Buried Tapes: The Cleaner
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About Buried Tapes: The Cleaner
Buried Tapes: The Cleaner is an indie simulator that blends psychological horror with VHS-era storytelling. Developed by Liar Mannequin, it drops you into eerie, low-fi recordings of paranormal incidents, each narrated by survivors who piece together their traumatic experiences. Released on September 2, 2025, it runs on PC and Mac, offering a single-player mode. The game strips away flashy mechanics in favor of unsettling, slow-burn narratives. You’re not solving mysteries here, you’re forced to sit through them, watching grainy footage as characters figure out their own nightmares. It’s a niche, polarizing title that prioritizes mood over interactivity.
Gameplay
The core loop is simple but grating: you navigate static scenes within each VHS recording, clicking on objects to reveal fragmented memories or audio logs. Controls are minimal, keyboard and mouse only, with no quick-time events. Progression is linear, but the pacing is maddening. Each story requires you to sit through 20-30 minutes of monologues, often repeating details or spiraling into delusion. There’s no inventory, no puzzles, and no way to influence events. The challenge is staying engaged as the protagonist’s sanity erodes. Some sections force you to watch the same moment replayed from different angles, creating a claustrophobic tension. The lack of agency is deliberate, but it’ll test your patience.
What Players Think
PlayPile’s community stats are split: 58% of users who started the game completed it, with an average playtime of 4.1 hours. The mood is predominantly “uneasy” (64%) and “frustrated” (31%). Critics gave it a 72/100, praising its atmosphere but criticizing the repetitive structure. One review called it “a masterclass in tension, until it feels like punishment.” Achievements include “Watched Every Second” (unlocked at 100% playthrough) and “Lost in the Static” (staying put during a 10-minute loop). The game lacks traditional rewards, with 83% of players abandoning it after 2 hours.
PlayPile's Take
This isn’t for everyone. If you crave simulation games with substance, Buried Tapes: The Cleaner is an acquired taste. The $29.99 price tag feels steep for minimal interactivity, and the 15 achievements offer little incentive to replay. However, its hypnotic, oppressive vibe works for short bursts, perfect for late-night sessions if you enjoy being unsettled. Skip it if you value efficiency or dynamic gameplay. For horror fans who appreciate slow dread over action, it’s a bold but uneven experiment.
Game Modes
Single player
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