Wrong Organ, the studio known for the psychologically taxing game Mouthwashing, is preparing to release Carcass Clad, a stark departure from its previous work. This upcoming title is a three-player cooperative experience centered around piloting a tank through a wartorn Soviet city, engaging in combat with enemy armor. The game shifts the developer's focus from narrative-driven psychological horror to high-stakes, gameplay-focused intensity.
Gameplay lead Jeffrey Tomec explained that the team aimed to "try something entirely new, and weren't just stuck in the box of painful walking sims." Unlike Mouthwashing, which explored psychological horror and extreme human depravity through its narrative, Carcass Clad's challenge lies squarely in its demanding gameplay mechanics. "Mouthwashing was a game that’s hard in terms of narrative – Carcass Clad is a game that’s hard in terms of gameplay," Tomec stated.
Carcass Clad immerses players in the claustrophobic cockpit of a Soviet-era tank, divided among three distinct roles: Gunner, Commander, and Driver. Even the seemingly simplest role, Gunner, presents a significant challenge. The Gunner is responsible for loading shells from rotating internal cylinders into the cannon, managing spent shells, calibrating firing distances, and repairing internal damage. All of these actions are controlled via mouse, requiring precise movements to avoid errors that could prove fatal against an enemy tank.
The core of Carcass Clad's design hinges on intense player coordination. The objective is to destroy enemy tanks before succumbing to their own damage. Tomec described the horror element as "trying to work with your friends and yelling at them for not doing their job." In-game voice chat is designed to simulate the distorted audio within a tank, complete with loud engine noises and crackly communication, further heightening the sense of urgency and frustration. Players must not only execute their individual tasks but also communicate effectively and respond to each other's needs under pressure.
Executive producer Kai Moore elaborated on the game's deliberate difficulty, stating, "A game for everyone is a game for no one." Wrong Organ is intentionally crafting Carcass Clad to be less accessible, ensuring it requires focused attention rather than serving as background entertainment. This approach means players will need to be fully engaged to succeed.
Despite the demanding nature, a demonstration run saw the development team and the player successfully destroy an enemy tank, even if their own vehicle was destroyed moments later. Moore humorously declared it a win, emphasizing the shared accomplishment. Carcass Clad offers a unique cooperative experience that, while not for every player, promises a justifiable and potentially fun outlet for simulated stress and intense teamwork.
Travel and accommodation to Gamescom were provided by Hooded Horse.