The Mortuary Assistant, developed by DarkStone Digital and published by DreadXP, came out earlier on PC and just made its way over to consoles – including the PlayStation 5. As you’d expect from DreadXP it’s a horror title, but it offers a touch of simulation as well, thrusting players into the eerie and unsettling world of embalming and exorcism. Set in the confines of the River Fields Mortuary, the game intertwines the mundane tasks of mortuary work with the terrifying presence of demonic forces, creating an experience that is both haunting and compelling and rather unique in the horror genre.
The narrative centers around Rebecca Owens, a recent graduate in mortuary sciences (which we didn’t even know existed) who takes on an apprenticeship at River Fields. What begins as a typical night shift quickly descends into a nightmare for her, as Rebecca discovers that the mortuary is haunted by malevolent entities. The game’s storyline is rich with intrigue, as players uncover the dark history of both Rebecca and the mortuary – with more insights to be gained through multiple playthroughs. Each demon you banish takes you a step closer to piecing together the overarching mystery, making for a narrative that is both engaging and replayable.
Gameplay in The Mortuary Assistant is a mix of procedural tasks and intense supernatural encounters. For example, you’ll have to perform traditional embalming procedures, but simultaneously you’ll be fending off demonic forces. This dual focus on realistic mortuary practices and occult happenings sets the game apart from typical horror titles. The gameplay is further enhanced by a narrative system that ensures each playthrough is different, keeping players on edge and never entirely comfortable.
The controls are mostly intuitive, making the complex tasks of a mortuary assistant accessible without sacrificing depth. However, there’s a steep learning curve, particularly when managing the more intricate aspects of the embalming process and the quick-time events required to combat demonic interference – and the conversion to console control can feel awkward in places. Despite this, the game never stops being an immersive experience that keeps players engaged and invested in the story.
Visually, The Mortuary Assistant excels in creating a chilling atmosphere. The detailed environments of the mortuary, combined with the grotesque and unsettling depictions of the deceased and demons, make for a visually impactful experience. The lighting and sound design are particularly noteworthy, with eerie ambient noises and sudden, jarring sounds that heighten the tension and fear like they would in a horror film. The game’s use of audio cues is excellent, guiding players through the darkness and alerting them to the presence of otherworldly threats even when you can’t see them.
However, embalming the dead can start to feel a tad repetitive and monotonous over extended play sessions. In addition, the game’s story is compelling, but needing multiple playthroughs to uncover all the narrative threads might not appeal to everyone, especially those who prefer a more straightforward storytelling approach and aren’t looking to dive back into a game they’ve already completed.
In conclusion, The Mortuary Assistant is a standout title in the horror genre, with its blend of mortuary simulation and supernatural horror. Its engaging narrative, immersive gameplay, and atmospheric visuals make it a must-play for true horror enthusiasts, despite minor issues with repetition and a steep learning curve. The game delivers a terrifying and memorable experience, and is well worth it even if you only do a single playthrough.
Score: 7.3/10
Press Play Media 