So, I hope the title is cryptic enough. I thought about writing a completely confusing review as a statement that not all of the things exist to be completely understood. But since I can't compete with Pathologic writing neither in skill nor in artfulness, I'll desist. If anything truthful can be said about this game, it is that you are going to be surprised. Your existing gaming experience could make it more of a bad surprise, but since you are here on GOG, you might be better prepared than others. My honest opinion is that this game is 4 out of 5. It really has some issues with keeping the player actually playing this game. It has one of the best stories ever told in the game industry, game mechanics are engaging and the town is mysterious. But somehow you are constantly being pushed away from the game by its depressing atmosphere, sometimes monotonous and repetitive (to a certain point) process and storyline conundrums. But because it is such a unique experience, I gave it 5 stars. For me, this game is of unique genre – time management game. Labyrinthine town layout with multiple dead ends, slow walking pace, complex item exchange system, survival mechanics even opening cupboards and filling empty bottles serve the purpose of reducing players time. Basically every and each mechanic in this game serves one purpose: to deprive player of valuable time. When you stop seeing multiple survival gauges pending your attention and instead start to see only one real meter behind it, which is time, after that the game becomes much more clear. Developers describe their game as decision making simulator. Even making the proper turn and not making it while traveling from A to B could be life-changing. The time pressure is there to make your decisions really matter. This is one of the few games, where you have to optimize your way of thinking, not your reflexes or tactics. You can’t loot your way to the win here or LMB spam all the enemies. Just cope as best as you can
