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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: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2019

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

AvailableAug 29, 2019

PlatformPC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4

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

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Man of Medan dazzles with interactive storytelling and replayable choices but falters under weak narrative bones, unlikable characters, and predictable horror tropes—a split between co-op charm and single-player shortcomings that leaves fans divided.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

51%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

45%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The reviews of Man of Medan highlight several positive aspects, particularly its interactive storytelling and decision-driven mechanics. Critics like IGN praised the game’s strong choices with consequences, noting that the latter half maintains a sense of dread and makes replaying appealing, especially in online co-op. GameCritics commended the well-structured narrative, which includes flashbacks to build character relationships and top-notch writing that creates relatable, likeable characters. TheXboxHub emphasized the brilliance of character realization, stating that players will "love them, hate them, laugh at them, and fret when something happens to them," while GameWatcher and PLAY! Zine appreciated the supernatural elements and how player decisions shape relationships and outcomes. The game’s atmosphere and tension were also frequently praised, with Gaming Age noting its B-movie horror vibe and Meristation highlighting moments of tension, jump scares, and comedic relief. However, several critics found significant flaws in the narrative execution. Push Square and TrueAchievements criticized the story as "slight" and "pedestrian," with unnatural dialogue and unlikable characters that lacked emotional depth. Game Informer and New Game Network pointed to poor pacing, predictable twists, and a lack of surprises, while Xbox Achievements lamented the redundant Curator character and stilted performances. Carole Quintaine and JeuxActu noted the game’s brevity, with some feeling it was rushed or underdeveloped. TheSixthAxis and Adventure Gamers criticized the slow start and pedestrian explanations for supernatural events, while Xbox Achievements and Worth Playing found the multiplayer mode a necessary redemption but insufficient to salvage the single-player experience. Many felt the game’s reliance on horror tropes and lack of innovation left it feeling derivative. Overall, the consensus leans toward mixed reactions, with praise for the game’s interactive mechanics and replayability contrasting sharply with criticism of its narrative depth and character development. While IGN, GameCritics, and TheXboxHub celebrated its strengths in decision-making and atmosphere, a majority of critics, including Push Square, TrueAchievements, and Game Informer, found it lacking in originality and emotional engagement. The game’s split between multiplayer appeal and single-player shortcomings created a polarizing reception, with some seeing it as a fun, if flawed, entry in the horror genre, while others viewed it as a missed opportunity to deliver a more compelling story. Despite its issues, Man of Medan remains notable for its attempt to blend cinematic storytelling with player agency, even if it occasionally falls short of its ambitions.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

A narrative-driven horror gem with branching choices and co-op tension, but clunky mechanics, repetitive pacing, and unfair QTEs undermine its cinematic ambition, offering replayable thrills at the cost of polish.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

17%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

78%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan receives praise for its narrative-driven structure and player agency, with many critics highlighting its choice-based mechanics and branching storylines. IGN notes that decisions have consequences, while GameSpew emphasizes true player choice and branching narratives. The Sydney Morning Herald appreciates the balance between exploration, character moments, and action, and Press Start Australia acknowledges improvements like tracking character traits and relationships. Additionally, PC Gamer highlights the co-op feature, which allows two players to experience different scenes simultaneously, creating a unique and tense dynamic. The game’s focus on dialogue options, quick-time events (QTEs), and exploration is seen as engaging, particularly for fans of narrative horror, with some reviewers like GameCrate praising accessibility options for QTEs. These elements contribute to a sense of replayability, especially with multiple endings and the Curator’s Cut mode. However, several critics criticize the gameplay for its repetition, clunky mechanics, and reliance on outdated systems. CGMagazine and VGC describe the experience as tedious, with players walking through repetitive hallways and linear sections, while Video Chums and GameCrate point to "clunky controls" and "tedious busywork." The QTEs are frequently singled out as a flaw—GameCrate calls them "cheap," and PC Gamer notes they can feel unfair, with deaths occurring from a single missed button press. Gamers Heroes and Riot Pixels also highlight frustrating camera angles and technical issues that detract from immersion. Additionally, some reviewers, like Jeuxvideo.com and Metro GameCentral, argue that choices have limited impact on the story, reducing player agency. The game’s reliance on fixed camera angles and stiff character movement further amplifies these criticisms, with Hardcore Gamer comparing it to Until Dawn but noting its lack of innovation. Overall, critics present a mixed consensus, acknowledging the game’s strengths in storytelling and replayability while critiquing its gameplay mechanics. While titles like IGN and The Sydney Morning Herald praise the narrative depth and balance between exploration and action, others such as VGC and Video Chums emphasize the repetitive nature and technical shortcomings. The game’s reliance on QTEs and dialogue choices is seen as both a strength and a weakness—offering engagement for some but feeling shallow or unfair to others. Despite these issues, many reviewers agree that Man of Medan succeeds in delivering a cinematic horror experience with meaningful player decisions, even if its mechanics fall short of innovation. The mixed reception reflects a game that appeals to fans of the genre but struggles to elevate itself beyond its predecessors’ formulaic design.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

