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Review of The Medium

Review of The Medium

It’s been a long time since we’ve seen a horror game that follows the classic style of legends like the early Silent Hill and Resident Evil games. Fixed camera angles that shift unpredictably were always a source of tension and fear, but for some reason, modern horror games have largely abandoned this approach, focusing instead on first-person and third-person perspectives. Bloober Team has brought us back to the 90s with “The Medium,” featuring fixed camera angles, an innovative story, and engaging puzzles. These elements combine to create one of the most unique horror experiences I’ve had in recent years.

The Medium Gameplay

The story of “The Medium” revolves around Marianne, a medium who can interact with both the living and the spirit world. She helps restless souls by freeing them from their nightmares and unfinished business so they can pass peacefully to the afterlife.

The story begins with the death of someone close to Marianne. She struggles to help them move on because of their emotional connection. Then, she receives a call from someone named Thomas, who claims to know her true nature and insists that she is the only one who can stop an impending disaster. He tells her to meet him at the Niwa Resort before the call abruptly ends.

The Medium Niwa Resort

From here, your journey begins at the abandoned Niwa Resort. As you explore, you uncover the mysterious events that led to the resort’s closure. Completing “The Medium” takes around 8 to 10 hours, a perfect length for a horror game. The story is never boring and becomes even more captivating in the second half, with unexpected twists that will keep you hooked until the very end.

“The Medium” is a psychological horror game, so there are no combat mechanics. You can’t use weapons to fight enemies like in Silent Hill, which adds to the tension and fear. The fixed camera angles are one of the game’s most striking features. While the transitions between angles aren’t always smooth, they evoke memories of classic Silent Hill and Resident Evil games for those familiar with them.

Fixed Camera Angles in The Medium

Without combat, the gameplay relies heavily on puzzles. These puzzles are creative and seamlessly integrated into the narrative rather than existing just to slow your progress. Marianne, as a medium, constantly shifts between the physical and spirit worlds, sometimes even interacting with both simultaneously. Many puzzles require solving challenges in the spirit world to progress in the physical world, adding a unique layer of depth.

The game’s scares are well-executed and unexpected. While it includes chase sequences, the focus is on psychological horror. The atmosphere, sound design, and detailed environments immerse you in the experience, especially if you’re playing with a good gaming headset. (More on graphics and sound later in this review.)

The Medium Puzzle Gameplay

The game doesn’t hold your hand or explicitly tell you what to do. You’ll learn the mechanics gradually and are expected to figure things out on your own, especially in tricky puzzles. The LB button is essential for uncovering hidden objects and solving many challenges. Thorough exploration is rewarded with a deeper understanding of the story, so take your time to investigate every detail.

The primary antagonist is The Maw, a terrifying creature that relentlessly pursues you. Voiced by the talented Troy Baker, The Maw adds a layer of dread as it stalks you through the game. Stealth is key to avoiding it, and you’ll need to manage your breath to stay hidden. The Maw’s design and behavior make it one of the most frightening enemies in recent horror games.

The Maw in The Medium

“The Medium” is built using Unreal Engine 4, showcasing Bloober Team’s signature attention to detail. While the visuals are impressive, there are occasional inconsistencies in quality. For example, lip-syncing could be improved, and some environmental details feel less polished. However, overall, the game is visually stunning, especially on high-end PCs or Xbox Series X with ray tracing enabled.

Stunning Graphics in The Medium

The sound design is exceptional. The voice acting, especially for Marianne and supporting characters, is top-notch. Troy Baker’s portrayal of The Maw is a standout performance, bringing terrifying life to the creature. His chilling voice work perfectly complements the game’s atmosphere.

The music is split into two styles: Arkadiusz Reikowski’s haunting themes for the physical world and Akira Yamaoka’s (of Silent Hill fame) chilling compositions for the spirit world. Together, they create an immersive auditory experience that perfectly matches the game’s tone.

Technically, I played “The Medium” on Xbox Series S, where it runs at Dynamic 1080p, occasionally dropping to 720p during dual-world sections. Despite the lower resolution, the game uses effective supersampling to maintain a sharp visual presentation. It runs at 30 FPS, with occasional minor stutters that don’t detract from the overall experience. For the best visuals, Xbox Series X offers Dynamic 4K and ray tracing, but the Series S experience is still excellent.

The Medium on Xbox

Conclusion:

“The Medium” is one of Bloober Team’s finest works, offering a unique psychological horror experience. If you’re a fan of classic horror games like Silent Hill and Resident Evil, this is a must-play. The fixed camera angles, gripping story, and creative puzzles make it a standout title, even if minor technical issues and gameplay tweaks could enhance it further.

“The Medium” is available on PC (Steam and Windows Store) and Xbox Series X|S for $50. It’s also included with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for both platforms.

Final Score: 8.5/10