First Impressions - and After Verdict- A Mortician's Tale

When I was 8 years old, I had to write a small report on what I wanted to be when I grew up. I had a few choices:

• Tattoo Artist
• Indiana Jones
• Mortician

I've been a tattoo artist, Indiana Jones is kind of a lofty goal, but working in the funeral industry has always been something I've always wanted to do, for whatever reason. Maybe it was because my uncle would talk about his time in the business before going into nursing, who knows? What I am sure of, is that it stayed with me. All throughout school, I did reports, slide shows, and countless other presentations on the subject.

So, imagine my interest when I hear about a sim coming out on Steam called A Mortician's Tale. I had it wishlisted for a long time, and then, last month, I find out that it's coming out before Halloween. Today, I got a message on my Steam app telling me it was out, so, of course, I picked it up immediately.

I've only screenshotted and am reviewing the first few cases, but here's what I've found in the small time that I've played.

First thing that I noticed was the art design. It almost reminds me of the design for Costume Quest, but the proportions on the bodies were a lot more anatomically correct. The color scheme is primarily shades of purple (reminds me of The Birthday Massacre album covers, oddly enough), with your objectives in gold. It's easy to look at, and I really like the overall art style. 

As far as story goes, you play as a girl named Charlie, and you're new to this "Mom and Pop" funeral home. You get your introductions through your computer, to which you get messages from your old friend who moved to London, check a monthly newsletter, communicate with co-workers and get missions.

When you accept a mission, you go directly out of the computer screen, and directly to work. The work area is pretty straight-forward. Since the introduction mission is on the table, you just head over and click. 

Once you enter the body screen, you'll see your tools sitting to the side. What I like about the setup of this screen I that it all generally goes in steps. Where other games dealing with surgery, for example, have the items all over the place, even when those items are supposed to go in steps, this actually has them in order, which makes it less frustrating to deal with. The mission itself tells you what you need to do. With this first lady, she just needed cleaned up, so you just click the sponge, and get her cleaned. Once prep is done, you head to pay respects. This is where I started to get impressed. 

What impressed me, specifically, was that, with any other game, they would have just had nonsense, generic phrases, or maybe no text at all with the family members. Instead, what you find is well thought-out speech that's individual to each case.

One of the  rewarding factors is getting emails like this, thanking the funeral home for it's work from the family after the service. Again, with other games, the emails might end up being generic, whereas these have depth. For example, in the same set of messages, you also get a thoughtful story from your coworker about his first time going to a funeral.

It should be noted that also, with the explanation of what to do next during your procedures, it not only gives you instructions, but also gives you a short explanation as to why you're doing what you're doing, which is not only helpful from a gamer stance, but from a learning perspective.

Besides the embalming route, there's also cremation, which, also gives you information on how and why things are done as they are.

Once you have taken her necklace off of her, it's time to put her in, and then the process of putting the remains into an urn begins.

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So far, I've really enjoyed the in-depth text and small details that are put into the game. The information is helpful and it gets easy to get attached to what you're doing and wanting to be respectful to the families and deceased that pass through. More than that, there seems to be a developing story that's happening with your boss that I'm curious to see where it's headed.

If you pick it up now, there's a 20% discount on steam, and if you get the bundled edition with the soundtrack, it's a 24% discount. If you're into sims and more visual novel type stuff, then this may be right for you.

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Verdict - Spoiler Free

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I wasn't planning on doing an actual update to this blog entry particularly, but honestly, after beating the game, I felt that it was important to go over some things before a person might buy it. 

While the first bit of the game feels like you're just starting to get into it, you quickly realize that it's just the same thing over and over. What I mean by that is that it keeps giving you instruction, even after you've performed the procedures multiple times. 

The story does, in fact, go forward, but after about 6 months, completely stops and fasts forwards you to the end, which is my biggest gripe. the ending can be reached in less than an hour, and for what normally goes for $15, I just didn't find it worth it. 

At the moment, the Steam review section is mixed, but many people have the same complaints about how they liked the game, and they would want to recommend it, but don't feel right because the price doesn't match what you get for it. 

So ultimately, it looks like a lot of people like the direction it was going, and was excited to get into it, but due to the length, price, and the lack of story towards what would have been the end of the first half of the game, they couldn't recommend. 

