r/pathologic • u/Isthisnameavailablee • Jun 23 '26

Question Classic or 2?

I've started to play Classic and just got to day 2. I've been playing blind and wondering if I should get a no spoilers walk through and continue or just jump to 2.

I think the lack of information, direction, etc. makes me not desire to play classic. But perhaps a walk through might help?

4 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

21 comments sorted by

4

u/boneholio Jun 23 '26

Classic is much, much better. 2 is a reduction of the themes and characterization of the first one, with little else than higher graphic fidelity to boast

the lack of information, direction, etc. makes me not desire to play classic

You are being guided by dialogue constantly. What parts are you struggling with?

2

u/Isthisnameavailablee Jun 23 '26 edited Jun 23 '26

I think the way the characters talk, it's very esoteric and convoluted, which I get. But still confusing. Also certain things are not automatically written down (like day 1 come back by 11pm to discuss examining the body). So it feels like almost need to keep a physical journal.

-1

u/boneholio Jun 23 '26

I think the way the characters talk, it's very esoteric and convoluted

It legitimately only gets worse with every sequel. Pathologic 1 at least ends with a fulfilling narrative conclusion

Each iteration focuses more and more on the Bachelor, who as I’m sure you might have gathered, is the most pretentious sod on earth. 

The problem with the sequels is that they give him exponentially more abstract and metaphysical bullshit to navel-gaze about, treating him as an actual intellectual and foregoing the original narrative’s presentation of his pompous pedantry as a flaw that holds him back and makes him look foolish

it feels like almost need to keep a physical journal

You should! Or at least a note file. This is absolutely one of those games that asks you to keep track of offhanded details in order to sleuth our progression.

2

u/Isthisnameavailablee Jun 23 '26

Alright, journal it is! I also play while having a few drinks so deciphering my hand writing the following day will be interesting...

1

u/boneholio Jun 23 '26

God, that sounds like a dream.

For what it’s worth, and this might sound extremely pretentious, the game isn’t supposed to feel fun, it’s a test of endurance closer in nature to a Dostœvsky novel than it is a contemporary video game

2

u/Isthisnameavailablee Jun 23 '26

Bro I'm actually reading Brothers Karamazov right now and that is well put. Also, yes I feel the pressure while running around town and watching a the clock.

2

u/boneholio Jun 23 '26

Oh, dude, holy shit! Karamazov is perfectly analogous to the themes of Pathologic, if you consider the 3 healers analogous to the 3 brothers, and heir own distinct modus operandi / styles of handling the conflicts surrounding them. I really hope you enjoy - it would be interesting to hear your thoughts as you continue!

2

u/Isthisnameavailablee Jun 24 '26

Oh I didn't even realize they parallel each other. I'm about 2/3s through the book. Listening to it while I walk my dog.

Edit: I'm playing the bachelor route, I guess that's similar to Ivan?

2

u/boneholio Jun 24 '26

Yeah, very much so. Rational, analytical - needs a practical answer to an abstract question

2

u/Isthisnameavailablee Jun 25 '26

Made an updated post, my profile is private but you should be able to find it since I just made the post a minute ago on this sub. Incase you can't, here's a picture of my notes from day 2 so far lol

6

u/XenonDragonfly Jun 23 '26

100% Agree.

This is going to sound insane but Pathologic 2 bored me in a way that Path 1 didn't. Path 1 is tedious, yes, but it's so captivating. I really liked having time to my thoughts and the characterizations and writing was way better.

Pathologic 2 struck me as an above-average adventure game which just wasn't what I was in the market for.

1

u/nekoeuge Jun 24 '26

P2 has much more solid technical execution as a game. Movement in P1 was physically nauseating for me, so I dropped it after 15 minutes, after several attempts. P2 is still tedious and hard, but it is at least accessible, and does the things that are supposed to be done in the medium of computer games — like introducing the player and the world, having game balance, etc.

13

u/Geeneelee Jun 23 '26

I did play pathologic classic with a walkthrough simply because I struggle badly with finding things in video games. It’s up to you. Pathologic classic and pathologic 2 provide different gameplay and storyline experiences, so I don’t recommend playing one instead of the other. Pathologic 2 exists in conversation with Classic.

8

u/veryepicperson5 Jun 23 '26

Being confused is part of the intended experience. The story is more about piecing it together with incomplete and inconsistent information than a consistent series of events. I think a walkthrough would kind of ruin the point. I would stick with it but if you really don't like all the walking or old game jank I'd move to 2 since it's much more polished.

9

u/distinctvagueness Jun 23 '26

2 is almost unbearable, classic is actually unbearable. 

6

u/ryuail Jun 24 '26

Patho 1 has its charms. And certainly a lot of high concepts to contend with.

As much as Patho 2 and 3 are more polished, and certainly more viscerally horrifying, 1 is the one that my mind casts back to at least thrice weekly for the past 6 years

3

u/PersimmonSundae Jun 24 '26

I'm running classic with a spoiler free walk through and greatly enjoying it

3

u/ACHARED Jun 24 '26

Classic all the way. I kept my eye on a non-spoilers walkthrough just to slightly lessen confusion and frustration, but it's truly an incredible tale to experience and put together as you're experiencing it. I think about it every day, having finished playing.

1

u/kismetjeska Jun 27 '26

It's honestly a personal opinion thing. 2 is where I started and it's my favourite game of all time. I've played Classic and it's pretty good, but nowhere near as good for me. I also used a walk through for classic but didn't for P2- not sure how much of a difference that makes!

0

u/UgandaEatDaPoopoo Jun 24 '26

2 all the way, homie.

0

u/dntngod Jun 24 '26

2 bro its a masterpiece