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MONSTER

The Medium

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of The Medium
Item: The Medium
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2021

GenresAdventure, Action, Educational, Third Person Perspective, Shooter, Horror, Thriller, Mystery, Single Player

AvailableJan 28, 2021

PlatformPC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X

DeveloperBloober Team

Overview

Discover a dark mystery only a medium can solve. Explore the real world and the spirit world at the same time. Use your psychic abilities to solve puzzles spanning both worlds, uncover deeply disturbing secrets, and survive encounters with The Maw - a monster born from an unspeakable tragedy. The Medium is a third-person psychological horror game that features patented dual-reality gameplay and an original soundtrack.

Elsewhere

7.2

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

The Medium is a polarizing experience: praised for its ambitious themes of trauma and duality, and its rich 1990s Polish setting, yet criticized for a messy, unfocused narrative that undermines its emotional impact. While some reviewers commend its engaging characters and slower pacing, many find the story convoluted and lacking coherence. Despite its intriguing premise, the game's execution leaves much to be desired, making it a divisive title in the gaming landscape.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

71%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

27%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The story of The Medium has garnered a range of opinions, with several critics praising its ambitious narrative and thematic depth. Critics from GameCrate and GameSkinny highlight the exploration of complex themes such as trauma, loss, and duality, noting how these elements are woven into the gameplay. Windows Central commends the nuanced characters and layered interactions, suggesting that the slower pacing enhances the emotional weight of the story. Additionally, Pure Xbox and Push Square emphasize the engaging mystery and the gripping nature of Marianne's journey, which revolves around uncovering dark secrets linked to her past and the haunting Niwa Resort. The setting in 1990s Poland, as noted by Everyeye.it and Worth Playing, adds a unique cultural backdrop that enriches the narrative experience. Conversely, many critics express dissatisfaction with the execution of the story. CGMagazine and GAMINGbible criticize the narrative for being messy and confusing, with multiple storylines that fail to coalesce into a coherent whole. Critics like Metro GameCentral and Atomix echo these sentiments, describing the plot as unfocused and poorly paced, which detracts from the emotional stakes. Furthermore, The Indie Game Website and PCMag point out that while the story attempts to tackle mature themes, it often leaves critical elements ambiguous, which can undermine the impact of its revelations. This sentiment is echoed by GameCrate, which notes that while the story explores intriguing concepts, it struggles to articulate its message effectively. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that The Medium presents a compelling premise with rich thematic potential, yet it falters in its execution. While some reviewers, such as VGC and GamingBolt, appreciate the engaging aspects of the narrative and the cinematic storytelling, many others find the plot convoluted and lacking in emotional resonance. Critics like WellPlayed and Critical Hit acknowledge the game's strengths but also highlight its shortcomings, particularly in pacing and character development. Ultimately, The Medium appears to be a divisive title, celebrated for its ambition but criticized for its narrative coherence and emotional depth.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

The Medium offers a unique dual-reality mechanic that allows players to navigate both living and spirit worlds, praised for enhancing exploration and puzzle-solving. However, critics highlight significant flaws including simplistic gameplay, frustrating controls, and repetitive puzzles that detract from immersion. Despite its compelling premise, the game is criticized for leaning too heavily on guided narrative rather than delivering a truly engaging experience, leaving its innovative ideas overshadowed by execution issues.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

