Buried Tapes: The Parking
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About Buried Tapes: The Parking
Buried Tapes: The Parking is a minimalist simulator where you play as Monica Jones, a 23-year-old woman trapped in a vast underground parking lot after losing her car keys. Developed by Liar Mannequin and released on October 10, 2025, it runs on PC and Mac. The game leans into slow-burn mystery, blending environmental puzzles with repetitive search mechanics. You navigate a grid-like parking structure, scanning vehicles and objects for clues to uncover Monica’s story. It’s not about action or combat but about methodically piecing together a narrative through mundane details. The elevator pitch: a low-stakes simulation wrapped in a taut, eerie mystery.
Gameplay
The core loop involves using a handheld device to scan every corner of the parking lot for anomalies, hidden items, and audio logs. Each session revolves around backtracking through identical parking levels, checking under seats, flipping switches, and listening to distorted voice notes. Controls are basic, point-and-click navigation with a secondary action button for interactions. The tension comes from time pressure: daylight creeps closer, and missed clues force restarts. Environmental puzzles include deciphering cryptic graffiti and syncing malfunctioning lights. Sessions rarely last longer than 30 minutes, but the game’s 72% completion rate suggests many play through multiple times to spot overlooked details.
What Players Think
Community ratings average 82% positive, with 72% of players finishing the game. Average playtime is 4.5 hours, though 18% report over 10 hours due to replayability. Moods are split between “curious” (45%) and “frustrated” (30%), with one reviewer calling it “a frustrating but fair hunt.” PlayPile users praise its eerie atmosphere but note repetitive design. Price is $19.99, with 25 achievements (50% completion unlocks the “Parking Prodigy” title). Critics cite the game’s “satisfying tension between monotony and mystery,” though some call it “overly punishing for small mistakes.” Completion rates drop after level 12, where environmental clues become more obtuse.
PlayPile's Take
Buried Tapes: The Parking works best for patients who enjoy slow-paced, methodical gameplay. At $19.99, it’s a low-risk experiment in tension-driven design. The 25 achievements add minor replay value, but the game’s reliance on trial-and-error may deter casual players. If you’re into minimalist narratives and don’t mind repetition for a satisfying payoff, this is worth a try. For others, the lack of direct feedback and punishing checkpoint system might feel like a chore. It’s a niche title that proves simulation games can be tense without needing explosions or cutscenes.
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