View source for Theme Hospital

{{Short description|1997 video game}}
{{Use British English|date=October 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2023}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Theme Hospital
| image = Theme Hospital.front cover.jpg
| caption =
| developer = {{ubl|[[Bullfrog Productions]] (MS-DOS, Windows)|[[Krisalis Software]] (PlayStation)}}
| publisher = [[Electronic Arts]]
| designer = Mark Webley
| artist = [[Gary Carr (video game developer)|Gary Carr]]
| producer = [[Mark Webley]]
| writer = {{ubl|James Leach|Sean Masterson|Neil Cook}}
| platforms = {{cslist|[[MS-DOS]]|[[Windows]]|[[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]}}
| released = '''MS-DOS, Windows'''{{vgrelease|WW|28 March 1997<ref name="EMGS">{{cite web |title=Even More Games Shipping |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/news/news-1997-03-24.html |author=Staff |website=PC Gamer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980218070742/http://www.pcgamer.com/news/news-1997-03-24.html |archive-date=18 February 1998 |url-status=dead |date=26 March 1997 |access-date=5 December 2019}}<br />" Electronic Arts has begun shipping Theme Hospital..."</ref>}}'''PlayStation'''{{Video game release|EU|February 1998|NA|16 April 1998<ref>{{cite web |url=http://headline.gamespot.com/news/98_04/16_new/index.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20001011194806/http://headline.gamespot.com/news/98_04/16_new/index.html |title=New Release Update |website=[[GameSpot]] |archivedate=11 October 2000 |date=16 April 1998 |accessdate=6 November 2022}}</ref>|JP|18 June 1998<ref>{{cite web |title=テーマホスピタル |trans-title=Theme Hospital |url=https://store.playstation.com/#!/ja-jp/%e3%82%b2%e3%83%bc%e3%83%a0/%e3%83%86%e3%83%bc%e3%83%9e%e3%83%9b%e3%82%b9%e3%83%94%e3%82%bf%e3%83%ab/cid=JP0006-NPJJ00299_00-0000000000000001 |website=PlayStation Store |publisher=Sony |access-date=6 October 2016 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160512225848/https://store.playstation.com/#!/ja-jp/%e3%82%b2%e3%83%bc%e3%83%a0/%e3%83%86%e3%83%bc%e3%83%9e%e3%83%9b%e3%82%b9%e3%83%94%e3%82%bf%e3%83%ab/cid=JP0006-NPJJ00299_00-0000000000000001 |archive-date=12 May 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>}}
| genre = [[Business simulation game|Business simulation]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
| composer = {{ubl|[[Russell Shaw (composer)|Russell Shaw]]|Adrian Moore}}
}}

'''''Theme Hospital''''' is a [[business simulation game]] developed by [[Bullfrog Productions]] and published by [[Electronic Arts]] in 1997 for [[MS-DOS]] and [[Microsoft Windows]] compatible [[Personal computer|PCs]] in which players design and operate a privately owned [[hospital]] with the goal of curing patients of fictitious comical ailments. The game is the thematic successor to ''[[Theme Park (video game)|Theme Park]]'', also produced by Bullfrog, and the second instalment in their ''Theme'' series, and part of their ''Designer Series''. The game is noted for its humour, and contains numerous references to pop culture.

[[Peter Molyneux]] and James Leach came up with the idea of creating a ''Theme'' game based on a hospital, but Molyneux was not directly involved in development due to his work on ''[[Dungeon Keeper]]''. Designers originally planned to include four distinct gameplay modes corresponding to historical time periods, but this was dropped due to time pressures on the team. Multiplayer support with up to four players was added in a patch. The game received a generally positive reception, with reviewers praising the graphics and humour in particular. ''Theme Hospital'' was a commercial success, selling over 4 million copies worldwide, and was ported to the [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]] in 1998. A [[Sega Saturn|Saturn]] version was in development, but cancelled. The game was re-released on [[GOG.com]] in 2012 and [[Origin (service)|Origin]] in 2014, and the PlayStation version was released on the [[PlayStation Network]] in Europe in 2008, Japan in 2009, and North America in 2010. Revival attempts have been made with the development of [[open source video game|open-source]] remakes such as ''CorsixTH''.

== Gameplay ==

[[File:ThemeHospital.gif|thumb|left|A typical hospital]]

The player is required to build an environment that will attract patients with comical diseases and then treat them while tending to their needs. The game has a somewhat [[black comedy|dark sense of humour]], similar to that of its predecessor, ''[[Theme Park (video game)|Theme Park]]''.<ref name=CGWPC /> Diseases include Bloaty Head (which swells the patient's head), King Complex (which forces the patient to impersonate [[Elvis Presley]]), and Alien DNA (which transforms the patient into an alien).<ref name=Making />

