March 18, 2009 - Development studio Deep Silver recently brought an updated build of Cursed Mountain by the IGN offices so that we could have a look at the progress made. Although we were unable to play the title, now set for a September 2009 release, we did come by a better idea of what to expect from the end product by way of the expanded three-level demo. Cursed Mountain is still rough around the edges, but there's good promise. Not only is the unique story interesting -- a veteran hiker travels to the haunted Himalayas after his inexperienced younger brother goes missing there -- but the title downplays violence and gore for psychological scares.
Today, we bring you a brief interview with Deep Silver Vienna developer Martin Flipp and marketing manager Chadd McNeill, as well as a first look at genuine gameplay via direct-feed footage.
IGN: How far along is Cursed Mountain now and what's left to be done?
Martin Flipp: We are on a long journey to the proverbial summit of completion, but I'd say we are close. There are still some tricky parts ahead of us in order to reach the very top though. We are going to work very hard until we reach the summit as we want to offer all gamers the best and most authentic mountaineering experience as possible.
Chadd McNeill: ST Ramping: CM is in an early Beta build-- it has lighting, textures and balencing itemes that are in the works still.
IGN: You are using the Wii remote in a few unique ways related to the stormy mountain itself and also sound cues. Can you explain what you're doing?
Martin: With the astonishing rise of the Wii and its unique controls we thought Cursed Mountain and its innovative control system would be a perfect match for the Nintendo platform. The idea to use gestures for combat is based on real world prayers, so called mantras. Cursed Mountain uses this idea as a basis and adds some features that offer familiar and some innovative gameplay elements and game flow. We are actually using the controls to open the player's body language, forcing them to face their fears as they are fighting their enemies with the mentioned gestures. Doing so, the player will be pulled even deeper into the atmosphere of the Tibetan mountains.
IGN: Cursed Mountain isn't bloody. There are no zombies. What kind of scares are you going for?
Martin: Cursed Mountain is not meant to frighten the player with elements of blood and gore. The crucial moments in the game are more subtle, the violence is based on the ever present aggressive environment and ghosts. The threat comes from the mountain itself and the elements Eric Simmons, the main character, encounters along his journey. This will lead to body/mind and physical/spiritual experiences. Eric has to stand the cold, the wind, blizzards as well as lack of oxygen in the upper heights called the death zone. All of these extreme weather conditions are part of Eric's fight up to the summit. The biggest struggle, Eric's mental fight, takes place inside of him though. He is not sure if all the strange events are real or due to lack of oxygen and high altitude sickness. Cursed Mountain is a constant fight of Eric's sanity through the player's experience.
IGN: The game isn't set to ship until this September. What's the hold up?
Martin: When we first went public, back at the Leipzig Games Convention in 2008, we always communicated 2009 as our shelf date. That being said, we are still polishing the game in order to make sure that every player receives a unique and amazing experience.
IGN: Why do you think Wii owners should be psyched for Cursed Mountain?
Martin: Cursed Mountain is the first game that combines the elements of mountaineering, Buddhism and horror. We are offering the player a new and very unique setting on the top of the world. The background story is based on real world facts and people who are interested can dig even deeper in the history of religious rituals in the breathtaking environment of the Himalayas. Cursed Mountain is pushing the hardware to the limits and will offer the player visuals and scenic views that are completely new to the Wii. Gamers will have the opportunity to find out, how powerful their Wii console actually is.
(que infelizmente é o que acontece em filmes agora)
Fartei-me de rir, até me vieram as lágrimas! 
"LULZ!"
. 
. Nota-se a falta de polish na câmara e certas animações, mas é pre-alfa, percebe-se.
