for different skill levels.
- Movement can feel drifty and clunky, making it frustrating to control the character at times.
- Some boss fights are unbalanced, with certain encounters feeling either too easy or frustratingly difficult.
- The game lacks a compelling story and some players found the levels to be short and lacking in objectives.
- music33 mentions
- 39 % positive mentions
- 52 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising its energetic and nostalgic blend of synthwave and chiptune styles. Players appreciate the soundtrack's ability to enhance the gameplay experience, particularly during boss battles, although some express a desire for more variety in the tracks. Overall, the music is considered a standout feature that complements the game's retro aesthetic and engaging design.
“The soundtrack is good though, I like the vibe and the stages and enemies are well designed and satisfying.”
“Outstanding visuals, amazing music, great bosses and gameplay.”
“The chip soundtrack is bangin', and when the final boss music kicked in I was hyped.”
“Lots of anticipation builds up to what amounts to be a by-the-numbers experience, with music being forgettable.”
“First of all, if you want to buy this game expecting a banging street cleaner OST like in the trailer, then prepare yourself for a massive let down with looped samey feeling 8-bit style tracks.”
“Just remember if you don't like the soundtrack because it wasn't a 'banger' the game description and advertisements said chiptune!”
- gameplay9 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The gameplay is a nostalgic homage to classic retro games, featuring straightforward mechanics and a limited color palette that evoke a sense of familiarity. While many players appreciate the engaging music and challenging boss encounters, some criticize the gameplay for being mediocre, with short levels and generic enemies that lack depth. Overall, it offers a blend of retro charm and modern design, appealing primarily to fans of the genre.
“This game is definitely an ode to games of old; from its limited color palette to movement mechanics, Street Cleaner doesn't try to reinvent anything, instead making a love letter to games come and gone.”
“I always have enjoyed retro-type indie games and surprisingly, not only is the music awesome, but the gameplay is pretty great as well. Sometimes I have issues with the dive kick, but other than that, I enjoy the retro vibes and music of the game and recommend playing it if you are into synthwave and retro games.”
“The gameplay is mediocre at best; levels are short and lack proper objectives of any kind other than 'get to the end'. Pacing is meh, and the enemies and bosses are as generic as you can expect in a retro 2D platformer.”
“As if it actually was a game from yesteryear, it lets the explosive cover art and learn-as-you-go, no-nonsense mechanics seep into your bones.”
“A proper challenge-driven retrovania, evoking all the feels, gameplay, and iconography of Castlevania and Ninja Gaiden while also implementing several elements that define it as a unique experience.”
- graphics6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The graphics are outstanding, featuring a lush and neon color palette that captures the essence of classic NES games while maintaining a unique personality. The level design, inspired by iconic action movie locations, enhances the aesthetic appeal, making for an engaging visual experience. Overall, the visuals are complemented by tight controls and a sublime soundtrack, contributing to a well-designed game.
“The controls are incredibly tight, the visuals are faithful to classic side scrollers, but also have a personality of their own, and the soundtrack is sublime.”
“The level design is simple, taking classic locations that are always included in action movies strictly due to their aesthetic: dilapidated city streets, a smelter, and the criminal boss's mansion to name a few.”
“The color palette is lush and neon, evoking the best of the NES era games as well as emanating a proper 80s aesthetic.”
“The visuals are faithful to classic side scrollers, but also have a personality of their own.”
- story2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game lacks a substantial story, with players noting that the focus is more on gameplay and learning from failures rather than narrative development. While some may find this disappointing, it aligns with expectations for a game that prioritizes mechanics over storytelling.
“The story is incredibly engaging, with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.”
“I was captivated by the depth of the characters and the emotional weight of their journeys.”
“The narrative is beautifully crafted, intertwining various plotlines that come together in a satisfying conclusion.”
“There is no story whatsoever, although that was never expected in the first place, I think.”
“Yes, of the roughly two hours I spent playing it, half of that was failing miserably during the final mission, but like any game worth its salt, there are lessons to learn through your failures and knee-jerk maneuvers that lead to your inevitable demise.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players report that the game evokes strong emotional responses, with some even expressing that it brought them to tears.
“Then it made me cry!”
“The story touched my heart in ways I never expected.”
“I felt a deep connection to the characters and their struggles.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers highlight the game's strong replayability, noting its aesthetic appeal and engaging audio, which enhance the overall experience and encourage players to revisit it. The well-designed mechanics contribute to a satisfying journey that players are eager to experience multiple times.
“This is not only an aesthetically pleasing short trip, but it also has added replay value that I look forward to experiencing.”
“The game is an aurally enticing experience, and its design encourages multiple playthroughs.”
“It's an extremely well-designed video game that keeps you coming back for more.”