I love this game. It's clunky here and there, it's slow in certain levels, and this was valid even back when it was released. So these are its main flaws that will get right in your face while playing and you have to be willing to overcome those to fully enjoy the game. Also saving at the beginning of each chapter is a great idea. :)

Although Sanitarium is labeled as an adventure game, while being an adventure, it's mostly one guy's struggle to return to sanity and the world of the living after having a car crash. So in this regard it feels more like a quest. The game does a very good job at putting the puzzle pieces back together, to reveal who the main character is, what got him in this situation and who was behind it. His real-world frail state (coma) gives the game a lot of freedom to explore weird environments as the backbone of his gradual recovery. This keeps things fresh and the different characters you get to play as throughout the game will also come together in a late level, where you'll have to use their specific characteristics and abilities to advance.

Now what I love about the game:
- awesome soundtrack for a great atmosphere
- overall good voice acting
- the story of the main character's self-discovery, along with the details that add substance to it
- the fact that it's not as scary as the trailer suggests, because the story stands out better without too much horror (still creepy, though)
- talking to everyone doesn't take too much time, unless patience is something you lack, and talking doesn't just help you with your little missions/tasks, but also add a bit to the overall plots of each level, and even the big picture
- the mechanics of the game and handling your items are pretty straightforward for the most part
- as an adventure/quest game, it certainly requires patience, but that's nicely rewarded with a great soundtrack and how the story gets

What I don't like about the game:
- the movement sucks sometimes, which gets in the way of having a smooth experience, although after 2-3 levels you get used to it and shouldn't be a surprise nor bother you that much
- Olmec is pretty slow and it can be a drag, but at least the levels you get to play as him look and sound great
- some puzzles can be quite difficult, so a walk-through might be required - just try on your own for a while, for greater satisfaction :P

Thanks for refreshing it, DotEmu! I had a lot of fun replaying it.