The Medium

The narrative of The Medium receives praise for its ambitious thematic depth and atmospheric storytelling. Critics like GamesRadar+ highlight the game’s complex, multi-threaded plot that, despite being "crowded," delivers a satisfying payoff, while The Escapist and Cultured Vultures commend its exploration of duality between the material and spiritual worlds, intertwined with Polish history and supernatural horror. IGN Spain and Jeuxvideo.com laud the psychological horror elements, noting the unique reality-shifting mechanics that add urgency to Marianne’s investigations. Themes of trauma, childhood abuse, and historical atrocities are frequently cited as compelling, with The Sydney Morning Herald praising the game’s "gripping narrative" and exploration of dark themes like Nazi occupation and child abuse. The story’s emotional resonance and intricate world-building also earn nods from Finger Guns, GameSpot, and PlaySense, who appreciate its maturity and thoughtfulness. However, several critics find the narrative muddled or underdeveloped. GAMINGbible and Metro GameCentral criticize the plot as "messy," "unfocused," and "needlessly confusing," while PlayStation Country and Guardian argue that the story lacks coherence, with forced dialogue, weak endings, and unresolved character arcs. Game Informer and Trusted Reviews point to a lack of character depth, with Marianne’s personality feeling underdeveloped and twists appearing "unearned." DualShockers note that the writing is "not bumbling but not good either," while Destructoid and Eurogamer Italy mention pacing issues and predictable horror tropes. The game’s attempt to weave political intrigue into its supernatural framework is seen as overambitious by some, with The Games Machine and Hobby Consolas highlighting the difficulty in connecting past events to the present narrative. Despite mixed reactions, there is a general consensus that The Medium’s story is ambitious but uneven. While critics like GamesRadar+, GameSpot, and TheXboxHub celebrate its mature themes, emotional engagement, and atmospheric tension, others such as GAMINGbible, Guardian, and PlayStation Country find it frustratingly disjointed. The game’s strengths lie in its exploration of trauma and duality, but its execution often falters under the weight of its own complexity. Ultimately, The Medium is seen as a polarizing experience: a bold, thematically rich narrative that succeeds in creating an immersive horror atmosphere but struggles to balance its intricate plot with cohesive storytelling.

The gameplay of The Medium is frequently praised for its innovative dual-reality mechanic, which allows players to navigate two parallel worlds simultaneously. Critics like PCMag highlight the game’s technical prowess in rendering both the physical and spiritual realms in real time, creating a unique puzzle-solving experience where solutions often require toggling between perspectives. IGN Portugal and SomosXbox note that this mechanic is central to the game’s design, with puzzles that demand creative use of Marianne’s abilities to bridge gaps between worlds. God is a Geek and Meristation commend the inventive puzzle designs, particularly in later stages, while TrueGaming emphasizes the diversity of challenges. The split-screen approach, though occasionally clunky, is seen as a standout feature that sets The Medium apart from other horror titles. However, many critics argue that the gameplay’s simplicity and repetitive nature undermine its potential. GameCrate, DualShockers, and Areajugones criticize the overly simplistic mechanics, with puzzles often feeling formulaic or underdeveloped. Attack of the Fanboy and Finger Guns point to a lack of challenge, noting that the game’s reliance on linear progression and minimal combat diminishes tension. Issues like clunky controls (The Loadout), tedious traversal (WellPlayed), and unresponsive physics (CGMagazine) further detract from the experience. Additionally, Launcher and PCMag mention underutilized mechanics, such as the split-screen’s potential being squandered by uninspired puzzles or technical hiccups like microstuttering. The game’s focus on stealth and exploration also leads to uneven pacing, with some sections feeling overly slow or repetitive (Game Revolution, Worth Playing). Overall, critics are divided but largely agree that The Medium’s dual-reality concept is its strongest asset, even if execution falls short in key areas. While PCMag and IGN Portugal celebrate the technical ambition and puzzle variety, others like DualShockers and Finger Guns feel it lacks depth and innovation. The game’s emphasis on exploration and narrative-driven mechanics resonates with some (PlayStation Universe, Adventure Gamers), but many argue that its simplicity and repetitive structure prevent it from fully realizing its potential. Despite mixed reactions, the dual-world mechanic remains a defining feature that distinguishes The Medium in the horror genre, even if its gameplay ultimately feels more like a polished walking simulator than a deeply engaging experience.