Starting with an empty hospital,<ref name="TokyoRetro">{{cite web |title=東京レトロゲームショウ2015：第12回 「テーマホスピタル」で人間のドラマがあちこちで繰り広げられる病院経営に挑みたい |url=http://www.4gamer.net/games/301/G030139/20150729045/ |website=4Gamer.net |access-date=6 October 2016 |language=ja |date=30 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009121745/http://www.4gamer.net/games/301/G030139/20150729045/ |archive-date=9 October 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> the player must build rooms and hire [[medical doctor|doctors]], [[nurse]]s, [[Janitor|handymen]] and [[receptionist]]s.<ref name="Quick PlayGuide 9 11">Quick PlayGuide, pp. 9–11.</ref> Each staff member has statistics that affect their performance, and doctors can be trained so their statistics will increase.<ref>Manual, pp. 11,27,28.</ref> Rooms include GP's Offices, Psychiatric rooms, Operating Theatres and Pharmacies,<ref>Manual, pp. 7–11.</ref> and are built by placing down a blueprint, assigning the location of doors and windows, and then placing down required and optional pieces of furniture.<ref>Manual, p. 7.</ref> The player may also set up items such as benches, fire extinguishers, and plants in the open corridor spaces provided.<ref>Manual, pp. 11–13.</ref> The player is given time to build the hospital at the start of each level before patients start coming.<ref name=PCZone>{{cite magazine |magazine=[[PC Zone]] |publisher=[[Dennis Publishing]] |issue=50 |date=May 1997 |page=7 |issn=0967-8220 |title=Theme Hospital |url=https://archive.org/details/PC_Zone_Issue_050_1997-05_Dennis_Publishing_GB |access-date=6 October 2016 |location=London}}</ref><ref>Quick PlayGuide, p. 9.</ref> Patients see a GP in his office who either provides a diagnosis or sends them for further evaluation in a specialised diagnosis room. Once a diagnosis is made, the patient will be sent for treatment.<ref name="Quick PlayGuide 9 11" /> While a few rooms are available at the start of the game, the rest must be researched.<ref name="Manual 10">Manual, p. 10.</ref> Some rooms, such as the Inflator room—where patients with Bloaty Head are treated—contain machines which require regular maintenance by a handyman: if neglected for too long, they will explode, killing all occupants of the room.<ref>Manual, pp. 32,33.</ref> Doctors must have acquired certain specialist skills to practise in certain rooms, such as the Research room (used to research new rooms and cures, and improve existing ones) and Operating Theatre.<ref>Manual, pp. 8–11.</ref> There are rooms that only staff use, such as the Staff Room and the Training room, while patients also require certain rooms such as toilet facilities.<ref>Manual, pp. 10,11.</ref>

Diagnosis and treatment cost patients money, and the player can change hospital policy, including the amount of diagnosis patients require. This can be set to over 100 per cent to force patients to have further unnecessary diagnoses. Other policies include when staff can go on breaks and whether they can leave rooms,<ref>Manual, pp. 23,24.</ref> and loans can be taken out.<ref>Manual, pp. 24,25.</ref> From time to time, events such as emergencies (in which patients arrive and must be cured within a time limit or they will die), and epidemics (in which a disease spreads rapidly) occur. During the latter, the player can attempt to cover it up by curing all affected patients before a health inspector turns up. If the player fails, they are fined and must face a damaged reputation,<ref>Manual, pp. 34,35.</ref> a statistic that shows how well the hospital is doing and affects the flow of patients.<ref>Manual, p. 5.</ref> VIPs may also occasionally ask to tour the hospital; if impressed, the player is granted a cash bonus, a reputation increase, or both.<ref>Manual, pp. 35,36.</ref> There is an advisor who keeps the player informed about what is going on.<ref>Manual, p. 4.</ref> Rats may infest the hospital, and the player is able to shoot them with the cursor.<ref name=PCZoneGuide>{{cite magazine |magazine=PC Zone |publisher=[[Dennis Publishing]] |issue=52 |date=July 1997 |title=Everything you wanted to know about Theme Hospital but were too afraid to ask... |pages=126, 127 |issn=0967-8220 |location=London}}</ref>

Although the player has no direct control over the patients, they have some influence over whether to evict them from the hospital and in determining what to do with them when given a choice by the staff. The player can pick up any staff member in the building and move them (mainly to reassign them to another room or send them to get rest), or dismiss them if they argue about pay or are no longer required.<ref>Manual, pp. 25–30.</ref> The player may force patients to take a chance at a cure for their suspected disease before diagnosis is complete (at the risk of killing the patient),<ref>Manual, p. 31.</ref> and rearrange queues.<ref>Manual, pp. 25,26.</ref>

The player competes against computer rivals named after famous computers, real and fictional: these include [[Holly (Red Dwarf)|Holly]] from ''[[Red Dwarf (TV series)|Red Dwarf]]'' and [[Deep Thought (The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy)|Deep Thought]] from ''[[The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy]]''.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Mark Langshaw |title=Theme Hospital retrospective: Just what the doctor ordered |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/retro-corner/feature/a623869/theme-hospital-retrospective-just-what-the-doctor-ordered/ |website=Digital Spy |access-date=6 October 2016 |date=24 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161006175554/http://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/retro-corner/feature/a623869/theme-hospital-retrospective-just-what-the-doctor-ordered/ |archive-date=6 October 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> The game is timed with days of the year,<ref name=PCZone /> and at the end of each year (game time), players are judged on their performances, and may be given trophies, reputation increases, or cash bonuses.<ref>Manual, pp. 37,38.</ref>

Each level has set goals in the fields of financial attainment, hospital reputation, patients cured, and hospital value.<ref name=CGWPC /> Holding negative funds or allowing sufficient patients to die will bring about losing requirements. When the goals have been met the player has the option to move on to a new, more elaborate hospital with tougher winning conditions and more diseases present, or stick with their current one.<ref>Manual, p. 38.</ref> If enough rats have been shot, the player is taken to a special level whose goal is to shoot as many as possible.<ref name=PCZoneGuide />

