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MONSTER

The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan
Item: The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2019

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Horror, Mystery, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableAug 29, 2019

PlatformPlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox One

DeveloperSupermassive Games

Overview

Enter the world of The Dark Pictures - A series of standalone cinematic horror games. Players will be challenged to explore and uncover each story with the knowledge that all their choices have consequences and all playable characters can live, any and all can die...

Elsewhere

6.6

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

51%

Mixed (50-79)

45%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan are quite mixed. Some critics, such as Twinfinite and Softpedia, highlight the intriguing and engaging nature of the story. They appreciate the mystery and suspense surrounding the haunted ship and the unexpected twists and turns that keep players engaged. The narrative structure, with nonlinear storytelling and alternative story paths, is also praised by Games.cz. Additionally, the well-delivered narrative and the potential consequences of seemingly insignificant decisions make replaying the game an exciting prospect, according to PlayStation LifeStyle. On the other hand, several critics express disappointment with the story of Man of Medan. Xbox Achievements and Hardcore Gamer criticize the lack of intrigue and cohesion in the narrative. They mention poor scriptwriting, stilted performances, and uninteresting characters that fail to evoke emotion or engage players. The predictable nature of the plot and the lack of genuine horror elements are also mentioned by Hardcore Gamer and TheSixthAxis. DualShockers and AusGamers note that the B-movie horror tone may not be sustainable for future games in The Dark Pictures Anthology. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Man of Medan falls short of its predecessor, Until Dawn. While some critics appreciate the suspenseful and engaging nature of the narrative, others find it lacking in intrigue and cohesion. The character development and performances receive mixed reviews, with some critics finding them passable and others criticizing their lack of personality. The game's multiplayer options, such as Movie Night mode and online co-op, are highlighted as redeeming features by Xbox Achievements and We Got This Covered. Despite its flaws, the game still manages to provide an enjoyable horror experience for players, with the potential for different outcomes and shared horror experiences in multiplayer mode.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics are split on The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan's story. Some praise its mystery and nonlinear narrative, while others criticize its lack of intrigue and uninteresting characters. Despite mixed reviews, the game offers engaging horror experiences and unique multiplayer options.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

17%

Mixed (50-79)

78%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan are mixed. Some critics, such as Video Chums and CGMagazine, express negative views on the gameplay. They mention tedious busywork, clunky controls, and repetitive hallways, which detract from the overall experience. IGN Spain and Metro GameCentral also highlight slow and clunky exploration moments, limited player agency, and technical issues with frame rates and button prompts. These criticisms suggest that the gameplay may not be as engaging or polished as desired. On the positive side, several critics appreciate the inclusion of quick-time events (QTEs), dialogue choices, and decision-making mechanics. Critics like Jeuxvideo.com and DualShockers mention that the gameplay mainly revolves around making choices and participating in QTEs, which can affect the relationships between characters and add replayability to the game. Game Informer and Shacknews praise the impact of player decisions on the story, with Game Informer specifically mentioning the stress of keeping all playable characters alive. Eurogamer Italy also highlights the tense gameplay and multiple playthroughs with different storylines and character relationships. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan has its strengths and weaknesses. While the inclusion of QTEs, choices, and multiple playthroughs adds depth and replayability, the clunky controls, slow pacing, and technical issues hinder the overall experience. Critics like Trusted Reviews and GameCritics mention the clunky movement and railroading nature of the gameplay, respectively. However, the game's narrative focus and ability to make choices with consequences are appreciated by critics like PlayStation LifeStyle and COGconnected. The game's multiplayer features, such as the Movie Night mode, are also seen as positive additions by Game Rant and TheXboxHub.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics have mixed opinions on the gameplay of The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan. While some praise the inclusion of quick-time events and decision-making mechanics for adding replay value, others criticize the clunky controls and repetitive elements that detract from the overall experience. Despite its strengths in narrative focus and player choices, technical issues and slow pacing hinder the game's potential. Multiplayer features like Movie Night mode are seen as positive additions.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

48%

Mixed (50-79)

43%

Negative (0-49)

