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When discussing games that leave a lasting impression on the player, the Pathologic series consistently rises to the top of my list. Developed by a Russian studio, Ice-Pick Lodge, Pathologic and Pathologic 2 are far from your typical gaming experiences.
The games are bleak, challenging and often unsettling. Yet, these qualities make them so memorable and rewarding. Let’s dive right into why the series holds a special place in my heart.
A World Like No Other
It all started with the debut of the first Pathologic game in 2015, which was an instantaneous hit among players. A few years later, Pathologic 2 was released, offering the same intensity and horror. The third game of the series is currently in production and planned to be released this year, 2025.
In the games, the town feels alive, with its streets full of desperate citizens trying to survive, ominous figures and the suffocating presence of the sand plague. In both games, every corner of the world tells a story.
Uncompromising Storytelling
Modern games have learned to target psychology to keep players hooked, and the Pathologic games, though older, are no exception. The Pathologic games don’t just tell a story; they immerse you in it. Both games feature a complex and layered narrative full of philosophical questions, moral dilemmas and unsettling revelations.
The games’ refusal to provide easy answers or comforting resolutions is a testament to their amazing storytelling.
A Test of Endurance
Pathologic games are notorious for their difficulty, and this is no mistake. The game mechanics of the Pathologic series, which include resource scarcity, time pressure and a constant threat of disease, are all designed to make you feel the weight of your characters’ struggles.
Themes That Resonate
The Pathologic series is unique in that it explores profound themes, unlike other games. Like games like Layers of Fear, the Pathologic games use psychological tension to provoke introspection and unease.
Both Pathologic games explore the nature of death, sacrifice and the human condition, making you think about the experience long after you’re done playing. The plague itself is a metaphor for societal collapse, moral corruption and the fragility of life, making the message of the games as relevant today as it was when they were released.
pathologic 2 is one of the most intelligent and unique games you could possibly ever find with themes and text as dense as an actual novel and this is still what it feels like playing it pic.twitter.com/IhH0BdVmrt
— yimmy ☝️🤓 🔜 kumoricon L5 (@yimmygee) March 11, 2021
A Cult Classic with Soul
While the series may not have achieved mainstream success, it has earned a devoted following for its ambition and originality. The original Pathologic’s rough edges have a way of adding to its charm, while Pathologic 2 refines the experience without losing sight of what made the experience special.
Final Thoughts
Pathologic games aren’t just games. They are an experience that stays with you. The series reminds me of what games can be when they prioritize artistic vision over mass appeal. For their thought-provoking narratives, unforgettable atmosphere and difficulty, Pathologic 1 and Pathologic 2 remain two of my favorite games ev
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Heya, I’m Asad (Irre) Kashif! I’ve been writing about anything and everything since as far back as I can remember. Professionally, I started writing five years ago, working both as a ghostwriter and writing under my own name. As a published author and a council member in Orpheus, my journey in the world of writing has been fulfilling and dynamic.
I still cherish the essays I wrote about my favorite PS2 games, and I’m thrilled to have transformed my passion for game journalism into a career. I’m a theory crafter for Genshin Impact (and now Wuthering Waves) and have a deep love for roguelites and roguelikes. While I prefer indie games for their distinct aesthetic and vibes, I do enjoy triple-A games occasionally. I’ve also been playing League since season 6, and I main Akali! I have a keen interest in discovering and playing more obscure games, as well as researching forgotten titles. Additionally, I am a front-end programmer who dabbles a bit in gamedev occasionally.
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