The Mortuary Assistant

About

The Mortuary Assistant is a single player simulation game with a horror theme. It was developed by DarkStone Digital and was released on August 2, 2022. It received very positive reviews from players.

"The Mortuary Assistant" is a horror puzzle game that immerses you in the grim atmosphere of a mortuary. As the new assistant, you'll be alone with the dead, confronting chilling supernatural occurrences while maintaining the meticulous routines of preparing bodies for burial. Solve intricate puzzles, survive ghostly encounters, and unravel the mortuary's dark secrets in this captivating, eerie experience.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

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93%

Audience ScoreBased on 3,349 reviews

story202 positive mentions

stability74 negative mentions

story
580 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
35%
62%
3%
The story in "The Mortuary Assistant" is generally praised for its depth and emotional resonance, exploring themes of trauma, addiction, and loss through the protagonist's experiences. Players appreciate the gradual unfolding of the narrative across multiple playthroughs, with various endings and lore elements that encourage replayability. However, some reviewers note that the repetitive gameplay can detract from the overall experience, and the story's delivery through random events may lead to frustration in fully grasping the plot.
- “The good: it has a reasonably compelling story and the late 1990's aesthetic is as adorable as the demons themselves.”
- “The storyline is pretty interesting - leaving you enough to be curious for more without feeling disappointed.”
- “The well-crafted storyline is complemented by well-developed characters and intriguing plot twists that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire game.”
- “Sadly, after several games (if you're grinding out the embalm 100 bodies achievement), the story starts to wear on you and you start wishing that you can skip all the cutscene/story sequences.”
- “The story does feel rather short and lacking, and there isn't much more to do if you successfully figure out the demon name and so on.”
- “The game is not a single linear storyline; you're tasked with doing complex tasks while dealing with all the activity around you, and you're timed while doing it.”
gameplay
311 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
24%
63%
13%
The gameplay of "The Mortuary Assistant" is characterized by a repetitive loop of embalming tasks and demon investigations, which can become tedious over time despite the initial engagement and unique mechanics. Players appreciate the atmospheric horror elements and procedural scares that vary with each playthrough, but many note that the gameplay can feel clunky and is often hindered by bugs and a lack of clear instructions. Overall, while the game offers a solid foundation and intriguing premise, its repetitive nature and technical issues may limit long-term enjoyment.
- “Addictive gameplay loop and amazing procedural scares so no two playthroughs truly feel the same.”
- “The gameplay itself is both challenging and rewarding.”
- “The combination of embalming and investigating demons makes the gameplay thrilling and rewarding.”
- “The gameplay consists of you doing the same tasks over and over while cliché jumpscares and cheap shocks go on in the background.”
- “The gameplay loop becomes quickly tedious and samey, and you'll spend quite a lot of time repeating the same menial tasks for minimal payoff.”
- “The only criticism I have is that after a few shifts as the mortuary assistant, all mechanics and secrets are explored, and the game starts feeling a bit routine and repetitive as a result.”
atmosphere
205 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
55%
44%
1%
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its eerie and immersive qualities, effectively creating a sense of dread and tension throughout the gameplay. Reviewers highlight the combination of excellent sound design, detailed visuals, and subtle scares that enhance the overall experience, making it a standout in the horror genre. While some players note a reliance on jump scares, many appreciate the game's focus on building a psychologically unsettling environment that keeps them on edge.
- “Fantastic visuals, horrifyingly tense atmosphere, excellent sound design, and replayability through the roof!”
- “The atmosphere is very heavy and creepier than anything Hollywood can come up with.”
- “The atmosphere created by the developer, combined with the music and sound effects and the unsettling nature of the game create quite the immersive experience.”
- “The randomness of the jump scares, the realism of the embalming, the overall unsettling atmosphere; this game will make even the most seasoned horror game veteran’s stomach turn.”
- “The atmosphere just doesn't set up the atmosphere needed to really have those subtle scares pay off continually.”
- “It's a shame because I really liked the feel and atmosphere of the game.”
replayability
138 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
42%
56%
2%
The game boasts high replayability due to its multiple endings, randomized events, and unique scares that keep each playthrough fresh. While many players appreciate the variety and depth, some note that the gameplay can become repetitive after several runs, potentially diminishing the overall experience. Overall, it offers a compelling reason to return, especially for those seeking to uncover all the secrets and endings.
- “Multiple endings highlight its replayability.”
- “The random events in this game make it replayable and also really scary.”
- “The replayability is through the roof because everything is randomized.”
- “The game felt a little short and you would think they would balance that by enhancing the replayability aspect, but unfortunately that wasn't the case for me; it felt a little repetitive once you finished it once or twice with the same events happening every game and few new changes every run.”
- “The problem I have is that after ~10 hours, it really loses replayability.”
- “While it is designed to be replayable, all of the content can be found in under 10 runs of the game.”
graphics
112 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
53%
9%
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with many players praising the detailed and immersive visuals that enhance the horror experience, particularly during the embalming process. However, some users note issues such as graphical glitches, inconsistent performance, and a need for updates to improve clarity. Overall, while the aesthetics and atmosphere are generally well-received, there are calls for enhancements to address technical shortcomings.
- “The game's graphics are top-notch, with detailed and realistic environments that add to the overall immersion.”
- “The graphics and animations are great; the voice acting is incredible!”
- “With a captivating storyline, beautiful visuals, and immersive sound design, this game will take you on a journey you won't soon forget.”
- “This game is admittedly a bit overpriced given its graphics and occasional textural issues.”
- “On top of all these technical issues, the game's visuals were subpar at best.”
- “The graphics and character movement is crap, plus full of bugs.”
stability
75 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
4%
99%
