The Kindeman Remedy is a dark and sinister title that follows a repetitive gameplay loop. However, this simple management approach allows you to appreciate the gruesome nature of the theme. Moreover, if you enjoyed Ravenous Devils, you’ll adore every chilling moment.
The straightforward gameplay loop makes this a perfect title for casual gamers. Additionally, the excellent tutorial ensures that you understand the task at hand. Yet, the lack of expansion and the well-trodden mechanics may annoy some players. Accordingly, this may not appeal to everyone.
This gruesome management title was developed by Troglobytes Games and published by 3D Realms. It is a single-player experience that utilises a day/night cycle. Alongside this, there is a basic in-game currency, some mindless tasks to complete, and a whole host of torture and unspeakable actions to undertake. As such, it is brutal, uncomfortable, and wonderfully macabre.
The Kindeman Remedy lets you play the monster.
Dr Kindeman is a genius. However, his ego and sense of self-worth undermine his brilliance. This disgraced doctor is determined to change the world. Yet, when his licence is suspended, his experiments must stop. Consequently, he cannot allow that to happen, and his brilliant mind goes into overdrive. His solution was to become a physician at a high-security prison.
No one cares about dying prisoners! Furthermore, the warden and the guards don’t give a shit. Subsequently, the doctor and his religious assistant, Nun Anna, have free rein. This unlimited resource helps the doctor to advance his research. Yet, with great reward comes great risk. Therefore, you must work hard to cover your tracks or risk losing everything.
Simple mechanics.
Though The Kindeman Remedy is uncomfortable, the action is relatively straightforward. During the day, you must administer pills and other medical paraphernalia. Nun Anna has the choice of healing or poisoning each prisoner. If she kills them, their bodies are dumped into the morgue (more on that later). Alternatively, if you heal them, you earn reputation points that can be spent on improving your facilities.
This balance between death and healing is tough to negotiate. On one hand, you need bodies to complete your research. However, on the other hand, improved facilities make each day go smoother. Therefore, though it isn’t that complex to get your head around, it is addictive and there is a sense of reward.
Night, night.
The night cycle is where the torture happens. Every other day, you rig an execution to keep a prisoner alive. With their bodies shackled and chained, you are free to mutilate them for the ultimate research buff. This portion of the game made my skin crawl. Consequently, I believe The Kindeman Remedy goes one step further than Ravenous Devils.
Alongside the torture, the pair of insane protagonists must prepare their potions, make phone calls, and experiment on the corpses. None of these tasks were difficult, and the slow nature was a little arduous. Yet, it was pretty relaxing if you like to maim and desecrate human remains.
The Kindeman Remedy = grim viewing.
Though the presentation of The Kindeman Remedy is rudimentary, I enjoyed it nonetheless. The simple side-scrolling approach and basic character models were acceptable. Moreover, the animation was reasonable and the gore and torture were uncomfortable. Additionally, the earthy colour palette complements the location and the unsavoury theme.
The audio, on the other hand, was a mixed bag. I loved the dramatic soundtrack and crunching sound effects. The noise of bones breaking, and skin squelching was horrific. Moreover, the cutscenes were captivating and I liked the acting. Yet, the sound bites were terrible. The repetitive one-liners were cheesy and unnecessary. Had the developers increased each character’s vocabulary, this would have been an improvement.
Varied endings.
The Kindeman Remedy would perform better with a mouse and keyboard. The gamepad controllers were clumsy and lethargic. Moreover, navigating the prison was messy. Unfortunately, the analogue stick moved you to incorrect rooms, which was frustrating. Other than this issue, the control layout is easy to follow, and the tutorial was well-considered.
Replay value and longevity are at the fore. If you complete certain tasks, you’ll unlock secret events. Furthermore, your actions have consequences. Subsequently, there are multiple endings to experience and success and failure are yours to achieve.
The Kindeman Remedy proves that death isn’t the end.
Helping mankind to scientifically progress is in everyone’s best interest. However, being tortured by a madman doesn’t sit highly on my to-do list. Accordingly, I’m not sure whether I want to go to Dr Kindeman’s insane GP practice. Yet, if you fancy getting your hands dirty, then this affordable title will be right up your street. Despite its shortcomings, I recommend buying it here! Saving the world is no easy feat. Furthermore, no one understands genius like Dr Kindeman. As such, stay the course, complete your research, and become a global hero.