"The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan" dazzled with atmospheric, cinematic visuals and immersive horror, earning praise for its detailed environments and motion-captured performances, but technical flaws like framerate drops, repetitive design, and uncanny valley faces plagued its execution, leaving a mixed legacy where artistic ambition clashed with inconsistent polish.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

47%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

43%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The graphics and visual design of The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan received widespread acclaim for their atmospheric depth, cinematic quality, and attention to detail. Many critics praised the game’s ability to create a haunting, immersive environment, with GameSpot highlighting the "extremely detailed and creepy" ship that effectively conveys its decaying, ominous setting. TheXboxHub lauded the "amazing performance captures," noting the "perfectly captured facial expressions" and "beautiful" outdoor scenes on the Duke of Milan. IGN Spain commended the "well-done character models, facial animations, environments, and visual effects," while 3DJuegos celebrated the "cinematic atmosphere with immersive visuals and chilling details." The game’s use of lighting, camera angles, and motion capture technology was frequently noted as a strength, with TheSixthAxis calling it an "interactive cutscene" and Game Rant praising its "Hollywood talents" and "fantastic" world-building. These elements collectively contributed to a visually striking experience that leaned into its horror roots. However, technical shortcomings and visual inconsistencies were a recurring criticism across platforms. Multiple reviewers highlighted framerate issues, freezes, and stuttering, with Gaming Age noting "severe framerate issues" on Xbox One and VG247 criticizing "flipbook-level frame rates." Jeuxvideo.com (PS4) and IGN Italia pointed to an "unstable graphics engine" and "inconsistent technical performance," while TheXboxHub (XBOX Series X) remarked that the game felt "graphically behind" compared to other titles. Issues like uncanny valley facial animations (GameCrate, PCWorld) and repetitive, bland ship corridors (IGN, IGN Italia) also detracted from the experience. Pocket Tactics acknowledged the Switch version’s "lower resolution and visual hiccups," while TheSixthAxis warned of "serious performance issues" on PS4 Pro that disrupted tension. These technical flaws often overshadowed the game’s artistic ambitions, creating a disconnect between its visual aspirations and execution. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics was one of admiration for Man of Medan’s visual ambition, even if it fell short in technical polish. While some, like TheXboxHub (XBOX ONE) and GameSpot, praised its "high-standard visuals" and "stunning" environments, others like IGN Spain and Vandal acknowledged its "improved graphics" and "cinematic experience." However, the game’s reliance on fixed camera angles, repetitive design, and occasional technical hiccups (e.g., texture pop-in, lag) created a mixed reception. Critics like Hardcore Gamer noted its similarity to Until Dawn in visuals, while others, such as Multiplayer.it, felt the "limited space" of the ship reduced unpredictability. Ultimately, Man of Medan was seen as a visually impressive, if imperfect, entry in the horror genre, with its strengths in atmosphere and presentation often outweighing its technical flaws for many reviewers.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Man of Medan’s sound design crafts a tense, immersive horror experience with eerie scores and chilling atmosphere, but its reliance on overused jump scares, uneven voice acting, and technical flaws undermine its potential.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

