The Medium

From the first minutes I was fascinated. The "dual world" mode is really well done and the soundtrack is spot on.
Only one thing I'm not appreciating, the "fixed" camera. It was certainly a deliberate choice so as not to lose certain scenes within the game, but at certain moments I would have liked to have a better look at the surrounding landscape. It would be nice if a photo mode was integrated into the game. My rating 8/10

The Medium is truly a mixed bag -- an experience of highs & lows. It has some innovative ideas, like the dual reality system, & an interesting narrative. And, the studio is punching well above their weight in terms of graphical fidelity.
However, the game is bogged down by persistent performance issues, big quality jumps between chapters, & middling gameplay. The game is more or less akin to a walking simulator w/ some light puzzling. It is reminiscent of Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice.
Overall, I would recommend the game on a sale if you can stomach the walking simulator adjacent gameplay. More I liked than disliked here but definitely mixed as a whole.

Best description I can give: imagine if "What Remains of Edith Finch" were set in a Zdzisław Beksiński painting.
This "game" is thoughtfully made, story-driven, and incredibly atmospheric, but I put "game" in quotes because you're on rails the whole time: there's about four abilities (other than walking/running), all of which are useful/usable only at specific plot points that are explicitly announced via onscreen prompts. There's an inventory, some puzzles, and a few stealth/chase segments, but all they ask of the player is to follow directions rather than exercise any independent skill or strategy.
I don't think those are flaws, though, because the game feels cohesive and complete instead of unfinished or broken; it's more like the devs had a very specific vision, and your mileage as a player will vary depending on how much that vision appeals to you. If you're looking for survival horror like Dead Space, Resident Evil, or Amnesia, you'll be disappointed. But if you're looking for a rules-light, atmosphere-intensive stroll through a visually and emotionally interesting story, this is worth picking up.

Very enjoyable game. Amazing plot with interesting twists + good soundtrack. Definitely worth the time to finish the game.

*The Medium* is a true gem in the modern horror genre, crafted by the incredibly talented team at Bloober Team. From the very beginning, the game immerses you in a dark and mysterious atmosphere where the worlds of the living and the dead intertwine, creating a unique and captivating gameplay experience. If you’re looking for a game that not only frightens but also makes you think and dive into deep psychological exploration, *The Medium* is exactly what you need.
The game’s core mechanic, the dual-reality system, is masterfully executed. You play as Marianne, a medium who can navigate both the physical world and the spirit world simultaneously. This mechanic isn’t just a gimmick—it’s integral to solving puzzles, interacting with environments, and unraveling the haunting narrative. The constant shifting between these two realms feels seamless, adding an extra layer of tension and immersion that keeps you on edge throughout the entire playthrough.
However, what truly elevates *The Medium* beyond its gameplay is its stunning atmosphere and sound design. The game's visuals, inspired by the works of Polish surrealist artist Zdzisław Beksiński, are haunting and otherworldly, perfectly capturing the unsettling tone of the story. Each environment, whether in the real world or the eerie spirit world, is rich with detail, contributing to the sense of dread and wonder.
And now, let’s talk about one of the game's most outstanding elements—the music. *The Medium* features an incredible soundtrack composed by Arkadiusz Reikowski and the legendary Akira Yamaoka, best known for his work on *Silent Hill*. The haunting melodies and ambient soundscapes do more than just accompany the game—they elevate the emotional and psychological impact of the story. Each track feels meticulously crafted to evoke a range of emotions, from sorrow and despair to dread and unease.
Adding to the magic of the soundtrack is the unforgettable voice of Mary Elizabeth McGlynn, who has long been a collaborator with Yamaoka. Her haunting vocals add a deeply emotional and nostalgic layer to the game’s atmosphere, especially for fans of *Silent Hill*. The combination of Yamaoka’s eerie compositions and McGlynn’s soulful voice is nothing short of breathtaking. Their collaboration is one of the highlights of the game, drawing players deeper into its twisted world and echoing long after the credits roll.
The narrative of *The Medium* is rich with themes of trauma, loss, and guilt, touching on heavy subjects while maintaining a balance of mystery and horror. The twists and turns of the story are masterfully paced, keeping players engaged as they piece together the disturbing truth behind the events unfolding in both worlds. Marianne’s journey is one filled with emotional depth, and by the end, you feel a real connection to her struggles and the haunting revelations she uncovers.
Of course, no game is perfect. While *The Medium* does many things incredibly well, it’s worth noting that the gameplay might feel a bit slow for some players. The focus here is on exploration and atmosphere, rather than fast-paced action. But for fans of psychological horror and narrative-driven experiences, this pacing is a strength rather than a weakness.
In conclusion, *The Medium* is a masterclass in psychological horror, blending an engaging story with innovative gameplay mechanics and a soundtrack that stands as one of the best in recent memory. Akira Yamaoka and Mary Elizabeth McGlynn’s contributions elevate the game to new heights, offering a deeply emotional and chilling auditory experience. The team at Bloober Team deserves immense praise for their work, as they’ve created a game that is both terrifying and thought-provoking. It’s clear that *The Medium* is a love letter to fans of the genre, and it firmly establishes Bloober Team as one of the top developers in horror today.
Bravo to the entire team—you've crafted something truly special!

I really loved playing this game.

At first, I hoped it would be a crazy horror game. If you’re searching for that, this game is not the right choice for you. However, both story-wise and gameplay-wise, I would highly suggest this game to everyone, no matter what genre you like.

Thank you for that amazing experience!

A balanced blend of sorrow, fear, and anxiety. Visually captivating and mesmerizing graphic images, exceptionally suitable and beautiful sound effects, a realistically immersive ambiance, and a rich storyline. A complete package of everything one expects from a game. Undoubtedly one of the best games of my life.