14%

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 Medium has garnered a mix of praise, particularly for its innovative dual-reality mechanic that allows players to navigate both the living and spirit worlds simultaneously. Critics like BaziCenter and GamingTrend highlight this unique aspect as a refreshing twist that enhances puzzle-solving and exploration, creating engaging set-piece moments. The use of Marianne's psychic abilities to interact with the environment is also noted positively, with Game Informer mentioning that the split reality mechanic, while lacking depth, is a neat idea. Additionally, some reviewers, such as Softpedia and Meristation, appreciate the diversity of gameplay elements, including exploration, puzzle-solving, and occasional stealth sequences, which contribute to a more dynamic experience. However, the gameplay is not without its drawbacks, as many critics point out significant flaws that detract from the overall experience. Slant Magazine and VideoGamer criticize the gameplay for being unengaging and overly simplistic, with fetch quests and illogical puzzles that disrupt immersion. The controls have been described as frustrating by App Trigger, leading to a less enjoyable experience. Furthermore, critics like Comicbook.com and Telegraph express disappointment in the pacing and repetitive nature of the puzzles, with many feeling that they lack the challenge necessary to keep players invested. This sentiment is echoed by Gameblog.fr, which states that the gameplay mechanics are classic and repetitive, failing to innovate beyond simple object searches. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while The Medium has a compelling premise and some innovative gameplay mechanics, it ultimately falls short in execution. Many reviewers, including Trusted Reviews and Digital Chumps, agree that the game leans more towards a guided narrative experience rather than a truly engaging survival horror game. The dual-reality mechanic, while praised for its potential, is often seen as underutilized, with uninspired puzzles and simplistic gameplay elements that fail to fully capitalize on the intriguing concepts introduced. As a result, the game leaves a mixed impression, with its innovative ideas overshadowed by execution issues and a lack of depth in gameplay.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

The Medium impresses with stunning visuals and atmospheric design, hailed by critics as one of the most beautiful horror games thanks to its dual-reality mechanic and Beksiński-inspired aesthetics. However, it faces backlash for frame rate issues, texture pop-ins, and underwhelming character animations that fall short of next-gen expectations. While visually compelling overall, there's clear room for improvement in technical performance.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

71%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

29%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of The Medium is predominantly positive, with many critics praising its artistic direction and atmospheric environments. Critics like Pure Xbox and Windows Central highlight the game as "one of the most gorgeous horror games," emphasizing the meticulous detail in the environments and high-quality textures. The dual-reality mechanic, which allows players to experience both the real and spirit worlds simultaneously, has been lauded for its visual impact, with Game Informer and The Loadout noting the impressive rendering and seamless transitions between the two realms. Additionally, the game’s aesthetic draws inspiration from the works of Zdzisław Beksiński, which has resonated with many reviewers, including Eurogamer Italy and Screen Rant, who appreciate the haunting and surreal quality of the environments. Despite the overall acclaim, several critics pointed out notable shortcomings in the graphics and visual design. Issues such as frame rate drops, texture pop-in, and slow loading times were mentioned by Games.cz and Gamer.nl, suggesting that the game struggles to meet next-gen standards on certain platforms. Critics like Everyeye.it and Atomix echoed this sentiment, describing the graphics as a letdown in terms of next-gen expectations. Additionally, while the environments were praised, many reviews pointed out that character animations and facial movements were lacking, with App Trigger and TrueAchievements noting that these aspects detracted from the overall immersion of the experience. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that The Medium delivers a visually compelling experience with its richly detailed environments and atmospheric design, despite some technical issues and animation shortcomings. While many reviewers, such as Softpedia and COGconnected, found the graphics to be stunning overall, the criticisms regarding performance and character animations indicate that there is room for improvement. Ultimately, the game is recognized for its artistic achievements and unique visual style, but it also faces scrutiny for not fully leveraging the capabilities of next-generation hardware, as articulated by critics like GAMINGbible and IGN Spain.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

TL;DR: The Medium’s sound design and music receive praise for their chilling atmosphere, thanks to composer Akira Yamaoka and Arkadiusz Reikowski. Critics laud the haunting soundscapes and vocal performances, enhancing immersion and emotional weight. However, some feel the soundtrack lacks standout tracks and suffers from mixing issues, with music sometimes overshadowing dialogue. Overall, while there are flaws, the audio elements significantly elevate the horror experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

