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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, 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

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan garners mixed reviews, praised for its engaging choice-and-consequence system and creepy atmosphere reminiscent of B-movie horror. However, critics slam its weak dialogue, shallow character development, and predictable plot twists, leading to a lack of emotional depth. Many view it as a flawed but ambitious attempt at interactive horror, often unfavorably comparing it to Until Dawn. Ultimately, while it has moments of intrigue, it fails to deliver a truly compelling horror experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

50%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

46%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The opinions regarding the story of The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan reveal a mixed sentiment among critics, with some acknowledging its merits. Several reviewers, such as IGN and Trusted Reviews, commend the game for its choice-and-consequence system, which enhances replayability and keeps players engaged. Critics like GameCritics and RPG Fan appreciate the structure of the narrative, highlighting the effective use of flashbacks and character development that contributes to a shared horror experience. The atmosphere, described as creepy and reminiscent of B-movie horror, is also noted positively by critics like Gaming Age and Daily Star, who recognize the game's ability to evoke tension through its supernatural elements and character interplay. However, the negatives are prominent in many critiques, with several reviewers expressing disappointment in the story's execution. Xbox Achievements and TrueAchievements criticize the script and character development, describing them as lacking depth and intrigue. The dialogue is often labeled as stilted or below B-movie standards, leading to a failure in evoking emotional responses from players. Critics like Gameplanet and TheSixthAxis point out that the game suffers from pacing issues and predictable twists, with many elements feeling recycled from other horror narratives. The Curator character, intended to add depth, is seen as redundant by some, further detracting from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a recognition of Man of Medan as a flawed yet ambitious attempt at interactive horror storytelling. While some elements, such as the atmosphere and decision-making mechanics, receive praise, the majority of reviewers, including AusGamers and GamePro Germany, highlight significant shortcomings in character development, dialogue, and narrative engagement. The game is often compared unfavorably to its predecessor, Until Dawn, with many critics feeling that it does not quite capture the same level of emotional investment or innovative storytelling. As such, while Man of Medan has its moments of intrigue, it ultimately falls short of delivering a compelling horror experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan impresses with its interactive storytelling, multiple endings, and fun multiplayer modes, drawing praise for its engaging narrative and consequences through the butterfly effect. However, clunky controls, frustrating quick-time events, and technical issues mar the experience, leading to a slow and tedious exploration. Critics agree that while the game has potential, it struggles with polish and depth compared to Until Dawn, leaving players wanting a more seamless horror experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

17%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

79%

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 has garnered a mix of praise from various critics, particularly for its interactive storytelling and multiplayer features. Many reviewers highlighted the engaging nature of the narrative-driven experience, with Gaming Nexus noting that the game allows players to see the consequences of their choices through the butterfly effect system. The inclusion of multiple endings and replayability, as emphasized by critics like Game Informer and Attack of the Fanboy, adds depth to the gameplay, encouraging players to explore different paths and outcomes. The cooperative modes, such as Movie Night, were also praised for enhancing the social aspect of the game, making it a fun experience when played with friends, as pointed out by AusGamers and Gameblog.fr. However, the gameplay is not without its drawbacks, with many critics pointing out significant issues that detract from the overall experience. Common complaints include the clunky controls and the reliance on quick-time events (QTEs), which some reviewers, like Video Chums and Stevivor, found frustrating and reminiscent of outdated gameplay mechanics. Technical issues were also a recurring theme, with GamingTrend and VG247 mentioning frame rate problems and stuttering during QTEs. Critics like JeuxActu and Meristation noted that character movement can feel slow and cumbersome, leading to tedious exploration, which can diminish the immersion in the horror narrative. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Man of Medan offers an intriguing and replayable narrative experience with strong multiplayer elements, it is hampered by technical shortcomings and gameplay mechanics that can feel outdated or frustrating. The game succeeds in creating tension and engagement through its choices and consequences, as highlighted by GameCrate and Impulsegamer, but many feel that it lacks the polish and depth of its predecessor, Until Dawn. As a result, while the game has its merits, it may not fully satisfy players seeking a seamless and immersive gaming experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan dazzles with stunning visuals and detailed character models, earning praise for its cinematic design and immersive atmosphere. However, it suffers from significant technical flaws like poor optimization, frame rate issues, and awkward camera angles that detract from the experience. Critics agree that while the graphics are impressive, the game's performance problems hinder its full potential.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