The graphics and visual design of The Medium received widespread acclaim from critics, with many praising its atmospheric depth, creative world-building, and technical execution. Reviewers highlighted the game’s unique dual-world mechanic, which contrasts the mundane real world with the surreal, nightmarish spirit realm. The environments were frequently lauded for their attention to detail, such as the Soviet brutalist architecture in the physical world and the grotesque, Beksiński-inspired landscapes of the spirit realm. For instance, GameSpot noted the “cinematic camera angles and a nightmarish hellscape,” while IGN praised both worlds for being “exceptionally well realized.” The use of fixed-camera perspectives, reminiscent of classic horror games, was also celebrated for enhancing tension and visual storytelling (Push Square, Player 2). Additionally, technical aspects like ray-tracing, HDR, and lighting were highlighted as standout features, with AusGamers calling the art direction “gorgeous” and Game Rant noting the “stunning level of detail” enabled by next-gen hardware. The game’s ability to juxtapose oppressive realism with surreal horror created a cohesive and immersive aesthetic that resonated strongly with critics. However, several reviewers pointed out technical and design limitations that detracted from the experience. Performance issues such as frame rate drops, texture pop-in, and slow loading times were frequently mentioned, particularly on Xbox Series X (Games.cz, BaziCenter) and PS5 (Everyeye.it). Some criticized character models and animations as outdated compared to the environments, with PC Games noting that “character models and animations appear outdated” and Vandal (PS5) pointing out areas where “animations could be improved.” Additionally, a few critics felt the game’s visual design leaned too heavily on familiar horror tropes, such as comparisons to Silent Hill (Telegraph, Worth Playing) or criticized the spirit world for being “bland and uninspired” (VG247). While the split-screen mechanic was praised for its innovation, some found the confined environments in the spirit realm less engaging (Wccftech), and a few noted that the game’s “empty visual” aesthetic occasionally undermined its impact (Guardian). Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with most agreeing that The Medium’s visuals were a strong selling point. While technical flaws and occasional design shortcomings were acknowledged, they were often overshadowed by the game’s creative ambition and atmospheric strength. Critics like GameGrin and Gamers Heroes emphasized its immersive, “visually stunning” worlds, while Xbox Achievements highlighted the successful rendering of two distinct realities. Even those who noted limitations, such as Atomix’s observation that the graphics “do not showcase the true potential of next-gen hardware,” acknowledged the game’s artistic merits. Ultimately, The Medium was seen as a bold, visually striking entry in the horror genre, with its unique aesthetic and technical execution earning it high praise despite minor imperfections.

The sound design and music of The Medium received widespread acclaim from critics, with many highlighting their effectiveness in enhancing the game’s atmosphere and horror elements. Multiple reviewers praised the haunting and immersive audioscapes, particularly the collaboration between Akira Yamaoka (known for Silent Hill) and Arkadiusz Reikowski, which created a "deeply unsettling" and "chilling" experience (Screen Rant, Eurogamer Italy). The dual-soundtrack system, which distinguishes between the real and spirit worlds, was frequently noted as a standout feature, with critics like GameByte and The Sydney Morning Herald emphasizing how it amplified tension and immersion. Additionally, the use of advanced audio technologies—such as PlayStation 5’s DualSense haptic feedback and headphone optimization—was lauded for enhancing player engagement (Impulsegamer, Digital Chumps). The soundtrack’s ability to evoke dread and melancholy was consistently praised, with GameSpot and Shacknews calling it "top-notch" and "fantastic," respectively. Voice acting also received positive remarks, particularly Troy Baker’s performance as the antagonist, which critics like XboxAddict and Eurogamer Italy described as "disturbingly masterful" and "outstanding." Despite these positives, some critics pointed to notable shortcomings. Vandal noted that while the compositions were "at a good level," the sound effects lacked the "disturbing quality of Silent Hill," and Softpedia criticized the soundtrack as "absent or forgettable." DualShockers and Games.cz expressed concerns about voice acting, with the former calling it "behind the times" and the latter noting poorly written internal monologues. Others, like App Trigger, pointed to abrupt audio cuts that disrupted immersion, while The Sydney Morning Herald and Malditos Nerds mentioned inconsistencies in audio quality throughout the game. Additionally, some reviewers felt the music, though effective, did not fully live up to Yamaoka’s legendary work on Silent Hill, with Telegraph stating the sound design "wasn’t particularly standout" despite its contributions to atmosphere. Overall, the majority of critics viewed The Medium’s sound design and music as a significant strength, with only minor criticisms detracting from an otherwise strong experience. The collaboration between Yamaoka and Reikowski was universally celebrated for its atmospheric depth, and the game’s audio elements were frequently cited as integral to its horror execution (e.g., GameOver Online, The Escapist). While some reviewers noted flaws in voice acting or sound effects, these issues did not overshadow the general praise. Critics like IGN Italia and GamingBolt emphasized that the audio-visual synergy "has very little to complain about," reinforcing the consensus that The Medium’s sound design and music were a critical success, even if not flawless. The game’s ability to create a "constant tenseness" (XboxAddict) and "deeply disturbing soundscape" (PCGamesN) solidified its reputation as a standout in horror gaming.

