Pathologic

[Frater_Tsalal]

Twice I've tried to play this game and both times I couldn't get into it... something about the interface I didn't care for I guess. A game I'd like to like, but...

[Malachi_Constant]

Pathologic is being remade! They changed the name to Pathologic 2 to avoid confusion but it is being developed as a remake of the original instead of a sequel. Hopefully they can smooth out interface/gameplay issues to make it easier to get into, since the graphics will obviously be improved.

[Mr. Veech]

Well, I decided to give this game another go. I've managed to reach Day 9 so far as the Bachelor. My feelings for this interactive work of art have undergone a transformation. This is perhaps one of the most impenetrable creations I've ever encountered, yet it's become something of an obsession for me. I don't know precisely what it was, but something about the game just "clicked" for me. I really do love "This Degenerate Little Town," which Ice Pick Lodge has carefully crafted.

[In A Dark Light]

Pathologic is a queer beast. It is in no way a fun game to play; in equal parts being frustrating, baffling, obscure, and relentlessly difficult. However, it remains endlessly fascinating in spite of all that. Even the language spoken by the characters, which is so unnatural as to seem like a hybrid of a philosophy textbook and a purplescent (my word) stage production, draws the player in, as though enticing them into a dream.

[Mr. Veech]

Quote Originally Posted by In A Dark Light

Pathologic is a queer beast. It is in no way a fun game to play; in equal parts being frustrating, baffling, obscure, and relentlessly difficult. However, it remains endlessly fascinating in spite of all that. Even the language spoken by the characters, which is so unnatural as to seem like a hybrid of a philosophy textbook and a purplescent (my word) stage production, draws the player in, as though enticing them into a dream.

Aside from the bleak atmosphere, I suppose what I really like is the zero-sum nature of the game's survival mechanics. You're forced to manage all sorts of trade offs, which is great because of how much it resembles actual life in which progress is something of an illusion. Part of growing up (or becoming old) is realizing that the energy used to increase one area of your life is accompanied by a corresponding decrease in another area, which is a very sobering truth to contemplate.

It's one big experiment on the nature of futility. In Pathologic you can never have your cake and eat it too - just as in the real world.

[Mr. Veech]

I know it sounds terrible, but breaking into houses and stealing food from inoccents is how I've survived so far. It's either that or death from starvation. I have to be petty if I'm to survive until day 12.

[In A Dark Light]

Quote Originally Posted by Mr. Veech

I know it sounds terrible, but breaking into houses and stealing food from inoccents is how I've survived so far. It's either that or death from starvation. I have to be petty if I'm to survive until day 12.

The thing is...how many of us would actually be more than ready to do that in real life, had food supplies become scarce enough that we'd otherwise starve? I'm willing to bet it would we more of us than we might like to think.

I'm finally playing through it as left-wing YouTuber hbomberguy made an epic-length video essay on it, and I want to understand what he's waffling about:

Pathologic is Genius, And Heres Why - YouTube

I adore the mood. It's as if Leonid Andreyev made a horror game. Poe's Masque of the Red Death is a clear influence. It also reminds me of his Shadow, a Parable.

I almost got stuck on the first damn day as I couldn't find Rubin, but I stumbled on him in some guy's house when doing another quest. I'm determined not to use a guide unless I get stumped for over a day.

It reminds me of how Siren 1 is worthwhile for its unique qualities despite not being *fun* in the traditional sense.

[In A Dark Light]

Sulmatul, the youtuber responsible for the 2+ hour analysis of Pathologic: Classic HD, recently posted his, even longer, analysis of Pathologic 2.

Dissecting Pathologic 2; The Best Game of 2019 - YouTube

I keep getting amazingly ####ed over. Twice now I have sold vital items (including my gun(s)!) to scrape by, only for a questline to reward me heavily moments later -- making my sacrifice entirely meaningless. I am making many saves in case I get stuck, but I'm determined to beat this legit.