48%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

42%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

10%

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

The reviews for the graphics and visual design of The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan present a notable array of positive sentiments. Critics such as Press Start Australia and Game Rant highlight the game's impressive visuals, with meticulously detailed environments and character models that contribute to a cinematic experience. Daily Star even describes the graphics as "jaw-dropping," emphasizing the high production values that include the use of real actors for character likenesses. Wccftech and XGN commend the facial animations and well-lit environments, further underlining the game's potential to create an immersive atmosphere. Additionally, PC Gamer points out the realistic animations and unnerving camera angles that enhance the horror experience, while Adventure Gamers appreciates the cutting-edge character models that nearly bridge the uncanny valley. However, the reviews also reveal significant criticisms regarding the game's technical performance and graphical consistency. Multiple critics, including GamingTrend and Twinfinite, report poor optimization, with issues such as frame rate fluctuations, stuttering, and characters getting stuck on objects. Push Square and JeuxActu echo these sentiments, noting frequent frame drops and glitches that detract from the overall experience. The fixed camera angles are also a common point of contention, with IGN Italia and ZTGD mentioning how these angles can mislead players and disrupt gameplay. Furthermore, Everyeye.it and M3 highlight the subpar facial animations and awkward camera angles that can break immersion, indicating that while the game has its moments of brilliance, it is marred by technical shortcomings. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Man of Medan showcases a mix of impressive graphical achievements and frustrating technical flaws. While many reviewers appreciate the game's ability to create a visually striking atmosphere, as noted by Vandal and Metro GameCentral, the frequent performance issues and inconsistent quality hinder the experience. Critics like Hobby Consolas and Meristation acknowledge the commendable graphics but also stress the need for improvements in optimization. Thus, while Man of Medan has the potential to captivate players with its visual design, the technical issues present a barrier that prevents it from fully realizing its artistic ambitions.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan excels in sound design and atmospheric music, enhancing the horror experience, but suffers from inconsistent voice acting and dialogue quality. Critics praise the emotive score and eerie audio cues, yet many note stilted performances and technical issues that disrupt immersion. Overall, the game successfully builds tension but struggles with a cohesive audio experience.

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 have received a mix of praise from various critics, highlighting their contribution to the game's overall atmosphere. Many reviewers noted that the sound design effectively enhances the horror experience, with critics like Game Informer and RPG Site emphasizing the effectiveness of the audio in creating tension and dread. The atmospheric score composed by Jason Graves was particularly appreciated, with Meristation and TheXboxHub praising its emotive quality and ability to sync well with gameplay. Additionally, PCWorld and PlayStation LifeStyle acknowledged the nuanced audio cues that contribute to the game's eerie ambiance, while Hobby Consolas noted the quality of the Spanish dub as a positive aspect. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the inconsistency in voice acting and the dialogue quality. Many critics, including GameSpot and GamingTrend, pointed out that the voice performances range from commendable to flat, with some actors delivering stilted lines that detract from immersion. The dialogue often feels unnatural, as highlighted by Gaming Age, which described some lines as hokey. Furthermore, technical issues such as sound mixing problems were mentioned by Adventure Gamers and Game Revolution, where music and ambient sounds occasionally overshadowed character dialogue, leading to a disjointed audio experience. Overall, the consensus among critics reflects a divided sentiment regarding the sound design and music of Man of Medan. While many agree that the atmospheric elements significantly contribute to the horror experience, there is a clear acknowledgment of the inconsistencies in voice acting and dialogue quality that hinder the game's immersion. Critics like TrueAchievements and Gamer.nl recognized the strengths in sound design, yet others, such as Hooked Gamers and Twinfinite, highlighted the unevenness in performance quality that detracted from the overall experience. This dichotomy suggests that while the game succeeds in creating a tense atmosphere, it struggles with delivering a uniformly engaging audio experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan features standout voice performances from actors like Shawn Ashmore, praised for adding depth to characters. However, many critics also slam the voice acting as inconsistent, with some calling it "genuinely awful" and "hilariously bad." While Spanish and Italian voice options enhance accessibility, the overall reception is mixed, highlighting both impressive moments and significant flaws in dialogue and character delivery that undermine immersion.