47%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

51%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The Sound Design and Music of The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan received generally positive feedback from critics, with many praising its ability to create an immersive and tense atmosphere. Several reviewers highlighted the effective use of ambient sounds, eerie music, and atmospheric cues to enhance the horror experience. For instance, TheXboxHub praised the "emotive and affecting soundtrack" and noted that it was "almost pitch-perfect in sync with the gameplay," while RPG Site and Meristation lauded the "fantastic sound design" and "atmospheric score" by Jason Graves. The game’s use of jump scares was also commended for being well-executed, with Game Rant noting that the scares were "well-earned" and contributed to a sense of tension. Additionally, critics like VG247 and PlayStation LifeStyle emphasized how the sound design—such as the creaking metal of the ship—added to the claustrophobic and unsettling environment. The voice acting, while uneven, was often described as "commendable" (Adventure Gamers) or "fantastic" (ZTGD), with standout performances from actors like Pip Torrens as the Curator. However, several critics pointed out limitations in the sound design and music, particularly regarding originality and technical execution. Hardcore Gamer criticized the lack of innovation, stating that the music felt similar to Until Dawn and "disappointing" in its creativity. Others noted issues with consistency, such as Xbox Achievements, who mentioned some performances sounded "phoned-in," and Hooked Gamers, who highlighted a stark contrast between strong and weak voice acting. Technical problems also arose, with GamingTrend pointing to "technical performance issues" affecting sound design, while Adventure Gamers criticized the "echo filter" that sometimes drowned out dialogue. Additionally, some reviewers felt the reliance on jump scares overshadowed subtler horror elements, as noted by DualShockers, who described the game’s approach as "cheap" and lacking the sophistication of filmmakers like Jordan Peele or Ari Aster. Overall, the consensus among critics was that while Man of Medan’s sound design and music effectively contributed to its horror atmosphere, they were not without flaws. Most agreed that the audio elements enhanced immersion and tension, with many praising the atmospheric dread (Nuanced audio and visual cues create stomach-knotting dread, PlayStation Universe) and the "chilling soundtrack" (XGN). However, some critics felt the lack of originality in the score (Hardcore Gamer) and uneven voice acting (Hooked Gamers) detracted from the experience. Despite these criticisms, the game’s audio design was widely seen as a strength, with TheXboxHub calling it "Oscar-worthy" and Meristation noting the "fantastic audio mix." The mixed reception reflects a balance between appreciation for its immersive qualities and frustration with its technical shortcomings and reliance on familiar horror tropes.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Standout voice work from Ashmore and Torrens elevates Man of Medan, but clichéd dialogue, stilted delivery, and uneven scripts undermine consistency, making its quality depend on individual performances and tolerance for campy horror.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

45%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

47%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The voice acting in The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan receives a mix of praise, particularly highlighting standout performances and technical execution. Critics like IGN Italia note that the narrator’s voice work is “decent,” while VG247 praises it as “excellently acted” with the Curator character serving as a compelling throughline. Shawn Ashmore and Pip Torrens are frequently singled out for their strong performances, with TrueAchievements calling Torrens’ portrayal of the Curator “fun to listen to” and TheXboxHub noting the cast’s “solid” and “well-observed” interactions. Others, such as GameSpew and Daily Star, commend the actors for bringing characters to life with natural dialogue and emotional depth. The game also benefits from recognizable talent, including Ayisha Issa and Quantum Break’s Ashmore, whose roles are described as “top-notch” by Adventure Gamers and “convincing” by Gameblog.fr. These positives suggest that while the script may falter, the voice actors often elevate their material effectively. However, several critics highlight significant flaws in the voice acting, particularly its inconsistency and reliance on clichéd dialogue. Push Square and Xbox Achievements criticize the “distractingly awful” and “stilted” performances, while Twinfinite calls the work “shoddy” and Video Chums finds it “hilariously bad,” especially in the prologue. GameCrate points to “misused slang” and “corny lines,” with M3 noting that some deliveries feel “strange” and characters “flat.” Hooked Gamers describes a jarring contrast between strong and weak performances, while Gaming Age and Shacknews lament unnatural dialogue and tonal mismatches. Even Jeuxvideo.com and PlayStation LifeStyle acknowledge average or inconsistent voice work, with the latter citing “odd disconnects” from photorealistic animation. These critiques underscore a recurring issue: the script’s weaknesses often undermine the actors’ efforts, leading to an uneven experience. Despite mixed reactions, the overall consensus leans toward a balanced assessment, acknowledging both strengths and flaws. While some critics, like GameRant and VG247, praise the voice acting as “excellent” or “top-notch,” others, such as Push Square and Xbox Achievements, find it severely lacking. However, many reviewers note that standout performances—particularly from Shawn Ashmore and Pip Torrens—anchor the experience, even if the broader script and tone falter. Hooked Gamers and GameCritics highlight the contrast between strong and weak actors, while IGN Spain and Xbox Tavern appreciate the localized voice work and character depth. Ultimately, Man of Medan’s voice acting is a mixed bag: it benefits from skilled performers but struggles with inconsistent writing and tonal direction, leaving its quality heavily dependent on individual cast members and the player’s tolerance for its campy horror aesthetic.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Technical chaos across all platforms: PS4 plagued by crashes, frame drops, and texture glitches; Xbox One struggles with control quirks; PC faces clunky mechanics. While minor improvements exist, instability and polish issues ruined the experience, with PS4 worst affected. A flawed launch marred by poor optimization.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