10%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan are varied. Some critics praised the game's visuals, noting impressive graphics, realistic character models, and well-lit environments. Critics such as Game Revolution and COGconnected commended the game for its dark shadows, detailed textures, and practically photorealistic visuals. The cinematic presentation, with its widescreen aspect ratio and well-thought compositions, was also highlighted by critics like DarkStation and 3DJuegos. The use of real actors in the game, as mentioned by XGN, added to the visual appeal. Additionally, the game's skillful lighting, cutting-edge character models, and skillful animation were appreciated by Adventure Gamers. However, there were several negative opinions regarding the graphics and visual design of Man of Medan. Critics such as TrueAchievements and Push Square criticized the facial animations, noting that they broke immersion and felt stiff or uncanny. Technical issues were also a common complaint, with critics like GamePro Germany, GamingTrend, and Trusted Reviews mentioning missing textures, pop-ups, severe frame rate drops, poor optimization, and frequent freezes. The occasional frame rate drops, unclear textures, and lackluster lighting effects were also mentioned by JeuxActu. Some critics, like Slant Magazine and VG247, mentioned flipbook-level frame rates, uneventful walking around, and occasional glitches as issues that affected the visual experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that while Man of Medan has its visual strengths, it also suffers from technical issues and inconsistencies. The game's graphics and visual effects were praised by some critics for their cinematic nature, immersive atmosphere, and attention to detail. However, the negative aspects, such as technical performance problems, animation glitches, and occasional uncanny facial expressions, were mentioned by multiple critics. The Sydney Morning Herald described the game as visually impressive but also highlighted the occasional detours down the uncanny valley. IGN Spain mentioned both positive aspects like well-done character models and visual effects, as well as visual issues like image stuttering and clipping. The overall sentiment suggests that while the game has its visual highlights, it falls short in terms of technical performance and animation quality.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics have mixed opinions on the graphics of The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan. Some praised its impressive visuals, realistic character models, and cinematic presentation, while others criticized issues like facial animations, technical glitches, and frame rate drops. Overall, while the game has visual strengths, it also suffers from technical problems and inconsistencies, leaving room for improvement in animation quality and performance.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

47%

Mixed (50-79)

51%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

In terms of the sound design and music of The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan, the majority of critics have praised its effectiveness in enhancing the horror experience. Many critics, such as 3DJuegos, Cultured Vultures, and Impulsegamer, highlight the game's ability to create a tense and creepy atmosphere through its sound design. They mention the various creepy background music, ambient sounds, and spooky sound effects that contribute to the overall immersion and sense of dread. The voice acting is also generally well-received, with Attack of the Fanboy, Gameplanet, and TrueAchievements commending the convincing performances that make the characters feel believable. The voice actors' efforts in delivering their lines and conveying the emotions of their characters are particularly appreciated by critics like Game Informer and TheXboxHub. However, there are some mixed opinions regarding the sound design and music of Man of Medan. DualShockers and Game Revolution express some disappointment, mentioning cheap scares, dialogue lines that may unintentionally be funny, and a reliance on jump scares that can become numbing due to their rapid succession. The dialogue itself is criticized by GameSpot and Gaming Age, who find it stilted, unrealistic, and at times, hokey. Some critics, like GamingTrend and Adventure Gamers, also note technical performance issues that affect the sound design, such as flat voice acting and instances where the voices are drowned out by music and ambient sounds. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the sound design and music of Man of Medan contribute positively to the horror experience, despite some flaws. The atmospheric and immersive qualities of the sound design, along with the effective use of jump scares, are acknowledged by critics such as RPG Site, Hardcore Gamer, and JeuxActu. The voice acting, although with some varying performances, is generally praised for its solid delivery and ability to bring the characters to life, as mentioned by Worth Playing and TheXboxHub. However, there are criticisms regarding the dialogue and reliance on jump scares, which some critics feel cheapen the horror experience. Despite these mixed opinions, the overall sentiment leans towards the positive, with the sound design and music being recognized as important elements that contribute to the eerie and suspenseful atmosphere of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics generally praise The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan for its sound design and music, noting its effectiveness in creating a tense and creepy atmosphere through eerie background music and spooky sound effects. Voice acting receives mixed reviews, with some finding it convincing while others criticize it as stilted and unrealistic. While some critics mention flaws like cheap scares and overreliance on jump scares, most agree that the sound design enhances the horror experience. Overall, the game's atmospheric qualities and solid voice acting outweigh its shortcomings, making it a worthwhile horror game experience.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