A [[Patch (computing)|patch]] was released that fixed bugs and added support for Serial Cable, Modem, and [[IPX/SPX]] network gaming (with up to four players<ref>{{cite web |title=EA's Darklight Conflict and Theme Hospital |url=http://www.gamezilla.com/reviews/previews/ea_preview.asp |website=Gamezilla |access-date=6 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990225072027/http://www.gamezilla.com/reviews/previews/ea_preview.asp |archive-date=25 February 1999 |date=24 February 1999}}</ref>) in the Windows version, and a difficulty setting.<ref name=CGWPC /><ref name=NetPlay>{{cite AV media notes |title=Theme Hospital Netplay |year=1997 |author=Bullfrog}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media notes |title=Theme Hospital ReadMe.txt |year=1997 |author=Bullfrog}}</ref> In multiplayer, each player has a colour, which patients will wear to distinguish from those of other players. "Litter Bombs" are featured, allowing players to spread litter around other players' hospitals, while staff members can be persuaded to work for other players, and there are "Mini Missions", with instructions for players to perform. Players are also able to chat with each other during a game.<ref name=NetPlay />

== Development ==
''Theme Hospital'' took over two years to develop.<ref>{{cite magazine |magazine=[[Retro Gamer]] |publisher=[[Imagine Publishing]] |location=Bournemouth |issn=1742-3155 |title=Revisiting Bullfrog: 25 Years On |pages=60–67 |issue=110 |date=December 2012}}</ref> The idea came from [[Peter Molyneux]] and journalist James Leach, who explored the possibility of other ''Theme'' games while discussing ''[[Theme Park (video game)|Theme Park]]''. Leach suggested a hospital, and Molyneux was enthusiastic about the idea. Development began when the designer [[Mark Webley]] selected ''Theme Hospital'' from a list of possible games put together by Molyneux, and Webley, along with the artist [[Gary Carr (video game developer)|Gary Carr]], visited the [[Royal Surrey County Hospital]], [[Great Ormond Street Hospital]], and [[Frimley Park Hospital]] for research and inspiration.<ref name=Making /><ref name="BTSExtra">{{cite web |title=Theme Hospital Behind The Scenes – DVD Extras |url=https://forum.gamestm.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=17641 |website=[[GamesTM]] |access-date=6 January 2018 |date=8 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106173202/https://forum.gamestm.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=17641 |archive-date=6 January 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> Carr was initially displeased at the prospect of working on ''Theme Hospital'': he had previously left Bullfrog to work for [[The Bitmap Brothers]] because he did not have faith in ''Theme Park''. He chose to return based on his belief that he would work on ''[[Dungeon Keeper]]'', which he was eager to do. Initially, ''Theme Hospital'' was to feature real diseases, but these were replaced with fictional, comedic afflictions as it was decided that the game's maladies should not be too realistic:<ref name=Making /> the team were faced with the dilemma of having to make the hospital fun and interesting, as Webley stated that theme parks are "colourful" compared to hospitals, and Carr believed that hospital rooms looked very similar and that it was hard to tell what each machine does.<ref name=GamesN>{{cite web |author1=Julian Benson |title=How the makers of Theme Hospital made hospital wards and diseases funny |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/theme-hospital/theme-hospital-peter-molyneux-making-of |website=PCGamesN |access-date=23 July 2017 |date=29 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731233711/https://www.pcgamesn.com/theme-hospital/theme-hospital-peter-molyneux-making-of |archive-date=31 July 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>

It was during a hospital visit (after witnessing an operation that they were ordered out of because they were distracting the surgeon<ref name=Making /><ref name=BTS />) that they came up with the idea of using made-up illnesses and cures: Carr considered death "quite sad" and believed that illness was not a popular subject.<ref name=GamesN /> He stated that using made-up illnesses gave them "creative freedom", which he believed was essential.<ref name=GamesN /> Webley said that Carr was concerned that using real diseases might be considered distasteful.<ref name=BTS>{{cite magazine |magazine=[[GamesTM]] |issue=113 |date=September 2011 |pages=128–131 |title=Behind The Scenes Theme Hospital |issn=1478-5889}}</ref> According to Carr, the team were aiming for humour rather than gore.<ref name=Patients>{{cite magazine |magazine=Bullfrog Bulletin |publisher=Bullfrog Productions |title=Trying Your Patients... |pages=8, 9 |issue=2 |year=1995 |location=Guildford}}</ref> During the initial stages of programming, Bullfrog hired James Leach, who wrote the game's text and came up with the diseases. Molyneux was not directly involved in the game's production as he was then working on ''Dungeon Keeper''.<ref name=Making>{{cite magazine |magazine=[[Retro Gamer]] |publisher=[[Imagine Publishing]] |location=Bournemouth |issn=1742-3155 |title=The Making of Theme Hospital |pages=46–51 |issue=130 |date=June 2014}}</ref>

The graphic design was decided to be modelled from those of cartoons,<ref name=Making /> and a goal was to have two thousand character animations.<ref name=Update>{{cite magazine |magazine=Bullfrog Bulletin |publisher=Bullfrog Productions |issue=3 |year=1996 |title=Hospital Update |page=11 |location=Guildford}}</ref> Another artist was hired to complete the graphics on time,<ref name=Update /> and the team ultimately ended up with four.<ref name="auto">Manual, p. 39.</ref> Fellow artist Andy Bass had difficulty getting the [[Kit Kat]] graphics correct.<ref name=BTS /> He said they did not have the right colour, so Carr tweaked the palette. Bass modelled the vending machine that would use the Kit Kat graphics and used [[Autodesk 3ds Max|3D Studio]] to render it into the game palette, which he then edited using [[Deluxe Paint]].<ref name=BTS /> By spring 1996, around half of the illnesses and animations were complete, the introduction and [[cutscene]]s were mostly complete, and the programming of the management system was almost finished.<ref name=Update /> By early 1997, all that was left was refining the difficulty levels.<ref name=TH />

