Pathologic 3

Pathologic 2 is one of my all time favourite games, and for a long time I accepted we wouldn't get P3. So when I heard it was being released I was overjoyed, having finally played it, I can confirm it is a stunning and unique addition to the Pathologic series. To get the elephant in the room out of the way; yes it is vastly different in terms of gameplay from Patho 2 and Classic. The survival mechanics of the other 2 are gone, and in many regards the gameplay isn't as 'sandbox' like as its predecessors. Instead the game is more a 'decision based' story game, with the main mechanic being the 'time travel one' - in which you can endlessly replay decisions and days provided you have the unique resource available. The main difference for me, is that Patho 2 was just about 'making it to the end' as best as you can, but Patho 3 is more about making the right decisions, using hindsight knowledge to revisit days and fix things, do things differently, uncover secrets and find your perfect ending. A detective game, a puzzle solving mystery and a completionists dream. The unique time travel mechanic is so well done, it makes it compelling and addictive and I have done nothing but play this game since I started. That being said the game isn't unrecognisable from P2 and there is plenty here for vets of the series. The Mania/Apathy system is the main 'survival' mechanic of the game, where you need to try and keep balance between the two. Apathy is deadly; slowing you down to a crawl and draining the game's most valuable resource; Amalgam - the time travel fluid. So instead of food, you make sure you have plenty of medicines to balance this system out. Combat is far simplified and tbh is the part of the game that feels most stripped back. There's no melee at all, and you only have your pistol. And you don't really need to fire it (aside from a few story moments) - as you can just hold bandits in place by aiming at them. It does feel less free form and sandboxy in this department. However one aspect I loved, was the town management and the 'diagnosis' system. Aside from making the 'right choices', Danil needs to keep the town alive to day 12, but lowering the plague and unrest levels. He does this by diagnosing key patients and developing a new vaccine each day and by ordering Decrees. As head of the Emergency command, you have the right to issue commands in order to lower unrest and keep the plague in check - it is a fun town management aspect. The Town keeps its beautiful, weird and mysterious atmosphere and the characters are as compelling as ever. Interacting from Danil's perspective while crossing paths with Artemy and Clara is really fascinating. Characters like Eva, Yulia, Maria and Karminski all stood out to me. Long story short, the town is still here, you can still explore it and you still need to manage your time and fight the plague. However some elements are undoubtably stripped back from prior entries. But these mechanics are replaced with new ones; the Time Travel, Decision making/unmaking, Decrees and Diagnosis. I think that if this launched in Patho 2, as Danil's Story ALONGSIDE the 'classic' gameplay of Artemy - there would be no negativity. As this style of gameplay - suits Danil's story and then for those who want the classic experience, you have Artemy - who has a more grounded and bloody gameplay experience. Yet ofc that didn't happen, and P3 is perhaps not what people wanted in a standalone game with the Pathologic title on it - and so I understand the negativity. However if you accept the game for what it is, and engage with its systems, I promise you it is addicted and a memorable new entry in this great franchise. I have had a blast