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 has received a mix of praise, particularly for the performances of notable actors like Shawn Ashmore and Pip Torrens. Critics such as Game Informer and Game Rant highlight the strong performances delivered by these actors, emphasizing that their contributions add depth to the characters. Many reviews, including those from Metro GameCentral and VG247, describe the overall voice acting as impressive, with some critics noting that the characters feel believable and relatable, enhancing the game's immersive experience. Additionally, the presence of Spanish and Italian voice acting, which was appreciated by Vandal and Multiplayer.it, adds to the game's accessibility and appeal to a broader audience. However, a significant number of critics have pointed out considerable flaws in the voice acting, describing it as inconsistent and at times, distractingly poor. Push Square and Video Chums characterize the dialogue as "genuinely awful" and "hilariously bad," respectively, while Xbox Achievements notes that performances can be "horribly stilted and tonally inconsistent." Many reviewers, including Twinfinite and M3, express that the characters feel flat and boring, detracting from the overall experience. The dialogue has also been criticized for awkward phrasing and corny lines, as highlighted by GameCrate, which suggests that the actors struggled with the material they were given. Overall, the consensus among critics reflects a divided sentiment regarding the voice acting in Man of Medan. While some reviewers acknowledge the standout performances of certain actors and the overall quality of the voice work, a significant portion of the feedback points to issues with dialogue and character delivery that hinder the game's immersion. Critics like Hooked Gamers and Gaming Trend illustrate this disparity by noting the wide range of performance quality, indicating that while some actors excel, others fall short, leading to a mixed reception overall. The game's attempt to balance horror with a cheesy narrative style has resulted in a voice acting experience that, while occasionally effective, often struggles to maintain a consistent tone and quality.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan struggles with significant technical issues across all platforms. Xbox One players face frame rate fluctuations and frustrating quick-time events, while the PS4 version suffers from severe drops, freezes, and crashes. Despite some impressive visuals, critics widely label it a "technical mess," leading to a frustrating experience that hampers replayability and immersion.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

63%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

33%

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

The technical performance of The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan has garnered a mixed response across various platforms. On the Xbox One, critics like GamingTrend and TrueAchievements noted that the game, while suffering from optimization issues, still managed to deliver a visually appealing experience, albeit with significant performance drawbacks. Generación Xbox highlighted that the game runs at 4K resolution on Xbox One X, showcasing some technical prowess. On the PlayStation 4, there are instances where the graphics shine, with some reviewers noting moments of impressive realism in character design and environments, as mentioned by Gamers Heroes. Additionally, Screen Rant pointed out that the game runs at a better framerate than its predecessor, Until Dawn, suggesting a degree of improvement in technical execution. However, the negatives significantly overshadow the positives on both platforms. On the Xbox One, GamingTrend reported constant frame rate fluctuations and stuttering, while TrueAchievements highlighted frustrating quick-time event mechanics and accessibility issues, such as small subtitles. The PlayStation 4 version faced even harsher criticism, with numerous reviewers like VG247, Jeuxvideo.com, and VGC consistently mentioning severe frame rate drops, frequent freezes, and texture pop-in issues. Critics like DualShockers and Push Square noted that these technical problems not only hindered gameplay but also disrupted immersion, with some reviewers experiencing crashes and bugs that rendered the game unplayable at times. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Man of Medan suffers from significant technical issues across all platforms, with the PlayStation 4 version facing the brunt of the criticism. Many reviewers, including Gamers Heroes and GameSpot, echoed sentiments about the game being a "technical mess," with frame rate drops and stuttering being common complaints. While there are moments of visual brilliance, the inconsistencies in performance, as pointed out by critics like Vandal and Game Revolution, detract from the overall experience, leaving many players frustrated and hesitant to replay the game. The reviews suggest that while Man of Medan has the potential to be a captivating interactive experience, its technical shortcomings severely undermine its impact.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan offers enticing replay value through branching narratives and multiplayer modes, praised by critics for their impact on player choices. However, its short playtime (4-6 hours), limited branching depth, and frustrating unskippable cutscenes hinder repeated playthroughs. While some appreciate its social aspects and character dynamics, others criticize its brevity and technical issues, leading to a mixed consensus on its overall replayability.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