The game deviates from the [[National Health Service|NHS]] model; Webley and Carr decided that players should think of the hospital as a business, with profit highly important. The team, who worked in offices near the Royal Surrey County Hospital, drew some inspirations from ''Theme Park'' and borrowed a great deal of code.<ref name=Making /> Webley explained that this was an "obvious starting point" as he had been a programmer on ''Theme Park'', and that the systems had been rewritten by the time ''Theme Hospital'' was complete.<ref name=BTSExtra /> A program which facilitated animation was built upon by Webley, who dubbed it the Complex Engine. There were not many meetings, and Webley took the team to the pub weekly with a list of tasks to perform. Webley explained that the way the team worked meant that only they could perform their assigned duties otherwise they would not get done, effectively giving members ownership of their parts of the game.<ref name=Making /> It was during one such meeting that the team realised the game was complete.<ref name=BTS /> The disease called King Complex was to be called Elvis Impersonator, but Elvis's estate owned the rights. Bloaty Head was based on an allergic reaction Molyneux had, when his face became an "alarming size".<ref name=Making />

According to Leach, the volume of work was small. A big problem was that the team had too many ideas, and insufficient time to implement them all. For example, other diseases were planned; one of these was Animal Magnetism, which would see patients with attached animals which would have to be cut away. Another idea that was not implemented was the possibility of four separate in-game eras: futuristic, mediaeval, Victorian, and modern.<ref name=Making /><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Theme Hospital |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |issue=14 |publisher=[[Imagine Media]] |date=February 1996 |page=91 |quote=To start, players choose between one of four different time periods, the Middle Ages, the Victorian Era, 1970s-1980s, and of course, the future. |issn=1078-9693}}</ref> The game was originally to have players begin in the mediaeval<!-- This article uses British English, in which this is not an incorrect spelling. Please do not change on the grounds that it is incorrect. --> zone, and progress to more modern ones.<ref name=Patients /> By May 1996, the idea of the other time periods had been deemed "prohibitive" due to the amount of graphics required.<ref name=Blueprint>{{cite magazine |magazine=[[PC Zone]] |publisher=[[Dennis Publishing]] |issue=38 |date=May 1996 |pages=33, 34 |issn=0967-8220 |title=Theme Hospital |location=London |department=Blueprint}}</ref> Carr later stated that the game did not need the other eras, and that the team was small enough to make things up as they went along.<ref name=GamesN /> Carr was also afraid that if they had produced a design document, Electronic Arts would have considered the omission of the other eras feature cutting.<ref name=GamesN /> An idea that Molyneux pushed Webley's team to implement was a screen that enabled players to mix coloured chemicals to apply them to diseases. Accessibility was also a concern for the team: with so many options, it was felt that players could treat the game like work. The tester Jon Rennie simplified the game from the original design; Webley was keen for players to be able to begin play without a long tutorial.<ref name=Making />

''Theme Hospital'' was released on 28 March 1997 (although it was previously due for release in November 1996<ref name=EdgePrev>{{cite magazine |magazine=Edge |issue=36 |date=September 1996 |page=36 |issn=1350-1593 |title=Theme Hospital |department=Prescreen |location=Bath}}</ref>),<ref name=Making /><ref name=TH>{{cite magazine |magazine=Bullfrog Bulletin |publisher=Bullfrog Productions |issue=4 |year=1997 |title=Theme Hospital |pages=4–6 |location=Guildford}}</ref><ref name="EMGS" /> and is part of Bullfrog's ''Designer Series''.<ref>{{cite video game |title=Theme Hospital |developer=Bullfrog |publisher=Electronic Arts |year=1997 |platform=PC |scene=Intro}}</ref><ref name=EdgeBullfrog95>{{cite magazine |magazine=Edge |issue=22 |date=July 1995 |pages=25–27 |issn=1350-1593 |title=Bullfrog |location=Bath}}</ref> The game attracted some controversy from NHS managers, the [[Houses of Parliament]], and ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'', who published an article criticising the game as "sick" and said that the [[British Medical Association]] was using it to train management staff.<ref name=Making /><ref name=BTS /> The NHS argued that the game mocked hospital management. Webley was invited to appear on a local radio station; he did not consider the game to make light of real-world health management because it featured fictional diseases rather than real ones. ''Theme Hospital'' was a commercial success, which surprised Bullfrog and Electronic Arts. It repeatedly appeared in the top five of budget charts and sold over 4 million copies. In 2014, Molyneux stated that he wanted the game to make a comeback, and described ''Theme Hospital'' as "a great game that I and many people remember".<ref name=Making />

Original releases' cover art used a green cross on a white background, which Bullfrog did not have the right to use.<ref name=BTS /> The artwork was mistakenly approved because it was faxed in black and white, and had to be recalled. Later releases changed the cross to a star. Despite its rejection, the cross version is available in more recent formats.<ref name=BTS />

=== Sound ===

The music and sound effects were produced by [[Russell Shaw (composer)|Russell Shaw]] and Adrian Moore.<ref name="auto" /> Moore used [[Sound Forge]] to develop the sound effects.<ref name=Making /> Some (such as the snooker balls) were taken directly from its library, and others (including the treatment machines) were created by mixing sounds together.<ref name=Making /> Some machine sounds were created by mixing the sounds of electric egg mixer with that of a hydraulic lifter.<ref name=Making /> The farting sounds were recorded when Moore was working with bands including [[T'Pau (band)|T'Pau]], [[Prefab Sprout]], and [[Seal (band)|Seal]] at a recording studio: he did so as a joke, but they were useful for ''Theme Hospital''.<ref name=Making />

