Pathologic 3 is set to revolutionize player engagement by incorporating a time travel system. This innovative feature allows players to retrace their steps and rectify previous mistakes, enhancing the overall gaming experience. The game’s narrative starts at a failure point, enabling players to adjust their actions in the past to alter future events. Developers at Ice-Pick Lodge emphasize that this isn’t merely a gameplay gimmick, but rather the essence of the game. They aim for a system where choices matter, with specific outcomes tied to players’ actions.

The first key element introduced is a substance called “Amalgam”. By completing certain objectives or even euthanizing patients in dire situations, players can gather this resource to manipulate time and alter past events. For instance, players might jump from Day 5 back to Day 3, potentially saving a character who would otherwise meet an unfortunate end.

Moreover, players will utilize what Ice-Pick Lodge refers to as a “Mind Map” to keep track of decisions made and understand their interconnections, paving the way for informed changes.

This approach not only aims to mitigate the frustration of losing but also encourages players to think critically about the decisions they make throughout the game, allowing for a richer narrative experience.