In the September edition of the DreadXP Dispatch, we’ll spotlight some hellish highlights including upcoming games, updates to existing titles, and the thrilling reveal of The Mortuary Assistant movie!
Released earlier this year in Steam Early Access, Dread Delusion continues to provide players with horrors beyond comprehension. A cosmically terrifying open world RPG reminiscent of the works of H.P Lovecraft and The Elder Scrolls, Dread Delusion’s use of retro-PS1 style graphics and deeply disturbing lore has netted it a “Very Positive” rating on Steam and praise from press. Additionally, as of August 29, the adventure is fully Steam Deck compatible!
Looking to continually improve the experience, developer Lovely Hellplace has released another big Early Access update. Revealed during Realms Deep, this update includes something many RPG players crave: Player Housing! This will grant the player a personal space to adorn with the spoils of their travels and exploits, from artifacts and equipment to paintings. In addition to other quality of life updates, such as the implementation of the parry/block mechanic, this update will continue to push the RPG elements of the game, and lay the foundation for later iterations.
Here’s what critics are saying about Dread Delusion:
- “'Dread Delusion' feels like Lovecraft made an Elder Scrolls game.” - Inverse
- “[A] vibrant, bold colour palette and a handcrafted open world,” - PCGamesN
- “Dread Delusion is shaping up to be something incredibly special.” - PC Gamer
- “...Dread Delusion is already very much worth it.” - PC Invasion
Originally a game jam project, SPOOKWARE showed so much potential that DreadXP simply could not pass up helping to establish the fun and frightening IP. In episode one, players join three skelebros (Lefti, Midi, and Righti) on a killer road trip, playing over 100 handcrafted, fast-paced, horror-inspired microgames along the way. Blending arcade-style microgame medleys with classic adventure games, each microgame is carefully interwoven within the spine-tingling story.
Now, here’s a treat: DreadXP has revealed a surprise announcement of SPOOKWARE Episode 2! Announced today during Realms Deep, Episode 2 expands on the trios’ adventure by catching up with them after the scariest possible scenario: being arrested for tax evasion. Picking up in Chapter 4, the skelebros are tossed into a maximum security prison for their crimes. Up to three players will explore the vast prison and play through themed microgames, all in an effort to devise and execute a daring escape. Chapter 5 sees the trio on a train, showcasing something devilishly unique: full 3-D movement, allowing the player to traverse obstacles in a completely new perspective not before seen in the title.
Want to give the game a spin? Feel free to fill out the SPOOKWARE Review Key Request Form: https://uberstrategist.link/SPOOKWARE-KeyRequest.
In case you missed the news, a film adaptation of overnight cult hit The Mortuary Assistant is on the way, with pre-production already in full swing.
Since its launch in early August 2022, the supernatural horror title has taken the internet by storm, achieving a top 10 streamed games spot on Twitch, becoming a Top Seller on Steam, and establishing itself prominently in gaming TikTok.
“There's a quiet, unnerving intensity to The Mortuary Assistant that creeps into the player, creating a sense that something terrible could happen at any moment,” said the film’s writer and director, Jeremiah Kipp. “Writing the adaptation, I wanted to celebrate all of the game that terrified me as well as create a companion piece to it — honoring the dense creepy world developer Brian Clarke (DarkStone Digital) made and translating it into the visual storytelling and character driven horror of narrative filmmaking(…)”
Looking to experience the game yourself? We welcome you to fill out The Mortuary Assistant Review Request Form: https://uberstrategist.link/TheMortuaryAssistant-KeyRequest.
Cosmically cute eldritch dating sim Sucker for Love: First Date quickly became a fan favorite, fulfilling the ultimate fantasy: wooing and then dating an elder god. Now, we have some deliciously exciting news: Sucker for Love is getting a sequel! Kyaa~
Titled Sucker for Love: Date to Die For, the sequel teaser trailer was dropped during DreadXP’s attendance at PAX West. Featuring a new protagonist, new love interests, and new occultic rituals, the second installment to this occult classic is scheduled to release later this year. Now that you’re very experienced in the ways of Lovecraftian romance, the sequel should be a piece of cake…right?
Sucker for Love: Date to Die For Teaser Trailer:
[YouTube] https://uberstrategist.link/SFL2-YT
[Download] https://uberstrategist.link/SFL2-DL
That’s all she wrote! Be sure to keep an eye out for future DreadXP Dispatches, where we’ll always fill you in on the frightening and grisly goings on of this delightfully dreadful indie horror publisher.
Follow and engage with DreadXP on Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, and join the community on Discord.