Stealth is the name of the game in Serial Cleaner, a 2D action indie title developed by Ifun4all SA and published by Curve Digital. Originally released on Steam in July, Serial Cleaner is now available on Nintendo Switch, and we’re eager to explain why this title is an absolute NintenDEAL!
STORY
In Serial Cleaner, you play as a man living with his beloved mother in the 1970s. Plagued with a gambling problem and a case of bad luck, you pick up jobs cleaning crime scenes (for criminals, of course) to make ends meet. Your mother is blissfully unaware that the source of your income is criminal, and you work hard to keep it that way. The game’s story is deep and well thought-out, especially for an indie title, and it often references headlining events from the 1970s, from Watergate to Jonestown to the release of Jaws.
GAMEPLAY
Serial Cleaner divides each level into chapter-like contracts, and the goal of each contract is to clean all bodies, all evidence, and a percentage of blood from a designated area, all while avoiding the cops who prowl the scene. As you play new contracts, you learn new things, like how to use the vacuum (for blood, of course), where to hide from cops, and what you can move to block the cops’ access to you. These mechanics are introduced slowly, so there’s plenty of time for you to catch on—but as you progress, your skills will be tested by smarter cops, more complex levels, more bodies and evidence, and a higher percentage of blood to clean.
The contracts you complete can be replayed at any time, and each time you play, you’ll encounter a whole new setup, since the location of the bodies, evidence, blood, and hiding spots are randomly generated (for the most part) with each new attempt. We love this replayability, but we especially like that it’s so easy to go back for missed secrets. And there are lots of secrets in this game, since every contract contains one secret collectible. Collectibles include magazines, which unlock costumes, and film reels, which unlock bonus contracts themed after popular films. Films referenced in these collectibles are either straight from the 70s or heavily inspired by them and include Kill Bill, A Clockwork Orange, Star Wars, and 2001: a Space Odyssey.
EXPERIENCE
Serial Cleaner offers an exciting sensory experience thanks to its unique graphics, HD rumble, and killer sound. The game’s soundtrack, with tunes ranging from smooth jazz to disco, creates the perfect 1970s vibe, and the soundscape doesn’t forget the little things, like the “huh?” of a cop or the buzzing of a television set. And Serial Cleaner’s graphics are just as impressive with their sharp lines, bright colors, and simple design. We love how this art style captures 1970s pop cultural references, especially in its unlockable costumes and levels.
CONCLUSION
With Serial Cleaner, you get hours of playtime, tons of unlockable content, and a top-notch sensory experience. And while some players may feel discouraged when the contracts get tough, we found that a little patience goes a long way, and we were consistently rewarded for taking the time to learn map layouts and cop movement patterns. So if you’re a (relatively) patient gamer with a penchant for 70s culture and silly criminal fun, consider downloading Serial Cleaner this New Year for $14.99 on the eShop. We think you’ll agree it’s a great NintenDEAL!
Nick and Sarah are the ultimate gaming couple. Nick introduced Sarah to the world of Nintendo games. Nick’s favorites are platformers tough as nails, like Super Meat Boy, Celeste, and The End is Nigh. Sarah prefers titles with more exploration and simulation, like Animal Crossing, Stardew Valley, and Skyrim. But Nick and Sarah both agree that The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is one of the best games of all time!