The Cleaner — A Quiet Paper World to Explore
The Cleaner is an intimate adventure about a small bird named Taki wandering a hand-drawn world in search of food. Its levels are not static stages but living beings made of watercolor and paper. Each scene plays out like a short natural history vignette where puzzles and clues are tucked into textures, gestures, and the sounds of real animals.
Starting from simple needs, the game nudges players toward a different kind of progression. There are no villains to defeat and no fights to win. Instead Taki learns to read rhythms, anticipate behaviors, and move through the landscape with curiosity and care. That gentle focus gives The Cleaner a calm, reflective pace that rewards observation.
Small Steps, Big Behaviors
Along the way Taki meets creatures that live by their own rules. A toothy crocodile, a stubborn antelope, a silent whale, an unpredictable zebra, and a lurking snake each present unique patterns to study. Gameplay emphasizes listening and timing more than dexterity. Players solve natural puzzles by noticing cues in movement and sound and by choosing when to act and when to wait.
Scenes are self-contained stories. New mechanics and collectibles arrive gradually, reflecting Taki's growing experience rather than temporary power ups. This design keeps each chapter focused and memorable while building an overarching sense of learning and empathy.
Sound as a Gameplay Thread
Sound plays a central role. Many puzzles rely on environmental audio and authentic animal voices, so headphones are recommended to catch subtle hints. The game’s music is built from organic vocalizations and field recordings, turning animal noises into both atmosphere and practical clues. It is an approach that makes listening as important as looking.
The visual side complements this with watercolor illustrations and a hybrid animation technique that blends frame by frame with skeletal 2D motion. The result is a tactile, hand-crafted look that feels alive even when still.
A Family Friendly Walk Through Nature
The Cleaner is meant for players of all ages. There is no violence or confrontation. Instead the experience is about understanding: learning to move with respect, to interpret behavior, and to help Taki survive through gentle choices. Each solved puzzle brings a small sense of achievement tied to care rather than conquest.
Key features
- Watercolor illustration with frame-by-frame and skeletal 2D animation
- Real-life fauna modeled with distinct behaviors and rhythms
- Natural puzzles, mini-games, and interactive environmental elements
- Audio-based hints and interactions using authentic animal sounds
- Music created from voices and organic sounds for full immersion
For the most comfortable and immersive experience, we recommend playing The Cleaner with a controller and headphones.
