Bite Sized PC Review - Crime Scene Cleaner Nightmare Update

Key art for Crime Scene Cleaner's Nightmare Update. Stylised text on an image featuring a man in a cleaning suit, yellow gloves and an air filter mask.

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Crime Scene Cleaner, developed and published by President Studio, with additional publishing by PlayWays S.A., originally launched on Steam on August 14th 2024. The game just received a significant, free content expansion called the “Nightmare Update”, having released on Steam on July 24th, with a console release scheduled for July 29th.

Bloody Good

This massive content update introduces two brand-new game modes, 20 additional levels, and a variety of fun collectibles and skins. Let’s get into the good stuff, shall we?

A murderous duck animatronic biting off the head of a man while on stage — WAS THAT THE BITE OF ’87??

Gameplay

Time to grab your mop and sponges, ’cause Crime Scene Cleaner‘s new Nightmare Update has finally released, and it is absolutely packed with new content!

Once you have cleared, or rather “cleaned”, all 10 of the original maps, you will unlock two new sections in the mission hub, “Nightmare” and “True Cleaner”. First up are the Nightmare maps, which are similar to the original levels but with an often bloody or scary twist, new stories, and new mechanics! My favourite thing about this game mode is that it’s not just the same level but more gory. It completely changes and adapts the maps to make them feel truly like a dream, or rather, a nightmare. Be that through adapting gravity, adding portals, or changing the mood and feel of the level entirely. Every single one feels truly unique and different from each other and their original counterparts. There are also 10 new music boxes to collect, and most of them are really, REALLY, well hidden.

True Cleaner Mode lets you revisit all the original maps, but with strict restrictions, disabling most of your hard-earned upgrades. Also, most importantly, it disables your Cleaner Sense, making it seriously hard to spot every little drop of blood or any slightly crooked chair. And of course, there are some cool new things to unlock! You can snag 20 new skins just by beating the new levels, giving a fresh coat of paint to just about anything you own, like your mop, your power washer, and even your car! There are also 13 new achievements, quite a fitting number for the theme. Let’s hope you aren’t superstitious…

A fancy cat-looking air purifier pulling the blood off of the floor — Such a good kitty cat

Longevity

I really think that this update more than doubles the playtime that you can squeeze out of the game. Nightmare mode is an absolutely excellent addition, while True Cleaner is a fun challenge, especially if you are like me, jumping back into the game after a long while, not remembering every detail of the regular levels.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this update is a total game-changer. It’s really awesome to jump back into the game with all this new content, and I am genuinely surprised that it’s not a paid DLC, it easily could have been, given everything that has been added. The skins are also a fantastic incentive to keep playing and to finish all the new levels. You either get some elegant, “bougie” looks for your tools from true cleaner mode or wild, wacky ones for nightmare mode. The fish mop and the YukiPurrr air purifier (which even meows!!) are hands-down my top picks.

If you were still wondering if the game is worth buying based on the length of its story and gameplay, this update alone added about 18 hours to my total playtime. Already own the game? I highly suggest checking it out again after this update! You definitely won’t be disappointed.

The game itself has already well-earned its Platinum Award in its own review, but this, once again, free update really adds a big cherry on top! Therefore, Crime Scene Cleaner’s Nightmare Update will also receive our very special Thumb Culture Platinum Award!