79%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

21%

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 Medium have garnered a largely positive reception from critics, with many praising the collaboration between renowned composer Akira Yamaoka and Arkadiusz Reikowski. Critics such as GameWatcher and Digital Trends highlighted the game's ability to create a chilling atmosphere through its haunting soundscapes and evocative scores. The use of ambient sounds, particularly in the ethereal world, was noted by multiple reviewers, including Critical Hit and PC Gamer, who emphasized how the sound design enhances the overall tension and immersion. The vocal performances, particularly by Troy Baker and Mary Elizabeth McGlynn, also received commendations for their ability to elevate the emotional weight of the game, as noted by VG247 and Cultured Vultures. However, not all feedback was entirely positive. Some critics expressed disappointment with the soundtrack's impact, suggesting that while the compositions are competent, they lack standout moments. GamesRadar+ and EGM pointed out that the music, despite being atmospheric, does not leave a strong impression, with EGM specifically mentioning that only a few tracks stand out as reminiscent of Yamaoka's iconic work on Silent Hill. Additionally, PlayStation Country criticized the delivery of the music, indicating that it felt lacking in execution. A few reviewers also noted issues with the mixing of audio, where dialogue could sometimes be drowned out by the music, as pointed out by Worth Playing. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Medium features a strong sound design and musical score that significantly contribute to its horror atmosphere. While there are some criticisms regarding the memorability of the soundtrack and execution, the majority of reviews lean towards a favorable sentiment, celebrating the chilling ambiance created by the audio elements. Critics like GamePro Germany and GamingBolt encapsulated this sentiment well, highlighting how the audio design effectively enhances the immersive experience of the game. In summary, while there are some areas for improvement, the sound design and music of The Medium are recognized as integral components that enhance the overall gameplay experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

The voice acting in The Medium is a mixed bag—Troy Baker's chilling performance as The Maw and Kelly Burke's grounded portrayal of Marianne receive high praise for enhancing the game’s atmosphere. However, critics also flag issues like inconsistent quality, stilted dialogue, and cultural missteps that undermine immersion. Overall, while some performances shine, significant flaws leave the voice work feeling uneven.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

65%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

31%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The voice acting in The Medium has garnered a mix of praise from various critics, particularly for the performances of key actors such as Troy Baker and Kelly Burke. Many reviewers, including those from COGconnected and PC Gamer, highlight Baker's portrayal of the antagonist, The Maw, as a standout performance that adds depth and terror to the character. Critics from Game Rant and XboxAddict also commend the overall cast for their ability to bring the characters to life, with Burke's performance as the protagonist, Marianne, being described as charming and grounded by TheGamer and Hey Poor Player. The emotional gravitas and immersive quality of the voice acting were noted as significant contributors to the game’s atmosphere, with several reviewers asserting that the performances enhance the storytelling experience. Conversely, there are notable criticisms regarding the voice acting in The Medium. Several critics, including those from GamesRadar+ and Slant Magazine, describe the voice performances as inconsistent and lacking quality, with some even labeling the dialogue as stilted and forced. Others, like Hardcore Gamer and The Indie Game Website, express concerns about the cultural authenticity of the voice work, particularly the use of American accents in a game set in Poland, which detracts from the immersion. Critics such as DualShockers and Adventure Gamers point out that the dialogue can feel hammy and detract from the emotional impact, suggesting that the voice acting may not fully align with the game’s intended tone. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the voice acting in The Medium is decidedly mixed. While many praise the performances of Troy Baker and Kelly Burke, highlighting their contributions to the game's unsettling atmosphere and emotional depth, a significant number of reviewers express dissatisfaction with the overall quality and cultural authenticity of the voice work. Critics like Digital Chumps and Eurogamer Italy recognize the excellence of the performances, yet others, such as GamesRadar+ and Hardcore Gamer, emphasize the flaws that hinder the experience. This dichotomy suggests that while the game features commendable performances, it also suffers from inconsistencies that may impact player immersion and enjoyment.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

The Medium showcases impressive graphics on high-end PCs and Xbox Series X, benefiting from features like ray tracing and DLSS. However, it suffers from major technical issues across all platforms, including inconsistent frame rates, poor optimization on PS5, and texture loading problems. Critics agree that despite its unique dual-reality gameplay, the game's performance flaws significantly hinder the experience, highlighting an urgent need for optimization and patches.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