54%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

44%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The opinions of various critics regarding the replay value of The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan reveal several positive aspects that enhance the game's appeal for multiple playthroughs. Many reviewers highlight the branching narrative paths as a significant factor in encouraging replayability. For instance, Game Revolution notes the presence of multiple endings and branching paths that add to the game's replay value. Critics like Press Start Australia and GameCritics emphasize the importance of player decisions, which affect character relationships and outcomes, creating a strong incentive to revisit the game. Additionally, the multiplayer modes, including the 'Movie Night' and 'Shared Story' options, are praised by several reviewers, such as EGM and DualShockers, for providing unique experiences and enhancing the social aspect of gameplay. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the game's overall replay value. Several reviewers, including CGMagazine and Jeuxvideo.com, mention the game's brevity, with playthroughs averaging around four to six hours, which can diminish the desire to replay. IGN Italia points out that the branching paths are not extensive enough to warrant multiple playthroughs, while Slant Magazine highlights the frustration of unskippable cutscenes, making it tedious to experience different story permutations. Furthermore, technical issues, as noted by Gamers Heroes, can hinder the replay experience, as players may encounter game-breaking bugs that force them to restart completely. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed, with many acknowledging the potential for replayability through branching narratives and multiplayer modes, while also recognizing significant drawbacks that may limit the desire for repeated playthroughs. While some critics, like Softpedia and TheSixthAxis, find the game worth revisiting due to its choices and character dynamics, others, such as Metro GameCentral and VGC, express concerns about the game's short length and lack of depth in story variations. Ultimately, Man of Medan offers a blend of engaging multiplayer experiences and narrative choices, but its replay value is tempered by its brevity and some gameplay limitations.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

32%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

61%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan reveals a mixed reception among critics, with some highlighting its redeeming qualities. Many reviewers, such as MGG and The Sydney Morning Herald, appreciate the game's immersive atmosphere, engaging multiplayer options, and the potential for replayability. The multiplayer modes, in particular, are frequently noted as a significant strength, with critics like We Got This Covered and Riot Pixels emphasizing how they enhance the experience, making it more enjoyable when played with friends. Additionally, the game is praised for its stunning graphics and the ability to capture the horror film experience, which some critics, like Xbox Tavern, found to be a compelling aspect of the game despite its flaws. Conversely, numerous criticisms emerge regarding the game's execution and storytelling. Critics such as Video Chums and Push Square express disappointment with the poor story execution and lack of depth, describing it as a weak start to the anthology. Many reviewers, including Hardcore Gamer and Gaming Nexus, pointed out that the narrative feels rushed and lacks the emotional impact and engagement that players might expect, especially when compared to Until Dawn. Technical issues also plague the game, with several critics noting glitches and unpolished mechanics that detract from the overall experience. The horror elements, particularly the jump scares, are frequently described as ineffective, leading to an overall sense that the game falls short of its potential. In summary, the consensus among critics is that while Man of Medan has its merits, including strong visuals, engaging multiplayer modes, and a promising foundation for future entries in the series, it ultimately struggles with significant narrative and technical shortcomings. Critics like Game Rant and Daily Star acknowledge its potential and recommend it for horror fans, but many others caution that it does not reach the heights of its predecessor, Until Dawn. The game appears to be a stepping stone for Supermassive Games, with hopes for improvement in subsequent titles within The Dark Pictures Anthology.

TL;DR

The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan gets a mixed bag of reviews. Critics praise its immersive atmosphere, stunning graphics, and fun multiplayer options that shine when played with friends. However, it falters with a weak story, rushed narrative, and technical glitches, leaving many disappointed compared to Until Dawn. While it shows promise for future entries, it currently struggles to deliver a satisfying horror experience. Recommended for hardcore horror fans, but proceed with caution.

MONSTER

Reviews

121 reviews found

100

Daily Star

Xbox One

Aug 28, 2019