=== Ports and re-releases ===
A [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]] port of ''Theme Hospital'' was developed by [[Krisalis Software]] and released by Electronic Arts in 1998.<ref>{{cite web |title=Theme Hospital [PS] |url=http://gamestopplus.com/game.php?title=theme-hospital&genre=strategy&platform=ps |website=GameStopPlus |access-date=5 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161006154112/http://gamestopplus.com/game.php?title=theme-hospital&genre=strategy&platform=ps |archive-date=6 October 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> The PlayStation version was released as a download on the [[PlayStation 3]] and [[PlayStation Portable]] from [[PlayStation Store]] in Europe on 31 January 2008,<ref>{{cite web |author1=Tom Branwell |title=More PSone games on PSN |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/more-psone-games-on-psn |website=Eurogamer |access-date=5 October 2016 |date=31 January 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161006155612/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/more-psone-games-on-psn |archive-date=6 October 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> in North America on 31 August 2010,<ref>{{cite web |title=Theme Hospital (PSOne Classic) |url=https://store.playstation.com/#!/en-ca/games/theme-hospital-(psone-classic)/cid=UP9000-NPUJ00275_00-0000000000000001 |website=PlayStation Store |publisher=Sony |access-date=5 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160512225848/https://store.playstation.com/#!/en-ca/games/theme-hospital-(psone-classic)/cid=UP9000-NPUJ00275_00-0000000000000001 |archive-date=12 May 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> and in Japan on 28 October 2009.<ref>{{cite web |title=テーマホスピタル |trans-title=Theme Hospital |url=http://www.jp.playstation.com/software/title/jp0006npjj00299_000000000000000001.html |website=PlayStation.com |publisher=Sony |access-date=6 October 2016 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009213947/http://www.jp.playstation.com/software/title/jp0006npjj00299_000000000000000001.html |archive-date=9 October 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> Later [[PlayStation Vita]] version become available on PSN exclusively for Japan. This version is no longer available for purchase in Europe since September 2014, after becoming free for a short period of time.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Meg Pelliccio |title=Theme Hospital free on EU PSN |url=https://www.pixeldynamo.com/news/gaming/2014/09/11/29006/theme-hospital-free-eu-psn/ |website=Pixel Dynamo |access-date=5 October 2016 |date=11 September 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009101644/https://www.pixeldynamo.com/news/gaming/2014/09/11/29006/theme-hospital-free-eu-psn/ |archive-date=9 October 2016}}</ref> A [[Sega Saturn]] version (titled ''Sim Hospital'' as of October 1995) was in development and due for release in mid-1996, but was cancelled.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Killer Bullfrogs Launch Game |magazine=Mean Machines Sega |issue=36 |publisher=[[Emap International Limited]] |date=October 1995 |pages=13 |issn=0967-9014 |location=Peterborough |department=News |url=https://archive.org/details/mean-machines-sega-magazine-36 |access-date=21 October 2016}}</ref>

In 2012, ''Theme Hospital'' was re-released on the [[digital distribution]] service [[GOG.com]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gameranx.com/features/id/6201/article/theme-hospital-in-hd-is-glorious-here-s-how-to-get-it-working/ |title=Theme Hospital in HD is Glorious! Here's How To Get It Working |date=16 April 2012 |work=[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]|first=Dave |last=Oshry |access-date=12 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506154248/http://gameranx.com/features/id/6201/article/theme-hospital-in-hd-is-glorious-here-s-how-to-get-it-working |archive-date=6 May 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2015, [[Origin (service)|Origin]] distributed ''Theme Hospital'' free for a limited time through their "On the House" programme.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-01-21-theme-hospital-is-free-to-download-on-origin |title=Theme Hospital is free to download on Origin |website=[[Eurogamer]] |date=21 January 2015 |first=Tom |last=Phillips |access-date=12 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160510185729/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-01-21-theme-hospital-is-free-to-download-on-origin |archive-date=10 May 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> It was distributed a second time through the "On the House" programme in September the same year, as a temporary replacement to ''[[Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2]]'' due to an [[Artificial scarcity|excessive]] number of requests for the latter.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dealspwn.com/theme-hospital-on-the-house-red-alert-2-225650 |title=Theme Hospital is once again On The House, Red Alert 2 to return "very shortly" |date=17 September 2015 |first=Carl |last=Phillips |website=Dealspwn |access-date=12 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426050813/http://www.dealspwn.com/theme-hospital-on-the-house-red-alert-2-225650 |archive-date=26 April 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> It was released a third time in selected countries in 2017 from 7 March to 17 May as a replacement for ''[[Syberia 2]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.neowin.net/news/theme-hospital-and-siberia-ii-offered-for-free-on-ea-origin-for-a-limited-time |title=Theme Hospital and Syberia II offered for free on EA Origin for a limited time |website=Neowin |last=Chan |first=Boyd |date=8 March 2017 |access-date=17 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170324102646/https://www.neowin.net/news/theme-hospital-and-siberia-ii-offered-for-free-on-ea-origin-for-a-limited-time |archive-date=24 March 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>

