Theme Hospital

Theme Hospital.front cover

Theme Hospital is a business simulation game developed by Bullfrog Productions and published by Electronic Arts in 1997 for the PC and later for the PlayStation. It is the second game in Bullfrog's Theme series, following Theme Park. In Theme Hospital, players design and operate a privately owned hospital with the goal of curing patients of comical ailments.

Gameplay

The gameplay of Theme Hospital involves constructing a hospital, beginning with an empty building and a limited budget. Players must build diagnostic rooms, treatment facilities, and hire staff, including doctors, nurses, handymen, and receptionists. The game challenges players to manage the financial aspects of the hospital, ensuring profitability, while also addressing the health needs of patients.

Patients visiting the hospital come with a variety of humorous illnesses, such as Bloaty Head, Hairyitis, and King Complex, requiring unique treatments. The game progresses through a series of levels, each with its own set of objectives, including curing a certain number of patients, achieving a set financial goal, and maintaining a high reputation.

Development

Theme Hospital was developed by Bullfrog Productions, a company known for its innovative approach to simulation and strategy games. The game's development was led by Gary Carr and Mark Webley, who sought to create a humorous take on the simulation genre. The design of the illnesses and their respective cures was a significant aspect of the game's development, aiming to add a layer of humor and uniqueness to the gameplay.

Reception

Upon release, Theme Hospital was met with positive reviews from critics, who praised its humor, depth of gameplay, and originality. It has since been regarded as a classic in the simulation genre, with a lasting legacy that includes a dedicated fan base and influence on later simulation games.

The game's success led to several re-releases, including a version for the PlayStation Network and compatibility with modern operating systems via digital distribution platforms. In 2018, a spiritual successor titled Two Point Hospital was released by some of the original developers of Theme Hospital, further cementing the game's impact on the genre.

Legacy

Theme Hospital's legacy is evident in its continued popularity and the development of Two Point Hospital, which expands on the original game's concept with updated graphics and new gameplay mechanics. The game is remembered for its unique blend of humor, strategy, and simulation, setting a benchmark for future games in the genre.