Hello, and welcome back to The Backlog: the column where I review video games based on a certain genre each month. We’re back from the winter break, and I’m sure everyone dreaded coming back to campus. I, for one, am tired of writing cover letters and putting information that’s already on my resume onto a job application separately.
I digress; luckily, this column is my escape from reality and my chance to tell you about video games I enjoy. For the remaining two weeks of January, we’ll be looking at a few mobile games that caught my attention over the break and drained my phone’s battery. First up is “The WereCleaner.”
This adorable game is also available through Steam for Mac and Microsoft Windows, but I played it on an iOS device. “The WereCleaner” is a stealth-comedy game developed by Howlin’ Hugs and published by USC Games in May 2024. Players go through seven levels, each representing a day of the week, and live in the shoes of Kyle: a janitor with a fluffy secret.
Kyle works at a typical office building and cleans up the messes left by other employees, but suddenly the night shift is thrust upon him. Anyone living paycheck-to-paycheck can understand Kyle’s struggle to afford his rent. However, the bad news is that Kyle is a werewolf and must complete his duties without getting spotted.
Throughout the week, Kyle returns to the office and is greeted by the security guard, Daryl. Unfortunately, Daryl becomes obsessed with capturing what he thinks is a wild animal that snuck into the building. It’s up to the player to get Kyle through the week without getting caught and getting that sweet minimum wage.
The gameplay (on mobile devices) involves dragging the movement joystick around to direct Kyle, and with several buttons that each have a different function. Kyle is equipped with a power washer for cleaning stains, a vacuum that can suck up and shoot out trash, as well as trash bags for capturing critters.
As with many jobs nowadays, employees in the office are putting in overtime and are around when Kyle is on the night shift. Players must traverse the office without getting caught, or else employees will cause a panic, and Kyle will instantly rush at them and kill them. After that, the only thing left to do is clean up the evidence by devouring their bodies and using his array of tools to finish the job.
Each level follows a five-star system based on how quickly the player completed it, and they can earn a sticker if they complete the level without killing anybody. There are also many collectibles for you to find throughout each level, as some areas of the office are unreachable at certain levels.
The collectibles reveal a small snippet of Kyle’s life, especially his relations with people around the office. Aside from the murderous werewolf side to Kyle, he’s friendly with the other employees yet actively tries to stay away from any form of attention.
Although it’s a short experience, “The WereCleaner” is an adorable game for all ages. There is blood and gore, but it’s done in a way that doesn’t feel inherently violent or inappropriate to me. Howlin’ Hugs outdid themselves by designing a satisfying experience that pulls players in to achieve five stars in each level.
Personally, I also adore the soundtrack to “The WereCleaner.” The game combines the stealth aspect with typical office/elevator music. It’s very catchy and keeps the game lighthearted despite the temptation to eat everyone in the office.
As a way to escape the reality of searching for a job or living with your minimum wage one, “The WereCleaner” succeeds tremendously. Kyle’s life of earning $119.50 each week is relatable, aside from turning into a werewolf at night. The game is short but sweet, and I hope Howlin’ Hugs adds more or creates a sequel.
Rating: 4.5/5 stolen office toilet paper