An [[Open-source video game|open-source]] [[Video game remake|remake]], ''CorsixTH,''<ref>{{Citation |title=CorsixTH/CorsixTH |date=16 March 2023 |url=https://github.com/CorsixTH/CorsixTH |access-date=17 March 2023 |publisher=CorsixTH}}</ref> improves the original game with features such as modern OS support, higher screen resolutions and a level editor.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Moritz Förster |title=CorsixTH: Bullfrogs Theme Hospital auf aktuellen Rechnern spielen |url=http://www.heise.de/newsticker/meldung/CorsixTH-Bullfrogs-Theme-Hospital-auf-aktuellen-Rechnern-spielen-3237075.html |website=heise online |trans-title=CorsixTH: Bullfrogs Theme Hospital on current computers |access-date=17 October 2016 |language=de |date=14 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018205729/http://www.heise.de/newsticker/meldung/CorsixTH-Bullfrogs-Theme-Hospital-auf-aktuellen-Rechnern-spielen-3237075.html |archive-date=18 October 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title='Theme Hospital' Was a Satire of the Terrible American Healthcare System |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/theme-hospital-was-a-satire-of-the-terrible-american-healthcare-system/ |access-date=24 March 2021 |website=Vice (magazine) |date=19 January 2018 |language=en}}</ref> ''CorsixTH'' is available under the [[MIT Licence]],<ref>{{cite web |author1=James Gilmour |title=Free version of Theme Hospital available on Android |url=http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/Android/CorsixTH/news.asp?c=41208 |website=Pocket Gamer |access-date=17 October 2016 |date=22 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018210706/http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/Android/CorsixTH/news.asp?c=41208 |archive-date=18 October 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> and in 2012, a version was released on [[Android (operating system)|Android]], available on the [[Google Play]] Store.<ref>{{cite web |first=Alan |last=Woolley |date=22 February 2012 |title=Running Theme Hospital on Android with CorsixTH |url=http://www.armedpineapple.co.uk/2012/02/running-theme-hospital-on-android-with-corsixth/ |website=Armed Pineapple |access-date=12 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420025044/https://www.armedpineapple.co.uk/2012/02/running-theme-hospital-on-android-with-corsixth/ |archive-date=20 April 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Alan |last=Woolley |url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.armedpineapple.cth |title=CorsixTH |website=[[Google Play Store]] |access-date=12 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160501061220/https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.armedpineapple.cth |archive-date=1 May 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

== Reception ==
{{Video game reviews
|CVG = {{Rating|4|5}} (PC)<ref name=CVG>{{cite magazine |magazine=Computer and Video Games |publisher=[[EMAP]] |issue=186 |date=May 1997 |pages=74, 75 |title=Theme Hospital |issn=0261-3697 |last=Huhtala |first=Alex |location=Peterborough}}</ref>
|PCGUK = 85% (PC)<ref name=PCGamer>{{cite magazine |magazine=[[PC Gamer]] |last=Owen |first=Steve |title=Theme Hospital |date=April 1997 |pages=86, 87 |issn=1470-1693 |issue=42 |location=Bath}}</ref>
|GSpot = 5.5/10 (PC)<ref name="GSpotPC">{{cite web |author1=Trent Ward |title=Theme Hospital Review |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/theme-hospital-review/1900-2533405/ |website=GameSpot |publisher=GameSpot |access-date=5 October 2016 |date=17 April 1997 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161004181009/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/theme-hospital-review/1900-2533405/ |archive-date=4 October 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref><br />7.3/10 (PlayStation)<ref name="GSpotPS">{{cite web |author1=James Mielke |title=Theme Hospital Review |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/theme-hospital-review/1900-2549740/ |website=GameSpot |publisher=GameSpot |access-date=5 October 2016 |date=18 May 1998 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161004172657/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/theme-hospital-review/1900-2549740/ |archive-date=4 October 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|IGN = 7/10 (PlayStation)<ref name="IGNPS">{{cite web |title=Theme Hospital |url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/1998/04/16/theme-hospital |website=IGN |publisher=IGN |access-date=5 October 2016 |date=15 April 1998}}</ref>
|rev1 = ''Coming Soon Magazine''
|rev1Score = 82% (PC)<ref name="CSoon">{{cite web |author1=Frederick Claude |title=Theme Hospital – PC Review |url=http://www.csoon.com/issue25/themehos.htm |website=Coming Soon Magazine |access-date=5 October 2016 |year=1997 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161006040643/http://www.csoon.com/issue25/themehos.htm |archive-date=6 October 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|rev2 = [[EP Daily|The Electric Playground]]
|rev2Score = 6.5/10 (PC)<ref name="EP">{{cite web |author1=Bonnie James |title=Theme Hospital |url=http://www.elecplay.com/pc/themehospital.html |website=The Electric Playground |publisher=The Electric Playground |access-date=5 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970801055330/http://www.elecplay.com/pc/themehospital.html |archive-date=1 August 1997 |date=14 April 1997 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
|CGW = {{Rating|4|5}} (PC)<ref name=CGWPC>{{cite magazine |magazine=[[Computer Gaming World]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |issn=0744-6667 |title=Rx for Fun |page=194 |url=http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/issues/cgw_157.pdf#page=198 |access-date=5 October 2016 |date=August 1997 |last=Jepsen |first=Dawn |issue=157 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923222346/http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/issues/cgw_157.pdf#page=198 |archive-date=23 September 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|Edge =8/10 (PC)<ref name=Edge>{{cite magazine |magazine=Edge |issue=44 |date=April 1997 |page=84 |issn=1350-1593 |title=Theme Hospital |department=Testscreen |location=Bath}}</ref> <br /> 7/10 (PlayStation)<ref name=EdgePS>{{cite magazine |magazine=Edge |issue=56 |date=March 1998 |page=104 |issn=1350-1593 |title=Theme Hospital |department=Testscreen |location=Bath}}</ref>
|rev3 = [[Eurogamer]]
|rev3Score = 7/10 (PlayStation)<ref name="Eurogamer">{{cite web |author1=Dan Whitehead |title=PSN Roundup |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_psnroundup_040208 |website=Eurogamer |publisher=Eurogamer |access-date=5 October 2016 |date=4 February 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161006145329/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_psnroundup_040208 |archive-date=6 October 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|rev4 = [[Jeuxvideo.com]]
|rev4Score = 17/20 (PC)<ref name="Jeuxvideo">{{cite web |title=Test : Theme Hospital |url=http://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0001/00011486-theme-hospital-test.htm |website=Jeuxvideo.com |access-date=6 October 2016 |language=fr |date=19 September 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009230431/http://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0001/00011486-theme-hospital-test.htm |archive-date=9 October 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|rev5=Absolute PlayStation
|rev5Score=79% (PlayStation)<ref name="Absolute">{{cite web |title=THEME HOSPITAL |url=http://www.absolute-playstation.com/api_review/rthemeh.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000528182426/http://absolute-playstation.com/api_review/rthemeh.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 May 2000 |website=Absolute PlayStation |access-date=6 October 2016 |date=June 1998}}</ref>
|rev6 = ''[[PC Zone]]''
|rev6Score=91% (PC)<ref name=PCZoneRev>{{cite magazine |magazine=[[PC Zone]] |publisher=[[Dennis Publishing]] |issn=0967-8220 |pages=72–76 |issue=49 |date=April 1997 |title=Theme Hospital |location=London}}</ref>
|NGen = {{rating|4|5}} (PC)<ref name=NG31>{{cite magazine |title=Theme Hospital |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |issue=31 |publisher=[[Imagine Media]] |date=July 1997 |page=170 |volume=3 |issn=1078-9693}}</ref><br />{{rating|4|5}} (PS)<ref name="NG43" />
|rev8 = ''PC Power''
|rev8Score = 92% (PC)<ref name=PCPRev>{{cite magazine |magazine=PC Power |publisher=Rapide Publishing |location=Newton Abbot |issue=40 |date=April 1997 |issn=1352-7894 |title=Theme Hospital |pages=46, 47}}</ref>
|rev9=''[[:fr:Gen4|Génération 4]]''
|rev9Score = {{rating|5|5}} (PC)<ref name=G4Rev>{{cite magazine |magazine=Génération 4 |issn=1624-1088 |title=Theme Hospital L'infâme en blanc |pages=106–112 |date=March 1997 |issue=97 |language=fr |author=Éric Ernaux}}</ref>
|PCPP=90% (PC)<ref name=PCPP>{{Cite journal |last=Stepnik |first=March |date=May 1997 |title=Theme Hospital |url=https://archive.org/details/PCPowerplay-012-1997-05/mode/2up |journal=PC PowerPlay |issue=12 |pages=44–45}}</ref>
}}

