Players encountering Ratthew during their early shifts at the game Animal Hospital might initially dismiss him as just another peculiar patient, but this recurring rat character holds a significant narrative arc. Ratthew's story unfolds over five distinct encounters, each revealing more about his knowledge of the hospital's hidden secrets and his personal plight.
Ratthew first appears as a cagey patient who gradually opens up. Unlike other non-player characters, he acknowledges the unusual nature of the hospital environment. His initial dialogue suggests he uses his small size to gather information, stating, "Being small has its advantages. I hear things. I see things. It's a dangerous job." This hints at his awareness of clandestine activities within the hospital.
Ratthew's Warnings and Disappearance
As Ratthew's trust grows, he begins to share more concrete information. In his second encounter, he advises the player, "You are a good guy. My name is Ratthew. My advice? Don't trust anyone here." This direct warning underscores his distrust of the hospital's staff and operations. He later elaborates on this, identifying "people with suitcases" as those hiding secrets and hinting that "Something evil is going on here. Stay alert." This likely refers to characters like Doctor Harlow and Ron From Accounting, both depicted with briefcases that appear to contain sensitive information.
Ratthew's fifth and final encounter before his temporary departure offers the most substantial revelations. He reveals that the "Animal Corporation" is pursuing him and speaks of his twin sister, Rattina. Rattina, he explains, worked for the Animal Corporation and vanished without a trace, prompting Ratthew's ongoing search for her. This encounter concludes with Ratthew leaving behind a key for the player.
The Contents of the Safe and the Stalker Connection
This key unlocks a safe located in Room 5 of the hospital ward. Inside, players find a picture of Rattina, a briefcase, and a cryptic note: "The experiment was a success. The 'Shadow' now sees everything..." This note strongly suggests that Rattina is connected to the entity known as the Stalker, the game's primary antagonist, which often lurks in the hospital's corridors.
Further evidence supporting this theory comes from character design. The Stalker's ear shape closely resembles the rat ears distinctive to Rattina and Ratthew. The note's implication that the "Shadow" (the Stalker) now sees everything, coupled with Rattina's disappearance, leads to the conclusion that she was transformed into the Stalker as part of an experiment by the Animal Corporation.
The exact motives behind Rattina's transformation and the purpose of the experiment remain unclear, hinting at deeper lore yet to be explored in future game updates. The presence of a large laboratory beneath the hospital is also suggested as a potential site for such clandestine operations.
The narrative surrounding Ratthew and his sister suggests a broader conspiracy involving the Animal Corporation and the creation of the hospital's terrifying entities. Players are encouraged to share their own theories regarding Ratthew's role and the unfolding mysteries of Animal Hospital.