Diaries of a Spaceport Janitor (2016)

Diaries of a Spaceport Janitor is a distinctive anti-adventure game centered on the simple yet unusual task of cleaning up trash in a bustling alien marketplace. Players take on the role of the Janitor, an Alaensee girlbeast employed in a municipally-supported trash incineration program, who dreams of escaping the confines of Xabran's Rock. The game emphasizes routine, exploration, and the small, often overlooked moments of daily life, set against the backdrop of a vividly imagined extraterrestrial urban environment.

Explore the Spaceport

The game encourages players to navigate a sprawling network of alleyways, side streets, plazas, and bridges while collecting discarded items for incineration. In addition to surface-level exploration, players can investigate entrances to a mysterious subterranean sewer dungeon, or ascend the strikingly symmetrical Ziggurat to gain a better perspective of the urban landscape. By observing landmarks carefully and tracking locations, players can traverse the environment without becoming disoriented, although the intricate design provides a sense of both challenge and discovery.

Embrace Routine

Daily activities form the core of the player's experience as the Janitor. Tasks such as cleaning litter, locating food, and participating in lottery shrines scattered throughout the spaceport provide structure and predictability. The repetition of these actions mirrors the monotony of life in this alien society, offering security in an otherwise unpredictable world. Players are encouraged to adhere closely to their routine: working, eating, praying, and sleeping, with deviations carrying potential consequences.

Confront the Curse

The game introduces supernatural elements that affect the player based on their actions. Interfering with certain forbidden objects or locations can result in encounters with ancient cranial entities that haunt the character. To manage these supernatural effects, players can consult local Necresses, pray to the Nine Goddesses, acquire ritual items, or interact with a giant sword to influence personal fortune. These elements add an additional layer of strategy, blending mystical risks with the otherwise mundane activities of janitorial work.

Anti-Adventure Gameplay

Unlike traditional adventure games focused on heroic quests, Diaries of a Spaceport Janitor positions players in a world of menial labor while surrounding them with cultural references to epic journeys and legendary figures. The game challenges players to find a balance between the monotony of daily duties and the excitement implied by the spaceport’s environment, creating a unique tension between ordinary life and extraordinary potential. Success may ultimately lead to the Janitor finding a way off Xabran's Rock, bridging the gap between drudgery and aspiration.

Content Advisory

The game includes mild depictions of gender dysphoria, catcalling, poverty, and drug use, which contribute to the atmospheric portrayal of life on Xabran's Rock.

Diaries of a Spaceport Janitor is an unconventional and quirky game that defies traditional adventure gameplay. Instead of embarking on heroic quests, you play as a janitor in a bizarre alien world, picking up trash and managing a mundane, repetitive routine. While the game's setting and humor are unique, it might not be for everyone. The slow pace and focus on daily tasks can feel tedious, especially for players looking for more action or excitement. The game's narrative depth, however, offers a fresh perspective on life in a strange, vibrant universe.

Whether you’ll enjoy it depends on your taste for slow-burn, anti-adventure games. If you appreciate the beauty in monotony and the oddities of a life in a world full of eccentric characters, Diaries of a Spaceport Janitor can be a strangely rewarding experience. But if you prefer fast-paced gameplay or deeper action, this one might not be for you. Overall, it’s a recommendation for those willing to embrace its pace and its offbeat charm.