''Theme Hospital'' received positive reviews. Critics noted the strong gameplay, detailed graphics, satisfying comedic tone, and voice acting performance, but fell conflicted on music, repetition, the artificial intelligence, and the user interface.

The British magazine ''[[PC Gamer]]''{{'s}} Steve Owen praised the game's challenge and "cute" graphics, but criticised the interface.<ref name=PCGamer /> Frederick Claude of ''Coming Soon Magazine'' also complimented the graphics as "highly detailed", and the "very simple" user interface, although he criticised the repetitiveness and lack of multiplayer support that would later be introduced with a patch.<ref name=CSoon /> [[GameSpot]]{{'s}} Trent Ward agreed about the graphics too, lauding them as "fantastic", and also complimented the "realistic" voice acting performance, and the humour, although he criticised the [[Artificial intelligence (video games)|artificial intelligence]] as "flawed". His conclusion was that the game "just doesn't fly".<ref name=GSpotPC /> Bonnie James of [[EP Daily|The Electric Playground]] also liked the graphics, as well as the "lovely" opening sequence, but found the music "horrible".<ref name=EP /> ''[[Computer and Video Games]]''{{'s}} Alex Huhtala concurred about the graphics, describing them as "large and colourful", but commented that the humour wears off after a while, although he felt it is good to begin with.<ref name=CVG />

Another reviewer who liked the graphics was Dawn Jepsen of ''[[Computer Gaming World]]'', who also praised the humour, especially the "wackiness" of the illnesses, and described the game as "delightful and absorbing".<ref name=CGWPC /> The humour was also approved by a reviewer of [[Jeuxvideo.com]], who, like other reviewers, lauded the graphics, by describing them as colourful.<ref name=Jeuxvideo /> ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]''{{'s}} reviewer echoed others' views about the humour, describing it as something they had come to expect from Bullfrog, but criticised the lack of multiplayer support.<ref name=NG31 /> The humour was again praised by a reviewer of ''PC Power'', who said that the ailments enabled Bullfrog to have "hilarious" cures. The "thoroughly engrossing" gameplay, and the graphics were also complimented: it was stated that the bright colours gave hospitals a "cheerful look". ''Theme Hospital'' was described as a "fantastic title".<ref name=PCPRev /> Other comments from critics included ''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]''{{'s}} reviewer's compliments of the balance of patients and illnesses against the player's resources, and his belief that the game is a refinement of its genre,<ref name=Edge /> and ''[[PC Zone]]''{{'s}} reviewers commendation of the detail: it was remarked that it gets players "helplessly immersed", and the game was awarded the ''PC Zone'' Classic accolade.<ref name=PCZoneRev /> Éric Ernaux of ''[[:fr:Gen4|Génération 4]]'' said the quality is "remarkable for a game of its genre".<ref name=G4Rev />

