Pathologic

The player can select one of the three playable healers listed by their honorifics: The Bachelor (Daniil Dankovsky), Haruspex (Artemy Burakh), and The Devotress, Klara (later re-translated as "The Changeling, Clara"). Only the former two may be played at the beginning of Pathologic, as Clara must be unlocked after completing the game with either the Bachelor or Haruspex. The questlines which are available will depend on the character that is being played. The other unselected characters are present in the town throughout each others' storylines, who at certain points in gameplay the player may encounter.

Each character has a different Mission detailed in their quest book, however, the game's objective is to survive the twelve playable days. Pathologic takes place in a perpetual world over a timeframe of twelve in-game days. Throughout each day, the player receives quests from non-player characters (NPCs); however, the game continues regardless of whether they are completed or not. At exactly midnight of each day, the quests are erased from the player's notebook.

Regardless of the player's choice in player character, each of the three healers tries to uncover the source of a strange lethal sickness known as the "sand plague" that has befallen a small, remote town. Although players can play as each of them, there is only one base storyline, which is seen from the three different points of views of the chosen player character. Minor plot details will change depending on the player, and the ability to uncover some secrets depends on which character is being played. The player may also interact with the other two unchosen characters and discuss their progress throughout the game.

The game's fluctuating economy represents the harsh forces of supply and demand in an isolated, disease-ridden town. All districts and major buildings of the town are named after body parts and biology. On the edge of town, there is a great building named the Polyhedron, a physically impossible structure used as a fortress by children. On the opposite side lies an ominous cattle-slaughtering Abattoir, with a dormitory known as the Apiary (later re-translated as "Termitary") next to it.

Pathologic was the first game developed by Russian studio Ice-Pick Lodge. The game was announced by Russian publisher Buka Entertainment on 30 March 2004, intending to release in the last quarter of the year. The native Russian version of the game was released to manufacturing on 31 May 2005, for release on 9 June. The English-localised version was completed on 20 November 2005 and released by G2 Games in 2006. A German version was published by Frogster Interactive Pictures on 20 April 2006 after being released to manufacturing earlier that month.

In Russia, Pathologic was critically acclaimed, winning year-end accolades from five Russian outlets. However, its reception in English-speaking countries has been mixed, being both praised for its atmosphere and concept, while panned for its poor translation, outdated graphics and slow-paced gameplay.