Roots of Insanity

About

Roots of Insanity is a first and third-person survival horror game set in a crumbling hospital. You play as Dr. Riley McClein, an epileptic doctor racing to find his medication after a sudden attack leaves him disoriented. The hospital descends into chaos following a mysterious disturbance, forcing Riley to navigate collapsing corridors, avoid unknown threats, and help stranded patients. Gameplay balances exploration, resource management, and tense encounters as your character’s health and sanity fluctuate with each missed dose. The game’s strongest element is its tight integration of personal struggle with survival mechanics. Riley’s epilepsy isn’t just a narrative detail, it directly impacts gameplay, creating urgency and risk. While the 2017 release received mixed reviews for pacing and polish, its atmospheric tension and unique mechanic earned praise from niche horror fans. PC-only availability keeps it accessible, though its short playtime and occasional clunky controls may not satisfy all players.

Storyline

In Roots of Insanity, we witness an ordinary day of Dr. Riley of the August Valentine Hospital by his own eyes. Dr. Riley, who is an epilepsy patient, has to take his medicine regularly to prevent possible attacks caused by the illness. In the scene that we get into the game, Dr. Riley is at his desk, sitting on a chair. Startled by a screaming woman outside, Riley has a minor attack for not being able to find his medicine. After that, he leaves his room to both find the source of the scream and get some medicine but he finds himself in a messy chaos. In this situation, he needs to find the medicine as soon as possible and help the people at the hospital, for of course; if he can get rid of the ones in his way…