Sanatorium: A Mental Asylum Simulator

The main pros of the game

• Art Style and Atmosphere: The game features an attractive, period-appropriate art style that evokes the 1920s aesthetic. Many users praised the visuals and the immersive atmosphere, which combines a cozy yet eerie vibe.
• Unique Premise: The concept of playing as a doctor in a mental asylum, diagnosing and treating patients using outdated therapies, is seen as innovative and intriguing.
• Engaging Narrative: Players appreciate the writing and story elements, finding them emotional and thought-provoking. The moral choices and resource management aspects add depth to the gameplay.
• Gameplay Mechanics: Some users enjoyed the challenge of diagnosing patients based on limited information and managing resources, likening it to a puzzle or detective game.

The main cons of the game

• Frustrating Core Gameplay Loop: A significant number of users criticized the gameplay loop, which often involves making decisions without having complete access to patient information. This leads to a reliance on memory and can feel arbitrary and tedious.
• Bugs and Technical Issues: Many reviews highlighted various bugs that hinder gameplay, such as freezing, soft locks, and issues with accessing patient records. This has led to a consensus that the game feels unpolished and incomplete.
• Poor User Experience: The user interface is described as cluttered and difficult to navigate. Players expressed frustration with the lack of information available during the decision-making process and the need for manual note-taking.
• Balancing Issues: Players noted that the game can become overly punishing, with limited resources making it difficult to treat patients effectively, often leading to significant penalties for mistakes.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• Access to Patient Files: Users expressed a strong desire for the ability to view patient files while selecting tests and treatments, which would alleviate some of the memory-based challenges.
• Quality of Life Improvements: Players suggested the need for features like a skip option for cutscenes, larger UI elements for better readability, and a more intuitive interface.
• More Detailed Symptom Descriptions: There is a call for clearer descriptions of symptoms and treatments to reduce confusion and enhance the gameplay experience.
• Endless Mode: Some players expressed interest in an endless mode that would allow for continued play without the constraints of the campaign, providing a more relaxed experience.

Summary

• Overall, while "Sanatorium - A Mental Asylum Simulator" has a compelling concept and engaging aesthetic, the gameplay experience is marred by technical issues, frustrating mechanics, and a lack of clarity, leading to mixed reviews from users.

Summary generated on: December 1, 2025