If you’re like me and tend to get easily spooked, the “Short Circuit” mission in Crime Scene Cleaner might have you on edge. But don’t worry—I’ve compiled a detailed guide that outlines all the spooks you’ll encounter in this haunted house level, so you can brace yourself and avoid any surprises.
Understanding the Haunted House Level
The “Short Circuit” mission is designed to test your nerves with its eerie atmosphere and unexpected scares. While the scares are mostly harmless, knowing what to expect can help you keep your cool and complete the mission with ease.
List of Scares in “Short Circuit”
- Entrance Scare: The Bouncing Basketball
- As soon as you enter the house, a basketball will bounce down the stairs. This is a scripted event meant to set the tone for the level. It’s nothing more than a visual trick, so no need to worry about it.
- Creepy Noises from Wireless Speakers
- Each room, including the hallway, has a wireless speaker tucked away in a corner, emitting creepy noises. These speakers are considered evidence, so you’ll need to collect them anyway. I recommend collecting these first to minimize the spook factor as you progress through the level.
- Roomba with a Pentagram
- In the main dining area, you’ll find a Roomba busily drawing a pentagram on the floor. A quick punch will break it and put an end to its eerie artwork.
- Dead Body in the Dining Room
- The most unsettling part of the mission is the mother’s dead body in the dining room. When you pull out the knife embedded in her, the body will jolt slightly due to the game’s physics engine. It’s just ragdoll physics in action—there’s no need to panic.
- Window That Won’t Stay Closed
- In the main room, you’ll notice a window that’s slightly open. You can close it, but if you leave the room and return, it will be open again. This is just a minor spook and doesn’t lead to any consequences.
- Flickering TV in the Living Room
- The living room TV will play a video of the family cat before cutting to static when you leave the room. It’s a spooky touch, but harmless nonetheless.
- Upstairs Frights: Mannequins and More
- When you head upstairs, you’ll find a flickering light in the furthest room. Inside this room are mannequin parts, including a severed arm under a table. The most unsettling item is a mannequin head with glowing red eyes that seems to move when you’re not looking. While creepy, these are just props and won’t cause any harm.
- Wine Bottle Jumpscare
- In the first room to the left upstairs, a bottle of wine will fall off a shelf when you open the door. It’s a classic jumpscare but nothing more.
Preparation Tips for the Haunted House Level
- Skill Upgrades: Before tackling this level, it’s wise to use your skill points to acquire 360-degree lights. I recommend getting at least two of these lights to brighten up the dark rooms, making the experience less intimidating.
- Stay Calm: The mission is designed to be creepy, but all the scares are scripted and won’t affect your progress. Take your time, and don’t let the atmosphere get to you.
Final Thoughts
As someone who is easily frightened, I found the haunted house level to be quite challenging, but manageable. While I didn’t get a perfect score on my first run due to nerves, I assure you that with this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to handle the spooks and complete the mission successfully. If you encounter any other minor scares that I missed, feel free to share them with the community.
Good luck, and stay strong!