64%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

32%

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

The technical performance of The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan varies across platforms, with some positive notes despite widespread issues. On PS4, Screen Rant acknowledged that the game runs more smoothly than its predecessor Until Dawn, citing improved frame rates and stability thanks to Unreal Engine 4, though texture pop-in remained a minor annoyance. For PC, MGG noted that the game runs "smoothly" with only "minor technical issues," while Worth Playing highlighted accessible controls and options, despite criticisms of keyboard/mouse handling. On Xbox One, some reviewers like TrueAchievements mentioned that while there were glitches (e.g., subtitle timing and control quirks), the core experience wasn’t as plagued by crashes or frame drops as on PS4. These positives suggest that the game’s technical foundation was somewhat viable, though far from polished. However, the negatives across platforms are more pronounced and consistent. PS4 received the harshest criticism, with multiple reviewers like Twinfinite, Gameplanet, and DualShockers citing severe frame rate drops, crashes, freezes, and texture loading issues that disrupted gameplay. The PS4 Pro version faced similar problems, as noted by Jeuxvideo.com and USgamer, while critics like Cultured Vultures and Push Square described moments of disconnection from the narrative due to technical hiccups. Xbox One users, including GamingTrend and TrueAchievements, reported stuttering, freezes, and control issues that broke immersion, though these were less frequent than on PS4. On PC, Softpedia and GameWatcher criticized clunky controls and bugs, such as characters getting stuck or camera glitches, which overshadowed the game’s potential. These platform-specific flaws highlight a lack of optimization and polish. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Man of Medan suffered from significant technical instability across all platforms, with PS4 being the most affected. While some reviewers acknowledged minor improvements in performance (e.g., Screen Rant’s praise for PS4 stability), the majority emphasized recurring issues like frame rate fluctuations, crashes, and glitches that detracted from the experience. The Xbox One and PC versions faced their own challenges, particularly with controls and optimization, but the PS4’s problems were more severe and frequent. Despite these shortcomings, a few critics (like MGG on PC) noted that the game was playable with minor fixes, suggesting that technical issues were not insurmountable but significantly impacted the overall quality. The lack of a unified, polished experience across platforms underscores the game’s troubled development and release.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Branching narratives, co-op thrills, and multiple endings boost replayability, but short length, shallow characters, and clichéd plots undermine depth—fun for social play, but not a must-replay title.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