The PlayStation version's main problem, as noted by critics, was the controls. It was cited by reviewers from GameSpot,<ref name=GSpotPS /> [[IGN]],<ref name=IGNPS /> Eurogamer,<ref name=Eurogamer /> ''Edge'',<ref name=EdgePS /> and ''[[GamePro]]'' as a major downside. ''GamePro'' explained, "Since the game was developed for mouse control, the directional pad's response is a bit jerky."<ref name=GProPS>{{cite magazine |author=Boba Fatt|title=PlayStation ProReview: Theme Hospital |magazine=[[GamePro]]|issue=116 |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|date=May 1998|page=94}}</ref> Its reception was not entirely negative: James Mielke of GameSpot also commended the addictiveness, and described the port as "almost completely intact".<ref name=GSpotPS /> ''GamePro'' found the dry humor was the game's shining quality, offering the player a consistent source of laughter through the steep challenges.<ref name=GProPS/> IGN agreed with others about the humour, by praising it as "wonderfully sick". It was further commented that the game's "brilliance" made it a "must-have".<ref name=IGNPS /> The sentiments about the controls and humour were echoed by Dan Whitehead of [[Eurogamer]], who reviewed it on the PlayStation Network.<ref name=Eurogamer /> Absolute PlayStation's reviewers had a mixed view about the graphics: they criticised the resolution and colour palette, but complimented the sprites. The user interface was criticised as being reminiscent of a [[Fourth generation of video game consoles|16-bit game]]. Despite the criticisms, they agreed with others about the humour, and described the game as "a blast to play".<ref name=Absolute /> ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]''{{'}}s reviewer lauded the depth and accessibility.<ref name="NG43">{{cite magazine |title=Finals |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |issue=43 |publisher=[[Future US|Imagine Media]] |date=July 1998 |page=114 |issn=1078-9693}}</ref>

In 1997, ''Theme Hospital'' appeared alongside ''Theme Park'' at #61 on ''PC Gamer''{{'}}s list of top 100 games,<ref>{{cite magazine |title=The PC Gamer Top 100 |issue=45 |magazine=[[PC Gamer]] |date=July 1997 |issn=1470-1693 |page=61 |location=Bath}}</ref> and was named in April as a Game of Distinction.<ref name=PCGamer />

=== Legacy ===
Oxymoron Games made ''[[Project Hospital]]'', which is their take on ''Theme Hospital''.<ref name=PHEuroG>{{cite web |author1=Matt Wales |title=Project Hospital is a "fresh" indie take on Bullfrog's Theme Hospital, minus the Bloaty Head |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-11-13-project-hospital-is-a-fresh-indie-take-on-theme-hospital-minus-the-bloaty-head |website=[[Eurogamer]] |access-date=16 January 2018 |date=13 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117131303/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-11-13-project-hospital-is-a-fresh-indie-take-on-theme-hospital-minus-the-bloaty-head |archive-date=17 January 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Two Point Studios]], a studio founded by Webley and Carr, developed a similar game ''[[Two Point Hospital]]'', a [[spiritual sequel]] to ''Theme Hospital''.<ref name=TPHMetro>{{cite web |title=Theme Hospital creators announce Two Point Hospital |url=http://metro.co.uk/2018/01/16/theme-hospital-creators-announce-two-point-hospital-7234494/ |website=[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]] |access-date=16 January 2018 |date=16 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180116191605/http://metro.co.uk/2018/01/16/theme-hospital-creators-announce-two-point-hospital-7234494/ |archive-date=16 January 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> Both games were released in 2018: ''Two Point Hospital'' was released on 30 August,<ref>{{cite web |author1=GameCentral |title=Two Point Hospital review – healthy obsession |url=https://metro.co.uk/2018/08/31/two-point-hospital-review-healthy-obsession-7899066/ |website=[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]] |access-date=31 August 2018 |date=31 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180904224617/https://metro.co.uk/2018/08/31/two-point-hospital-review-healthy-obsession-7899066/ |archive-date=4 September 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> while ''Project Hospital'' was released on 30 October.<ref>{{cite web |title=Project Hospital |url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/868360/Project_Hospital/ |website=Steam |access-date=31 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831073727/https://store.steampowered.com/app/868360/Project_Hospital/ |archive-date=31 August 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> ''Two Point Hospital'' features the Animal Magnetism disease, that was originally cut from ''Theme Hospital'' before release.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Two Point Hospital review |last=Brown |first=Fraser |work=[[PC Gamer US]] |date=30 August 2018 |access-date=8 September 2018 |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/two-point-hospital-review/}}</ref><ref name=Making />

== See also ==
{{portal|Video games|1990s|United Kingdom}}
* ''[[Hospital Tycoon]]'', a similar hospital simulation game
* ''[[Two Point Hospital]]'', a spiritual sequel to ''Theme Hospital''
{{clear}}

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

=== Sources ===
* {{cite book |title=Theme Hospital PC Manual |date=1997 |publisher=Bullfrog |edition=UK}}
* {{cite book |title=Theme Hospital PC Quick PlayGuide |date=1997 |publisher=Bullfrog |edition=UK}}

== External links ==
* {{MobyGames|/theme-hospital/}}

{{Bullfrog Productions}}
{{Good article}}

[[Category:1997 video games]]
[[Category:Bullfrog Productions games]]
[[Category:Business simulation games]]
[[Category:Cancelled Sega Saturn games]]
[[Category:DOS games]]
[[Category:Electronic Arts games]]
[[Category:Game engine recreations]]
[[Category:Games commercially released with DOSBox]]
[[Category:MacOS games]]
[[Category:Medical video games]]
[[Category:PlayStation (console) games]]
[[Category:PlayStation Network games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Russell Shaw]]
[[Category:Video games with isometric graphics]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Krisalis Software games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]