This past weekend at PAX West 2024, I had the privilege of sitting down with Brian Clarke, the developer of The Mortuary Assistant, at the DreadXP booth. For those familiar with the unsettling world of DarkStone Digital’s hit horror game, you’ll be pleased to hear about the recent Definitive Edition update. Clarke was excited to talk about the fresh content this new edition brings to fans and what lies ahead in his next project, Paranormal Activity, backed by Paramount Pictures.
What’s New in The Mortuary Assistant’s Definitive Edition?
For those unfamiliar, The Mortuary Assistant places players in the eerie role of a mortician tasked with embalming bodies in a haunted funeral home. The game’s unique blend of procedural horror and rich lore has garnered a dedicated fanbase. With the recent Definitive Edition update, Clarke has expanded this haunted experience in numerous ways.
- Embalming Only Mode One of the key features of the new update is the Embalming Only Mode. This new game mode strips away the game’s supernatural elements for those looking to immerse themselves solely in the embalming process. Players can embalm an unlimited number of bodies in this mode, giving them a chance to practice their skills or simply enjoy the more technical aspects of the game without the constant terror looming over them.
- New Haunt Events But fear not (or rather, fear a lot)—the supernatural elements are far from gone. Clarke has added new haunt events to the core game, heightening the tension. These events are designed to keep even the most experienced players on edge. As with the original, the unpredictable nature of these hauntings ensures that no two playthroughs are the same. Clarke hinted that players should pay close attention, as these new haunt events include subtle clues that tie into the game’s evolving lore.
- New Bodies to Embalm For those eager to test their mortuary skills, the update also includes new bodies to embalm. Each one is designed with its own unique backstory and set of challenges. Whether these corpses are harboring secrets of their own or just offer a new layer of gameplay, fans of the meticulous embalming process will appreciate the added variety.
- Valentine’s Day Seasonal Event In a surprising twist, the game will now feature a special Valentine’s Day seasonal event. Starting this February, players can stop by the mortuary and experience something entirely unique to the season. Clarke was tight-lipped about the details, but he hinted that this event would offer a mix of thematic horror with the usual eerie ambiance of the game.
- New Achievements and Additional Lore Fans of achievement hunting will find plenty to enjoy with the added challenges in the update. There are several new achievements that correspond with both the Embalming Only Mode and the new haunt events. More importantly, the update continues to deepen the lore that has made The Mortuary Assistant so compelling. Clarke shared that the update includes a series of small but significant narrative clues that will further flesh out the mysterious story.
- Performance Improvements and Bug Fixes On the technical side, the Definitive Edition brings much-needed performance improvements and bug fixes. Clarke was transparent about the challenges the game faced at launch and explained that this update not only addresses lingering issues but also stabilizes the experience across platforms. Improved performance should ensure smoother gameplay, especially during the more intensive haunt events.
A Peek into Clarke’s Next Project: Paranormal Activity
Beyond The Mortuary Assistant, Clarke gave me a sneak peek into his upcoming project, Paranormal Activity, which is backed by Paramount Pictures. Still in the early stages of development, Clarke is taking a bold approach to the found footage sub-genre, much like the films it draws inspiration from.
The gameplay will focus on delivering a tense, immersive experience where players will interact with found footage. Clarke explained that it’s not just about piecing together events but also unraveling a deeply interconnected story. Much like The Mortuary Assistant, lore will play a critical role, and players can expect plenty of hidden details to uncover as they navigate the eerie narrative.
While Clarke didn’t share too much in terms of specifics, he mentioned that he wants Paranormal Activity to retain the same level of depth and replayability that fans appreciated in The Mortuary Assistant. Clarke’s partnership with Paramount gives the project a larger scope, and he is determined to create a horror experience that both film and game fans will appreciate.
The Mortuary’s Continued Evolution
As I wrapped up my conversation with Clarke, it was clear that his passion for expanding the horror genre goes beyond the scares. He’s committed to building worlds that engage players on a deeper level, filled with intricate stories and horrifying surprises.
With the Definitive Edition update, The Mortuary Assistant continues to offer a chilling, layered experience for both newcomers and returning players. And with Paranormal Activity on the horizon, it’s clear Clarke is just getting started.