Review: Crime Scene Cleaner

Developer/Publisher: President Studio

Platform: PC/Steam

As far as simulator games go, Crime Scene Cleaner is up there with the best of them. Despite simulation games’ notoriously mixed reviews, this one manages to surpass the genre’s usual campiness with its masterful fusion of dark humour, painstaking detail, and an unexpectedly captivating plot. Let’s get into it!

A Dark Job with a Lighter Touch

Crime Scene Cleaner has a lot more depth than you’d think. This has more polish, more gameplay, and less jank than the majority of crazy simulators out there. Immerse yourself in the chilling world of a crime scene cleaner, whose job it is to meticulously restore horrific crime scenes to their original state. The game has a strangely satisfying and unnerving tone thanks to its tongue-in-cheek humor and serious themes. Restoring a scene to its pristine beauty is quite a Zen-like experience. Transforming a health spa from a gory blood fest into a beauty-marbled scene is deeply satisfying. If you’ve played Powerwash Simulator, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. It scratches that OCD itch in my brain, and I love it!

Story-Driven Cleaning

The rich storyline is what makes Crime Scene Cleaner stand out. The intriguing plot of the game develops subtly as you complete each of the ten missions. You take on the role of a former janitor whose daughter’s expensive medical care has forced you into this gruesome profession. Elena, your daughter, keeps you apprised of the story’s progress through in-game emails, environmental clues, and updates. The narrative layer brings an unexpected emotional depth to the otherwise melancholy tasks at hand, prompting you to reflect on the ethical consequences of your actions. How far are you willing to go for a loved one?

Detailed and Immersive Environments

The aesthetics of Crime Scene Cleaner are top-notch. Every crime scene has its own unique atmosphere and intricate setting. From haunted houses, mansions, squalid apartments, and even pizza parlors, there is a lot of range between levels. Everything has the feel of having been lived in—and died in—itself, from bloodstains to fragments of evidence. Even the outside views are meticulously rendered, adding to the game’s engrossing ambiance. I was actually surprised greatly by this as most simulators look flat and bare-bones (looking at your Gas Station Simulator) with really buggy physics and not much to do in the game. Crime Scene Cleaner elevates itself from the pack.

The music in the game is just as well-crafted as the graphics; it has a variety of scary and energetic tracks that fit the mood of each level. Having the option to collect and select tracks makes the experience more engaging by adding a personal touch.

Thoughtful and Strategic Gameplay

You will face difficult but ultimately satisfying gameplay in Crime Scene Cleaner. Every tool has its designated function, and the controls are precise and quick. Strategic planning is required for each scene, whether you’re cleaning up blood or disposing of corpses. Going in with the power hose or mop might sound like a good idea but ultimately may lead to you smashing fragile objects and creating even more work for yourself. Planning how you tackle each scene is important. The cleaning process becomes more complex and varied with the wide array of tools and a skill tree for upgrades.

It’s not all about the cleaning though. Players are encouraged to thoroughly explore each level in search of hidden items and clues. The gameplay is kept interesting and fresh by combining cleaning with puzzle solving.

Skill Tree and Upgrades

You can personalize your gameplay experience and level up your crime scene cleaning efficiency with Crime Scene Cleaner’s surprisingly robust skill tree. As you go through the game and accomplish objectives, you’ll earn skill points that are proportional to how well you do on each job and how much money you make. You can upgrade your tools, speed up your cleaning, and even unlock new abilities with these skill points.

Tips for Maximizing Your Skill Points: 

• Perfect Scores: Complete each mission to the best of your ability in order to earn a perfect score. Both your payout and the amount of skill points you can earn will be maximized if you do this.
• Explore Thoroughly: Ensure that you thoroughly investigate each and every level. Your final score is directly proportional to the amount of items you collect and the amount of evidence you dispose of.
• Prioritize Upgrades: Prioritize increasing your movement speed and tool efficiency when you’re early in the game. As the difficulty of the levels increases, these will provide you with the greatest benefit.

Secrets and Hidden Areas

Playing Crime Scene Cleaner to its fullest extent is the best way to unlock all of the levels’ secrets and hidden areas, which is one of the game’s most appealing features. Getting the perfect score for completing each level is just the beginning. The stat page will reveal any secrets or collectibles you may have missed which leads to replayability. Some of these hidden things are simple collectibles, while others are entire rooms with valuable stuff, skill points, and even extra story content.

Types of Secrets:

1. Collectibles:
   • Cassettes: Scattered throughout the levels, these collectible cassettes unlock additional tracks for your in-game playlist. Some are hidden in plain sight, while others require keen observation and exploration to find.
   • Easter Eggs: The game is packed with Easter eggs that reference pop culture, other games, and even previous titles from the developers. Keep an eye out for objects or graffiti that might seem out of place—they could be a nod to something familiar.
2. Secret Rooms:
   • Hidden Doors: Some levels feature hidden doors or passages that lead to secret rooms. These areas often contain valuable collectibles, skill points, or narrative clues that add depth to the story.
   • Breakable Objects: Certain objects in the environment, like boarded-up doors or weak walls, can be broken with tools like the axe. These breakable objects often conceal hidden areas or shortcuts.
3. Environmental Clues:
   • Blood Trails: Following blood trails or other environmental clues can sometimes lead you to hidden evidence or secret areas. Pay close attention to your surroundings and use tools like the UV lamp to reveal hidden paths.
   • Interactive Objects: Some objects in the environment, such as drawers or cabinets, can be opened to reveal hidden items. Always interact with as many objects as possible to uncover these secrets.

Tips for Finding Secrets:

• Take Your Time: Enjoy each level at your own pace. By thoroughly investigating each area of a crime scene, players can earn rewards in the game.
• Use Your Tools Wisely: The ultraviolet light and the flashlight are two of the tools that can help you find things that aren’t immediately obvious. Make good use of them to find out what a level is all about.
• Listen for Audio Cues: To hint at the existence of a hidden area nearby, the game occasionally employs subtle auditory clues, such as a squeaky door or a faint hum.

Overall

When it comes to simulation games, Crime Scene Cleaner stands out for its surprisingly engaging and darkly humorous experience. This game succeeds in more ways than one, making it a great choice for anyone seeking variety or who enjoys simulators. With its well-crafted environments, strategic gameplay, and compelling story, Crime Scene Cleaner is a game that will keep you coming back for more—just try not to think too much about the murder and tragedy behind it all.