The game is widely reported to be quite buggy, with numerous players experiencing game-breaking glitches that require restarts, such as disappearing bodies, unresponsive controls, and issues with NPC interactions. While some users noted minimal glitches and enjoyed the core gameplay, the overall consensus is that the game's stability significantly detracts from the experience, leading to frustration and diminished replayability. Despite ongoing updates from the developers, many players recommend waiting for further fixes before diving in.
- “Its jumpscares are randomized, so each time you play, it's always a new and fun experience with little to no glitches.”
- “The game runs smoothly without any major issues, providing a stable and enjoyable gameplay experience.”
- “I appreciate how the game maintains a consistent frame rate, making for a seamless and immersive experience.”
- “From start to finish, my gaming experience was marred by constant glitches and frustrating problems that prevented me from enjoying the game in any meaningful way.”
- “The current state of the game is quite buggy and lacking a lot of polish, including rampant game-breaking bugs requiring restarts, lack of guidance, typos, and very unreliable ways to beat the game.”
- “It's a little bit buggy; once a body got completely stuck and I couldn't embalm it.”
grinding
58 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
2%
10%
88%
The grinding aspect of the game is frequently described as tedious and repetitive, with players noting that the embalming process and other tasks become monotonous after a few shifts. While the horror elements and jump scares can provide some excitement, many reviewers feel that the gameplay loop lacks variety and can feel like busywork, especially when pursuing achievements. Overall, while the game has creative elements, the grinding nature detracts from the overall experience for many players.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “The gameplay loop becomes quickly tedious and samey, and you'll spend quite a lot of time repeating the same menial tasks for minimal payoff.”
- “After you've played long enough, it does end up feeling a bit tedious if you're trying to go for all the endings or achievements.”
- “The process of embalming gets tedious by shift 3, though.”
humor
38 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
97%
3%
The humor in the game is a standout feature, with many players finding it unexpectedly funny amidst the horror elements. Reviews highlight a mix of slapstick moments, ironic situations, and amusing animations that often lead to laughter rather than fear. While some players noted that the humor can sometimes overshadow the intended scares, the overall consensus is that the game provides a fun and entertaining experience, especially when played with friends.
- “It's scary, it's funny, it's intriguing, and it had Christmas lights.”
- “Also, I got this around Christmas, and the seasonal themes were hilarious. My friends and I decided there was a string of mall Santa murders to explain why Santa was always there.”
- “Many scares will repeat, and really you just start laughing at how goofy it all is.”
music
33 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
18%
73%
9%
The music in the game is described as haunting and atmospheric, effectively enhancing the tension and sense of unease throughout the experience. While some players appreciate the minimalistic approach, with silence amplifying the horror, others enjoy the beautiful soundtrack and sound design that contribute to the overall immersion. Overall, the sound effects and music are praised for their ability to create a compelling and eerie atmosphere, though opinions vary on the reliance on jump scares versus a more subtle auditory experience.
- “The haunting soundtrack further enhances the atmosphere, effectively building tension and adding to the sense of unease.”
- “The hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, filled with somber melodies and ambient sounds, sets the tone and enhances the emotional impact of each scene.”
- “Some phenomenal voice acting performances here, especially from the demonic entities, and lots of fantastic sound effects and music that really add to the horror of the overall experience.”
- “There was almost no soundtrack, barely any story except for a guilt-driven 'you did drugs now let me possess you' scene, and the gameplay was redundant and repetitive.”
- “There's no background music, just pin drop silence which makes it even scarier.”
- “There's no music, really, just sounds.”
emotional
21 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its ability to evoke a wide range of feelings, from deep despair to heartwarming moments, often leaving players in tears. The narrative is both touching and terrifying, with strong voice acting and a haunting soundtrack that enhance the immersive experience. Many players resonate with the themes of anxiety and depression, finding the story both relatable and profoundly impactful.
- “Some of the endings are emotional roller-coasters and others bury you in a pit of despair.”
- “The story is very good and heartbreaking at the same time... I almost teared up. One of the endings was so wholesome. The voice acting is very good!”
- “As someone like the main character, I too suffer from anxiety and depression, and the experiences of the character and this game are wonderful and accurate. It was literally a revisit to some dark places at points in this game and my life, so this review is very personal and emotional.”
optimization
11 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
36%
28%
36%
The game is plagued by significant optimization issues, with frequent frame rate drops and stuttering even on high-end systems, making it frustratingly unplayable for many users. While some players noted minimal performance hiccups and enjoyed the core gameplay and voice acting, the overwhelming presence of bugs and technical problems detracts from the overall experience. Overall, the game requires better optimization to fully realize its potential.
- “The game requires a bit higher configuration or is not very well optimized.”
- “Runs smoothly, minus the janky turns with the embalming table (may have just been me).”
- “A few moments where the game seemed to 'hitch' or drop frames, but it was extremely minimal and never hindered your performance in-game.”
- “First and foremost, the game suffers from severe performance issues.”
- “Even on a high-end gaming rig, the frame rate would frequently drop to unbearable levels, causing significant stuttering and lag.”
- “The overwhelming number of bugs, technical issues, and poor performance make it an unplayable mess.”
character development
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
33%
Character development in the game is more substantial than anticipated, offering layers that become more apparent with each replay, enhancing the overall experience. However, some players feel that despite this depth, the story itself lacks complexity and fails to compensate for the poor character designs.
- “There's also a bit more character development than expected, so it is worth playing through at least a few times.”
- “It goes beyond being a simple spook fest, as well, with some nicely hidden character development that you get more and more of each time you replay and do another shift.”
- “I was ready to forget about the really bad character designs for a good story, but the story isn't even that good; it's not even that deep.”