The Cleaner

About

The Cleaner is a minimalist shooter where you play a hired gun tasked with erasing targets in brutal efficiency. The gameplay hinges on permadeath and quick respawns, pushing you to adapt strategies after each failure. Movement and timing are key as you navigate tight corridors and dark rooms, using a mix of firearms and stealth to eliminate foes. The lack of dialogue or story exposition means the focus stays on the raw mechanics of violence and problem solving. What sets it apart is its unflinching approach to challenge and its stark visual style. Inspired by gritty action cinema and ultraviolent indies, it strips away distractions to emphasize skill-based combat. Players often cite its punishing difficulty curve and the satisfaction of finally stringing together a flawless run. With a runtime under five hours and no handholding, it’s a lean experience that prioritizes precision over spectacle.