Thread: Pathologic (one wtf after another)

So, after reading about this game (came across it randomly looking through pages of sales) on Rock, Paper, Shotgun, and now playing it a bit, had to share a bit about it here. First off the links (that will do better then I, as they've actually played the whole thing):
Butchering Pathologic – Part 1: The Body | Rock, Paper, Shotgun
Butchering Pathologic – Part 2: The Mind | Rock, Paper, Shotgun
(haven't read part 3, and it supposedly spoils it all so you can find it if you want)

The biggest selling point of this game (to me), was the fact that the game is meant to be brutally hard. Just finishing the 2nd day so far, I'd have to agree. The first day I thought (this seems...way easy), but the 2nd day will kick you in the ass, even if you have a walkthrough. Its hard to explain why without spoiling it.

You play one of three "major" characters in the game over a series of 2 weeks (or less), with your goal to find out what is happening in this town. Everyday you progress things get worse and worse, and you'll see the town slowly change over that span (I already have on day 3!).

When it comes to quest, its an all or nothing approach. Don't finish a quest before the end of the day? tough luck, you don't get to do it again. In some cases not finishing a quest (usually the major ones so far...) can mean losing your life, or the life of someone incredibly important to your success. Side quests I believe can affect your ability to get supplies and such if you do not do some of them.

The fact that people lie is a nice touch, being this is my first playthrough I haven't noticed any lies, but that doesn't mean it isn't happening =P. Just personal opinion, I like games that actually don't mind lying to you...quite often.

What makes it (at least so far for me) brutal, is the fact you need to keep track of your hunger, exhaustion, etc. And they won't make it easy on you to really keep it in check after that first day, again though trying to avoid a spoiler (its minor but still) so can't get specific. Some people don't like the "Sims style" hunger stuff, but it really does add a major element to the game in my opinion, without it I think a good chunk of the game would be neutered.


The Positives (my opinion)
Difficulty (in an unconventional way)
Lying (who doesn't want NPCs playing you a fool? =P)
Story (its interesting, not the best but it keeps you curious)


Why is this something you've likely never heard of, or probably cheap as all hell now? well there are a few things, only one real major annoyance though

Lets get the major one out of the way, the dialogue (thankfully its written, not spoken), is flowery and just plain difficult to read. Its early on and I've already gotten confused or had to re-read 3+ times quite a bit. Its argued if this is meant, or translation issues (or both). There are some translation errors for sure as well, I don't have ones to point out, but there are times a sentence is written odd as fuck, or a word is completely missed.

The minors are the combat and the graphics. The graphics are dated, they aren't like DoS/95 crap, but they still look pretty bleh on their best day for a game that was made in 2005. The close ups on people faces don't really help much either, just making you notice how BLEH they look.

The combat is wonky as well, at least until you get a gun. I tried using a knife a few times in the game, and it was confusing how to get a hit, how to avoid getting hit (I don't think you can), etc. Guns are better just because they seem to be one shot, one kill (annoying as well).

Not mentioned, but I forgot to add, you'll walk back and forth a lot, could be an issue for some people.


Again, I don't have a link, but you should be able to find a demo out there if you are the fence after reading this or the other sites write-up. I certainly wouldn't blind buy it unless you are dead certain you'll love it. Its a weird game, plagued with flowery and confusing dialogue. Still it has a charm to it (to some, like me), that is hard to explain. It really seems to be one of those "you will love it, or absolutely hate it" type games. Make no mistake though, the difficulty (and the games "we don't give a shit if you/important characters die") is what keeps Pathologic from being a terrible game.

Oh oh! Do a review please! /takesoutmagicwandandsummonswalker