45%

Mixed (50-79)

47%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting of The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan receives mostly positive feedback from the critics. Many reviewers praise the solid performances and believability of the characters. Critics such as 3DJuegos, Attack of the Fanboy, and Cultured Vultures highlight the quality of the voice acting, with the latter specifically mentioning Pip Torrens' portrayal of The Curator as a standout performance. The cast, including well-known actors like Shawn Ashmore, is commended for their solid performances and ability to bring their characters to life (DarkStation, Game Rant, COGconnected). The use of actual actors adds to the immersion and tension of the game (3DJuegos). The voice acting is described as convincing, fitting well with the overall tone of the game (Gameblog.fr, Gamer.nl, The Games Machine). However, there are some criticisms regarding the voice acting in Man of Medan. Some reviewers mention issues with the synchronization of character movements and dialogue, with Digitally Downloaded comparing it to a creepy puppet show. The dialogue is criticized for being hokey, awkwardly phrased, or filled with corny lines (GameCrate, GameCritics). Some lines are described as unnatural and detract from the overall immersion (Gaming Age). The tone of certain voice lines is also mentioned as not fitting the scene, which can disrupt the player's immersion (Shacknews). Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan is generally good, with solid performances from the cast. The use of well-known actors like Shawn Ashmore and Pip Torrens is appreciated, and their portrayals of their respective characters are praised. However, there are some issues with dialogue and synchronization that detract from the overall experience. The voice acting adds to the immersion and believability of the characters, but there are moments where it falls short or feels inconsistent (IGN Spain, TrueAchievements, Hooked Gamers). Despite these criticisms, the majority of reviewers agree that the voice acting in Man of Medan is well done and contributes positively to the game's atmosphere.

TL;DR

voice acting

The voice acting in The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan receives mostly positive feedback for solid performances and believability, particularly praising actors like Shawn Ashmore and Pip Torrens. However, some critics point out issues with dialogue synchronization and hokey lines that can disrupt immersion. Overall, the voice acting is generally good and adds to the game's atmosphere, despite some drawbacks.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

63%

Negative (0-49)

33%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on Xbox One, the critics had mixed opinions. GamingTrend mentioned poor optimization and technical performance, including constant frame rate fluctuations and stuttering, as well as glitches with the time and date display. However, Generación Xbox praised the technically impressive presentation, running at 4K resolution and 30 frames per second on Xbox One X. Despite some minor technical hiccups mentioned by COGconnected, such as audio drops and character freezing, the game was deemed playable on PC. MGG also noted some minor technical issues on PC, including artifacts and invisible doors, but overall, the game ran smoothly. On the PlayStation 4, the majority of critics highlighted various technical issues. VG247 mentioned technical issues with frame rates and button prompts, leading to frustration. Gamers' Temple pointed out frame rate skips that interfered with gameplay, particularly during quick-time events. IGN Italia experienced a game freeze that resulted in the loss of a significant portion of the story. DualShockers mentioned frame rate drops, loading screens, stuttering, and multiple crashes. Hobby Consolas and Gamer.nl both mentioned frame rate drops and audio syncing problems, which affected immersion. These technical issues, including glitches, stuttering, hitching, and continuity errors, were also highlighted by CGMagazine, Jeuxvideo.com, and New Game Network. The overall consensus among the critics is that The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan suffers from significant technical issues across all gaming platforms. Many critics mentioned frame rate drops, stuttering, and freezing, which hindered gameplay and broke immersion. Technical issues such as missing textures, pop-ups, and severe frame rate drops were also criticized. The game's performance problems affected controls and led to failed quick-time events. Other issues included glitches, crashes, texture loading problems, and desynced subtitles. While some critics mentioned the potential for a Day One patch to address these issues, the general sentiment is that the technical performance of Man of Medan is lacking. Overall, the technical performance of The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan received negative feedback from the critics. The game was plagued by various technical issues, including frame rate fluctuations, stuttering, freezing, glitches, and continuity errors. These issues were reported across multiple gaming platforms, including Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC. While there were some positive comments about the game's presentation on Xbox One X and smooth performance on PC, the overwhelming consensus is that the technical issues significantly impacted the overall experience of the game. Critics highlighted the frustration caused by these technical problems, which broke immersion and hindered gameplay.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics slammed The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan for its widespread technical issues across Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC. From frame rate drops to glitches, stuttering, and freezing, the game's performance woes frustrated players and marred the immersive experience. Despite some positive notes on Xbox One X and PC performance, the overall consensus is that the game's technical flaws severely detracted from its potential.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