55%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

43%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The majority of critics acknowledge that The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan offers notable replay value through its branching narratives, multiple endings, and cooperative multiplayer modes. Many praise the game’s emphasis on player choice, with IGN and TheSixthAxis highlighting how different decisions lead to unique outcomes, while Game Informer and Cultured Vultures emphasize the thrill of trying to keep all characters alive across playthroughs. The co-op features, such as Movie Night Mode and Shared Story mode, are frequently cited as key draws, with TheXboxHub noting that these modes transform the experience into a social activity, especially for groups. Additionally, GameStar and Gamer.nl point to the game’s design encouraging multiple playthroughs through varied perspectives and hidden secrets, while PC Gamer and GamesRadar+ appreciate the post-game discussions sparked by differing choices. The inclusion of collectibles, trophies, and unlockable extras further incentivizes revisiting the story, as noted by PlayStation LifeStyle and GameCrate. However, several critics express concerns about the game’s short length and its impact on replayability. CGMagazine and Wccftech argue that the 4–5 hour runtime makes subsequent playthroughs feel rushed, with Carole Quintaine noting that the lack of emotional attachment to characters diminishes the desire to revisit the story. Slant Magazine criticizes unskippable cutscenes and interface issues, while Riot Pixels and Game Rant point out that the clichéd plot and shallow character development fail to justify repeated playthroughs. Additionally, Jeuxvideo.com and Multiplayer.it acknowledge the game’s variability but suggest that the limited scope of branching paths and endings may not satisfy players seeking deeper narrative complexity. The confusion surrounding player choices, as highlighted by Wccftech, also deters some from engaging with the game multiple times. Overall, critics generally agree that Man of Medan has sufficient replay value for fans of its genre, particularly due to its cooperative mechanics and branching storytelling, but its brevity and narrative shortcomings prevent it from being a must-replay title. IGN and TheSixthAxis champion the game’s co-op appeal as a standout feature, while AusGamers and Gamer.no acknowledge its potential as a promising series debut despite its flaws. The consensus leans toward viewing the game as a fun, social experience that rewards curiosity but falls short of being a deeply engaging or emotionally resonant title. As GameRant and Daily Star note, while the “Don’t Play Alone” slogan is effectively realized through multiplayer, the lack of narrative depth and character investment limits its long-term appeal for many players.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

33%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

61%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall reception of The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan highlights its potential as an interactive horror experience, despite its flaws. Critics like GameWatcher praised it as a “strong start” to the series, emphasizing its ambition and replayability, while DarkStation noted its “thrilling movie-like experience” with high production values and relatable characters. The multiplayer mode, dubbed “Don’t Play Alone,” was frequently highlighted as a standout feature by Xbox Achievements, who called it a redeeming aspect that enhances the horror narrative. IGN Spain and Cultured Vultures acknowledged its open-ended storytelling and multiple choices, comparing it favorably to Until Dawn in terms of narrative structure. Additionally, GameCritics lauded the game’s evolution of the interactive movie genre, praising its “top-notch writing” and accessibility features, while Daily Star hailed it as a “must-play” for horror fans due to its “incredible graphics” and “fascinating multiplayer.” These positives underscore the game’s promise as a unique entry in the genre, even if it falls short of expectations. However, several critics pointed to significant shortcomings that detracted from the experience. Push Square and Video Chums were particularly harsh, calling the game a “whimper rather than a bang” with “limp scares” and “unnatural dialogue,” while CGMagazine criticized its lack of “interesting story” and polish. Twinfinite and TheSixthAxis noted flat character development and technical issues, such as performance hiccups on the PS4 Pro, which “hitched for a few milliseconds.” Jeuxvideo.com and Carole Quintaine lamented its “mediocre writing” and rushed feel, with the latter calling it “less inspired” than Until Dawn. The abrupt ending and lack of a satisfying conclusion were also frequently criticized, as highlighted by Xbox Achievements, who described the finale as “a whimper rather than a bang.” These critiques paint a picture of a game that struggled to fully realize its ambitious vision. Despite the mixed reception, there is a general consensus that Man of Medan serves as a flawed but promising beginning for The Dark Pictures Anthology. While Eurogamer Italy and SomosXbox expressed optimism about future installments, many critics acknowledged its value as a “replayable” experience with unique multiplayer mechanics. IGN and GameCritics emphasized its potential to innovate within the interactive horror genre, even if it didn’t match the quality of Until Dawn. Meanwhile, Gamer.nl and Generación Xbox recommended it for fans of similar titles like Heavy Rain or Until Dawn, despite its technical issues. Ultimately, while the game’s shortcomings are undeniable, its ambition, production quality, and multiplayer appeal have left many critics cautiously hopeful for the series’ future, even if Man of Medan itself remains a mixed bag.

TL;DR

A flawed yet ambitious horror experiment, Man of Medan dazzles with its multiplayer thrills and production quality but falters on weak scares, uneven writing, and an abrupt finish—offering cautious hope for the series' future.

MONSTER

Reviews

123 reviews found

100

Daily Star

Xbox One

Aug 28, 2019