13%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

77%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

10%

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

The technical performance of The Medium varies significantly across different platforms, with each offering unique strengths. On PC, several reviewers, including PC Gamer and Malditos Nerds, noted that the game can run smoothly on high-end setups, benefiting from features like ray tracing and DLSS. Critics like The Digital Fix highlighted the fast loading times and seamless transitions between scenes, which enhance the overall experience. Similarly, the Xbox Series X version received some praise for its graphical fidelity and ability to render dual realities, with AusGamers describing it as a next-gen showcase, and WellPlayed noting its smooth performance at 4K resolution. However, the technical shortcomings of The Medium are pronounced across all platforms. On PC, critics such as New Game Network and PC Invasion pointed out issues like inconsistent frame rates, hitching, and texture loading problems, particularly when switching between the real and spirit worlds. For the PS5, reviewers like BaziCenter and Gameblog.fr expressed concerns about poor optimization, slow loading times, and a noticeable decrease in image clarity due to the split-screen mechanic. On Xbox Series X, while some praised its capabilities, many others, including GamingTrend and IGN France, reported performance issues like frame rate drops and texture popping, suggesting that the game struggles to maintain stability even on powerful hardware. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that The Medium suffers from significant technical issues across all platforms, with performance inconsistencies being a common theme. While some reviewers found the game to be visually impressive and capable of delivering a unique dual-reality experience, many others, including Game Rant and Trusted Reviews, noted that the technical performance is lacking and can detract from the gameplay experience. The game appears to require further optimization and patches to address the various glitches and performance dips reported by multiple critics, underscoring a need for improvement in its technical execution across all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

The Medium offers an engaging initial experience with intriguing collectibles and a digestible 10-hour playtime, appealing to lore enthusiasts and completionists. However, critics overwhelmingly highlight its linearity and lack of meaningful choices, resulting in minimal replay value. While some may appreciate its atmospheric story enough to revisit, the general consensus is clear: the game's restrictive design and repetitive gameplay make multiple playthroughs feel unnecessary and unmotivating. Enjoy it once, but don't expect to come back for more.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

62%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

36%

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

The opinions regarding the replay value of The Medium reveal a few positive aspects that some critics appreciate. Notably, Eurogamer Italy highlights the presence of optional collectibles that enrich the backstory of characters, which can appeal to completionists and those interested in deeper lore. Similarly, Generación Xbox mentions that the game offers a reasonable duration of around 10 hours, which allows for a satisfying experience without overstaying its welcome. Critics like The Escapist even express a desire to replay the game to fully understand the narrative after completing it, suggesting that the story's complexity may entice some players to revisit the experience. However, the overwhelming sentiment among critics points to significant drawbacks concerning replayability. Many reviews, including those from COGconnected and Atomix, emphasize the game's linearity and lack of character progression or meaningful choices, which diminishes the incentive to replay. Critics like Game Rant and Gamer.nl reiterate that the game can be fully completed in a single playthrough, further emphasizing the absence of multiple endings or difficulty levels. The repetitive nature of the gameplay is also a common concern, with Gameblog.fr and Digital Trends noting that once the story concludes, there is little motivation for players to return to the game. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Medium offers a compelling initial experience but lacks substantial replay value. While some reviewers, like Critical Hit, argue that the atmosphere and story may warrant a second playthrough, the majority of critics, including those from Game Over Online and GamesRadar+, agree that the linear design and limited gameplay options significantly hinder replayability. The general takeaway is that while the game may be enjoyable for a single run, it does not provide enough depth or variety to encourage repeated playthroughs.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