55%

Mixed (50-79)

43%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan are varied. Many critics highlight the game's branching paths, multiple endings, and the option to make different choices as positive aspects that encourage replayability. Critics such as Gameblog.fr, TrueAchievements, and Softpedia appreciate the limited variations and the ability to change the fate of the characters, while Press Start Australia and RPG Fan mention the branching paths and decision-making that affect the story as factors that provide tremendous replay value. The inclusion of cooperative gameplay modes, such as Movie Night and Shared Story, is also praised by critics like IGN Italia, We Got This Covered, and Press Start Australia, as they add unpredictability and different perspectives to subsequent playthroughs. The multiplayer aspect is seen as a fun addition, particularly when playing with friends. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about the game's replay value. CGMagazine and Metro GameCentral mention that the brevity of the game, with a playtime of around 4-6 hours, limits its replayability. The lack of attachment to the characters is also highlighted as a potential drawback by Riot Pixels and Twinfinite. Technical performance issues, as mentioned by GamingTrend, can make certain content inaccessible and hinder replayability. Eurogamer Italy and VG247 point out the lack of signposting and deceptive quick-time events as factors that can lead to frustration during subsequent playthroughs. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan offers some replay value, but it may not be as extensive as other similar games. The branching paths, multiple endings, and cooperative gameplay modes are seen as positive aspects that enhance replayability. However, the brevity of the game, lack of attachment to characters, technical issues, and potential frustration with certain gameplay mechanics are mentioned as limitations to its replay value. Despite these concerns, the game's ability to provide different experiences and outcomes based on player choices is generally appreciated by the critics.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics are split on the replay value of The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan. Some praise its branching paths, multiple endings, and cooperative gameplay modes for encouraging replayability. However, concerns are raised about the game's brevity, lack of character attachment, technical issues, and frustrating gameplay mechanics. Overall, while the game offers some replay value, it may not match up to other similar titles.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

61%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan has received mixed reviews from critics. Some critics have praised the game for its atmospheric setting, interactive gameplay, and enjoyable horror experience. The Sydney Morning Herald describes it as a "knowingly schlocky and incredibly fun horror movie in video game form" and PlayStation LifeStyle states that it is a "thrilling and immersive horror game." The game's branching storylines and multiplayer modes have also been highlighted as positive aspects by critics such as Screen Rant and Trusted Reviews. However, there are several criticisms that have been raised by reviewers. Many critics have mentioned technical issues, including poor performance, controls, and camera angles. GamingTrend states that the game is "held back by numerous technical problems" and Gamers Heroes mentions frustrating camera angles. Some critics have also expressed disappointment in the story execution and lack of depth in the gameplay mechanics and storytelling. IGN Italia states that the game falls into clichés and lacks depth, while CGMagazine mentions a lack of interesting story and supernatural elements. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan falls short of its potential and does not live up to the standards set by its predecessor, Until Dawn. While there are enjoyable aspects such as the atmospheric setting and interactive gameplay, the game is marred by technical issues and a lack of depth in its storytelling. Critics like Video Chums and GamePro Germany have expressed their disappointment with the game, while others like M3 and Hobby Consolas have acknowledged its flaws but still find enjoyment in the horror experience it offers. The game's multiplayer options, branching storylines, and potential for future installments in The Dark Pictures Anthology have been mentioned as redeeming qualities by several critics.

TL;DR

Critics have mixed feelings about The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan. Some praise its atmospheric setting and interactive gameplay, calling it a fun horror experience. However, technical issues and shallow storytelling disappoint many, with some feeling it falls short compared to its predecessor, Until Dawn. Despite flaws, the game's multiplayer modes and branching storylines show promise for future installments.

MONSTER

Reviews

123 reviews found

100

Daily Star

Xbox One

Aug 28, 2019