As for me, I think if it goes down in price, I would recommend it. It's got some good information in it, and does well with making you feel for the families. $5 range might be something I would consider. 

10 Spooky Games to Get You in the Halloween Mood - 10-6

If you're like me, it might be like Halloween everyday, but in the month of October, you just go a bit more out with it. When it comes to my tv, music, and even gaming habits, I always try to get myself in the mood for the 31st.

With that said, I had written something like this a long time ago, but since the list needed updated, I thought I would go ahead and type it up here. Here are my 10 games that get me in the Halloween mood. These games will either have general horror elements, or are just really creepy. I will include Mature games in with games for younger kids if that's what you're looking for. Here's how we'll rate it.

* = Kid friendly
** = Better for older kids
*** = Mature

10: Ghost Master *

From Steam:

Grim spectres, howling banshees, and sly gremlins are yours to command as you unleash ghastly spirits on the town of Gravenville and scare the wits out of its citizens. In the world of the Ghost Master, spooks do your bidding, as you solve puzzles and unlock mysteries in a challenge that combines the best of strategy, adventure, and resource management games.

• Up to 15 unique, hair-raising adventures with multi-branching scenarios - all within a coherent plot and complete virtual world.
• Spook's-eye view - an innovative 3-D camera lets you view the action from the perspective of humans or ghosts.
• Revolutionary special effects, incredibly detailed characters, and macabre settings inspired by classic horror films.
• Groundbreaking artificial intelligence-interact with up to 30 AI-driven characters at every level.
• Eleven expansive and distinctive locations, including the town's lunatic asylum, military base, sorority and frat houses, and police station.

Why it's recommended: 

Ghost Master is one of those games that I had a hard time finding back in the day. When Steam came around though, I was able to snatch this up for cheap-like. 

The gameplay is pretty straight forward in theory. You control ghosts. Find the right ghosts for the job, place them, and try to complete the objectives. The first few are fairly easy, but after that, things get a bit more complicated. Not only do the objectives start to get more challenging, but you also have other spirits who are trapped in the level that you should free. To free them, however, you will have to do their own side objectives. 

Ghost Master is on Steam for $4.99.

9. Slayaway Camp *-**

From Steam: 

Experience a new dimension of gut-blasting terror as an unspeakable killing force of skull-faced killing maims and kills his way through smart-mouthed, over-sexed, substance-abusing young adults. No victim is safe… no law enforcement enforces the law enough… and no animals are harmed… in the summer horror blockbuster smash hit of 1984.

Slayaway Camp is a killer puzzle where you control Skullface, a psychotic slasher bent on slaughtering camp counselors at the title campground. Depicted in colourful voxel graphics, this adorable murderer slides around isometric puzzle levels decapitating, squashing, and perforating his blocky victims. It’s a diabolical logic game that also happens to be a bloody tribute to eighties trash horror.

Why it's recommended: 

I own this game on Android, PC, and probably on PS4 when it's released. I put a rating for Everyone - Older kids due to blood. That's up to you to decide what you're okay with. My boys love this title. 

This game is an ode to the 80's horror genre, and often times while playing, I find myself reminiscing about a time when I would stand for what seemed like hours in the video store, looking at dusty boxes of B-horror films (Dr. Giggles, anyone?). The puzzles are simple in theory. You're a killer, and your job is to eliminate the people, and get out by way of a glowing inverted pentacle. The game, of course, gets more challenging as you go along, to the point that you're about to rip your hair out.

It also has a grind mode where you have to stop the line in the designated area You win coins by doing this, and those coins can go to a variety of things, including new random killers. 

It's an addictive time killer with a really nice retro horror feel to it. 

8. The Last Crown - Midnight Horror **

 From Steam:

Halloween: the veil between our world and the 'otherside' is at its weakest. Witches celebrate Samhain, a Celtic festival from the old religion, conjuring the dead and communing with the spirits. Nigel Danvers, ghost-hunter, knows all about the ghosts that dwell in the darkness, he has seen plenty to convince him there are dark forces at work. So, why is Halloween so different? Dusting down his old ghost-hunting gadgets, Nigel gets to work. Something is haunting the guest rooms above the local harbour side pub, The Bear. Who or what hides in the shadowy corners of the old Inn? What is the presence at the end of the Harbour Wall? Nigel has one night to find out, before the veil returns to full strength, and the Halloween Horror is gone, for another year.