49%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

49%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The Medium has garnered a mixed reception from critics, with several reviewers praising its ambitious storytelling, atmospheric visuals, and unique gameplay mechanics. Critics like GameSpot and GamingTrend highlighted the game's compelling narrative and immersive horror experience, noting the exploration of trauma and interconnectedness as standout elements. The voice acting received commendation from multiple sources, including App Trigger, which recognized it as a highlight amidst the game's flaws. Additionally, some critics, such as Merlin'in Kazanı and PC Gamer, appreciated the nostalgic elements and artistic decisions that contribute to a memorable experience, suggesting that the game has a solid foundation for fans of the horror genre. However, numerous reviewers pointed out significant shortcomings that detracted from the overall experience. CGMagazine and DualShockers criticized the game for its technical issues, including bugs and poor gameplay mechanics, which resulted in a drawn-out and confusing narrative. Critics like GAMINGbible and AusGamers echoed these sentiments, labeling the gameplay as boring and the story as lackluster. Furthermore, many reviews noted that the game fails to live up to its potential due to its linear structure and limited interactivity, with Malditos Nerds and BaziCenter highlighting how these factors diminish the horror experience and replayability. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while The Medium has some noteworthy strengths, such as its atmosphere and narrative ambition, it ultimately falls short in execution. Critics like Game Revolution and Eurogamer Italy emphasized that the game represents a step in the right direction for Bloober Team, yet it is marred by technical issues and gameplay limitations. The game is often recommended for fans of the horror genre who are willing to overlook its flaws, especially if accessed through platforms like Game Pass. In summary, The Medium is seen as a polarizing title that showcases potential but struggles to deliver a fully realized horror experience.

TL;DR

The Medium impresses with its ambitious storytelling, atmospheric visuals, and strong voice acting, earning praise for its exploration of trauma and horror. However, it suffers from significant technical issues, confusing gameplay, and a lackluster narrative, leading critics to label it as boring and underwhelming. While it shows promise for horror fans, it ultimately falls short of its potential, making it a mixed bag best approached with tempered expectations—especially on platforms like Game Pass.

MONSTER

Reviews

245 reviews found

100

TheGamer

Xbox Series X

Jan 27, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Medium is a compelling and unsettling experience that sticks with you, offering a lean and polished gameplay experience with stunning visuals and excellent sound design.

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XboxAddict

Xbox Series X

Jan 27, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is highly praised as a unique and special experience. The Medium is described as a game that stands out, with a deeply immersive narrative and symbolism. The reviewer recommends the game, even stating that it is worth purchasing even for Xbox Game Pass subscribers.

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Gamers Heroes

Jan 27, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Medium is a terrifying and disturbing horror game that delivers an immersive and atmospheric experience, making it the greatest work from Bloober Team to date.

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SomosXbox

Xbox Series X

Jan 27, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Medium is a standout title from Bloober Team, showcasing their expertise in psychological horror and delivering a unique and immersive gaming experience.

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PC Gamer

Jan 27, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite technical foibles and simple gameplay, The Medium is a game that the reviewer fell completely in love with. The writing, acting, score, sound design, and art come together to create an unforgettable experience.

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Generación Xbox

Xbox Series X

Jan 27, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Overall, The Medium is a solid game with impressive visuals, atmospheric design, and engaging gameplay. While it may not be a graphical showcase for the new generation of consoles, it offers a unique and immersive experience for fans of the genre.

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Player 2

Jan 27, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Medium is a solid addition to the horror genre, avoiding overreliance on jump scares and creating a tense and creepy world. While there may be plot holes and reliance on dark themes, the game's conclusion and lack of vagueness make it a worthwhile experience, especially for fans of Silent Hill.

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GameCritics

Feb 1, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Medium is a fantastic experience, offering a troubling and emotional dark mystery that is worth solving.

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Hey Poor Player

PlayStation 5

Sep 2, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Medium on PS5 is a macabre masterpiece with unique gameplay mechanics, a gripping narrative, and excellent use of the DualSense controller's features.

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God is a Geek

PlayStation 5

Sep 2, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Medium on PS5 is as good as it was on Xbox Series X, however, with DualSense support it becomes a much more immersive game.

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