Developer: Unbound Creations
Platforms: PC (Reviewed), PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Genre: Adventure, Casual, Simulation
Publisher: Unbound Creations
Cleaning Up! is a cosy tidying-up game, a relaxing and light-hearted experience focused on cleaning, organising and restoring clustered environments. It is developed and published by. The game has embraced a casual, stress-free approach that prioritises fun over challenge and makes it replayable.
The story is simple: you are a newly hired cleaner-gig worker tasked with restoring multiple locations. Each level is a different scenario and setting that can include bonuses and penalties, with later stages introducing puzzles. The lack of deep storytelling might disappoint some players, but I thought it was perfect for the game and was well-suited. The focus remains on the satisfaction of cleaning rather than a dramatic narrative development.
The controls are simple and intuitive, and it can be played on a controller or keyboard. I found it easier to play on a keyboard and mouse than on a controller. The game is easy to pick up for players of all different skill levels. The game introduces many different pieces of equipment that can be used throughout the game and the levels, using the same controls. The controls are responsive and well-developed for casual playing.
The gameplay revolves around entering messy locations, cleaning up the surfaces, and removing trash while restoring order. Completing the jobs earns you money and prestige that can be used to unlock more skins and upgrade your equipment. Better equipment makes future cleaning tasks faster and more satisfying.
The game’s biggest strength has to be its sense of progression, while watching the area turn from trash to spotless. The pressure of the game is low, and the players are able to revisit levels that have added more trash and improve their performance without harsh penalties.
Visually, Cleaning Up! is a colourful cartoon-inspired art style, with the characters and the tools, and even the environments, designed with bright and addictive colours that create a welcoming atmosphere. It feels cheerful and approachable, which perfectly matches the game’s cosy tones.
The variations of environments keep the game interesting and visually entertaining; they range from ordinary homes to haunted mansions and different fantasy-inspired locations. The game has a unique identity.
The soundtrack complements the gameplay exceptionally well. With relaxing background music that helps create a calm atmosphere and subtle sound effects that make the cleaning feel satisfying.
This game is single-player; however, we were provided with another code, and Sapphire had the following to say about the game: “This game was such a joy to play. I didn’t think I’d become so engrossed in cleaning, but it turned out to be far more satisfying than I ever expected. The gameplay is simple to pick up, with easy-to-learn controls that make it incredibly relaxing.
I played using a controller, and it made for such a comfortable experience. It was the perfect game to unwind with while watching something in the background, and I found myself having a great time throughout.
The game is split into distinct levels, each with its own beautifully designed theme and new obstacles to overcome. Rather than keeping every stage feeling the same, each level introduces fresh ideas that keep the gameplay varied and engaging. As you progress through the cleaning jobs, you’re gradually introduced to new tools, which keep things interesting. Your cleaning kit consists of five different tools, each serving its own unique purpose.
Naturally, my favourite was the vacuum. Being able to upgrade its strength and radius made it even more satisfying to use as I progressed through the game. Even something as simple as using the mop felt incredibly rewarding, especially when watching grime disappear in just a couple of sweeps.
I thoroughly enjoyed the game and loved that there were additional requests to complete after finishing the main levels. I found myself playing for hours without wanting to put the controller down. As you progress, the rooms become larger, messier, and introduce fun mechanics such as pushing zombies back into crypts or watering plants, giving every level something new to look forward to.
The aesthetic is absolutely adorable, and I really enjoyed unlocking new cosmetics for my cleaner. They’re fun little rewards that encourage you to keep playing. I can easily see myself going for 100% achievement completion. Overall, the game is fun, relaxing, incredibly satisfying, and offers a surprisingly generous amount of gameplay for anyone looking for a cosy experience.”
Cleaning Up! has succeeded because it understands exactly what it wants to be, and can deliver exactly what the players set out to do. Delivering a compact, relaxing experience that is universally satisfying. The game’s greatest strengths are its accessibility, charming presentation and satisfying game loop, which has made the game addictive. Players who enjoy cosy games, life simulators, or stress-free experiences will likely find plenty to love here, while those looking for complexity may finish it feeling somewhat underwhelmed.
Overall: 8/10
This is S & S. We are world game explorers. We play games. We have played over 10,000+ games! We travel, we write reviews AND we play more games!!!!
