Theme Hospital
In short: Theme Hospital is a simulation game released in 1997 by Bullfrog Productions, available on PC. Our score: 8.8/10 (highly recommended). Lowest price we found right now: $0.99.
A classic business simulation game where players design and manage a hospital, treating comical illnesses and dealing with staff.
Theme Hospital is a classic business simulation game developed by Bullfrog Productions and released in 1997. In this humorous and engaging title, players are tasked with designing, building, and managing their very own hospital. The primary objective is to cure a variety of bizarre and comical illnesses, each requiring unique diagnosis and treatment rooms. From Bloaty Head to Invisibility, the diseases are as outlandish as the cures. Players must strategically place doctors offices, pharmacies, research facilities, and essential amenities like restrooms and snack machines. Managing staff is crucial; hiring and training doctors, nurses, handymen, and receptionists with varying skills and personalities adds another layer of complexity. Dealing with their demands, keeping them happy, and preventing them from walking out is a constant challenge. The game balances serious management with a distinctive tongue-in-cheek humor, making it accessible and enjoyable for a wide audience. The game offers a progression system where players move through different hospitals, each with increasing difficulty and specific challenges, such as epidemics or VIP visits. Successful management involves maintaining a good reputation, ensuring patient satisfaction, and, of course, turning a profit. Theme Hospital remains revered for its innovative gameplay, charming graphics, and timeless humor, solidifying its place as a beloved classic in the simulation genre. Its legacy continues to influence modern…
Game details
- Developer: Bullfrog Productions
- Publisher: Electronic Arts
- Release year: 1997
- Platforms: PC
- Category: simulation
Our review
Theme
Pros
- Engaging and addictive simulation gameplay
- Hilarious and unique illnesses and treatments
- Charming pixel-art graphics and animations
- Deep management mechanics with strategic depth
- High replayability with varied hospital scenarios
Cons
- Graphics are dated by modern standards
- Can be repetitive after many hours
- Pathfinding issues for staff and patients occasionally
FAQ
- How do I deal with an epidemic?
- To deal with an epidemic, you need to quickly research a cure and build the necessary treatment rooms. Isolate infected patients in a separate ward if possible, and ensure you have enough highly skilled doctors to manage the influx. Mass marketing campaigns can help spread information and encourage healthy behavior, and of course, ensure your hospital is spotless from rats and rubbish.
- Why are my doctors leaving?
- Doctors might leave due to low salary, excessive workload, lack of training opportunities, or general unhappiness. Ensure you're paying them competitively, provide enough staff to spread the workload, offer training courses, and maintain a pleasant work environment.
- How do I expand my hospital?
- You can expand your hospital by purchasing adjacent plots of land when they become available. Simply click on the empty plot next to your hospital and select the option to buy it. This will give you more space to build new rooms and facilities.
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Last updated: 01/04/2026