• A classic point and click adventure.
• An intermezzo between The Lost Crown and The Last Crown: Blackenrock.
• A story driven plot by Jonathan Boakes (Dark Fall, The Lost Crown).
• Test your detective skills to uncover a paranormal mystery.
• Utilise an array of ghost-hunting gadgets to see and hear the spirit world.
• Interact with the Saxton locals, in your pursuit of the truth.
• Dabble in the Dark Arts, on Samhain, like the witches of old.
• Collect ghostly evidence, to scrutinise for clues.
• Play several Halloween Party games, many with a supernatural twist.
• Practise your Psychometry skills, with local white wicca, Nanny Noah.
• Full cast audio and music, plus atmospheric sound effects.
• Play Trick and Treat, at your peril!

Why it's recommended: 

It should be noted that it is a relatively short game, however, if you're into the point and click genre and Halloween, then this is probably the game for you. The graphics look a bit outdated, but the use of color and black/white is great. I went in not expecting anything, but ended up enjoying it for it's atmosphere and spirit. 

7. Welcome to the Game ***

From Steam: 

Welcome to the Game is a creepy horror / puzzle game that takes you into the world of the Deep Web. Explore the Deep Web with the sole purpose of trying to find a Red Room, an online service / website that allows you to see and participate in interactive torture and murder.

Welcome to the Game puts you behind a computer screen to explore the deep web. You are challenged to find 8 hidden keys throughout the deep web to build the Red Rooms URL. During this process, you are challenged with hidden puzzles on the Deep Web, have to solve mini puzzle games to prevent from getting hacked and there may or may not be kidnappers trying to kidnap you. Experience the true horror and eeriness of what is really out there on the deep web without actually going on the deep web.

Why it's recommended: 

If you're into atmospheric point and click puzzles, then this is for you. This game was put on this list for those who are looking for a game to play with the lights out and headphones on. Paranoia is an understatement when we're talking about this game. There's also a sequel coming out this month as well, so getting a start on the original is a good idea. 

6. Layers of Fear ***

From Steam: 

You take another drink as the canvas looms in front of you. A light flickers dimly in the corner. You’ve created countless pieces of art, but never anything like…this. Why haven’t you done this before? It seems so obvious in retrospect. Your friends, critics, business partners—soon, they’ll all see. But something’s still missing…

You look up, startled. That melody… Was that a piano? It sounded just like her… But, no—that would be impossible. She’s gone. They’re all gone.
Have to focus. How long has it taken to get to this point? Too long, but it doesn’t matter. There will be no more distractions. It’s almost finished. You can feel it. Your creation. Your Magnum Opus.

Dare you help paint a true Masterpiece of Fear? Layers of Fear is a first-person psychedelic horror game with a heavy focus on story and exploration. Delve deep into the mind of an insane painter and discover the secret of his madness, as you walk through a vast and constantly changing Victorian-era mansion. Uncover the visions, fears and horrors that entwine the painter and finish the masterpiece he has strived so long to create.


Game Features:
• Psychedelic horror – A sense of insanity means each turn of the camera may completely change the look of your surroundings.
• Victorian setting – Explore a game world inspired by masterpiece paintings, architecture and décor from the 19th century.
• Original and classic art – Numerous pieces of original art and music flesh out the story and environment.
• Story-focused exploration – Only through exploring the environment can you uncover the details of the painter’s dark and tragic past.

Why it's recommended: 

I heard about this from my friend that works at Gamestop. We got to talking about horror games and he had mentioned he was playing Layers of Fear. I ended up picking it up last year during a sale on PlayStation Network and I wasn't disappointed. The atmosphere is creepy enough. Going into it and piecing together letters and objects to reveal an overall memory starts to get addictive once the story starts to unravel. The key to the game's creep factor, however, is in the way the game makes you paranoid and unsure of your actions. Often times, you find yourself not knowing what to do as you go down a hallway, turn around, and the hallway has changed completely into a room. This is another game that I would strongly recommend playing in the dark with the headphones on. 

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This is just a few to throw out. Next time, we'll get to 5-1 with a  few notable  mentions.