The voice acting in The Medium receives significant praise from multiple critics, particularly highlighting standout performances by Troy Baker as The Maw and Kelly Burke as Marianne. IGN and PC Gamer laud Baker’s "unsettling" and "deeply unnerving" portrayal of the antagonist, emphasizing his ability to evoke discomfort and creepiness. Similarly, TheGamer and VG247 commend Burke’s "charming, grounded" performance as Marianne, noting her emotional range and relatability. Critics like GameGrin and Cultured Vultures praise the cast for delivering lines with "emotional gravitas" and "unforgettable performances," while Xbox Achievements and COGconnected describe the voice acting as "uniformly excellent" and "successful." The game’s sound design is further enhanced by Mary Elizabeth McGlynn’s work, with critics like Malditos Nerds acknowledging her contributions despite noting character development issues. These positive reviews underscore the vocal performances’ role in immersing players in the game’s eerie atmosphere. However, several critics criticize the voice acting for its inconsistencies and technical shortcomings. Slant Magazine and GamesRadar+ describe it as "stilted" and "inconsistent," with the latter noting that Troy Baker’s performance lacks clear threats or danger. Adventure Gamers criticizes Marianne’s "even-keeled" delivery, which undermines emotional moments, while The Indie Game Website takes issue with the game’s American accents in a Polish setting, calling it "ridiculous" and detracting from immersion. Critics like Hardcore Gamer and Metro GameCentral highlight mismatches in voices and cultural inaccuracies, such as the absence of Polish accents, which clash with the game’s setting. Additionally, Digital Trends and PC Games point to "hammy dialogue" and weak character interactions, while DualShockers and Vandal note that the voice acting feels outdated or poorly executed. These critiques suggest that while some performances shine, others fail to meet expectations. The overall consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward appreciation for key performances despite notable flaws. While several outlets like IGN, PC Gamer, and GameGrin celebrate the voice acting as "excellent" and "immersive," others such as Slant Magazine and The Indie Game Website criticize its technical and narrative shortcomings. However, the majority of reviews acknowledge that Troy Baker’s portrayal of The Maw and Kelly Burke’s Marianne elevate the experience, with critics like Xbox Achievements and Cultured Vultures highlighting their impactful contributions. Despite criticisms about accents, dialogue delivery, and character development, the voice acting is generally seen as a strength that enhances the game’s atmosphere, even if not universally flawless. This duality reflects a broader divide between technical execution and artistic merit in the reviews.

The technical performance of The Medium across platforms has both commendable aspects and notable flaws. On Xbox Series X, critics like AusGamers praised its role as a next-gen showcase, highlighting 4K resolution, real-time ray-tracing, and dynamic resolutions that enhance visual fidelity. WellPlayed noted smooth performance at 4K/30fps, while TierraGamer acknowledged the game’s impressive technical execution despite minor issues. For PS5, LaPS4 highlighted stable 30fps and improved dynamic 4K resolution compared to Xbox, with PlayStation Country appreciating the DualSense controller’s haptic feedback. On PC, Multiplayer.it lauded excellent performance with stable frame rates and ray tracing, while Jeuxvideo.com noted that high-end hardware can unlock features like DLSS and ray-tracing, though optimization remains a challenge. However, technical issues plagued all platforms. On Xbox Series X, multiple critics like Trusted Reviews, BaziCenter, and VG247 reported frame rate drops, stuttering, texture loading problems, and long loading times, with Wccftech citing artifacting and glitchy character models. Eurogamer Italy criticized PS5’s frequent stuttering and longer load times compared to Xbox and PC, while Digital Chumps noted unexpected delays. On PC, PCMag highlighted persistent microstuttering at 60fps, and Riot Pixels blamed split-screen mechanics for performance hiccups. GameSkinny mentioned screen-tearing, and IGN France criticized the lack of graphical modes for stability. Even GamingTrend (PS5) noted a minor glitch in a hallway, while Vandal (Xbox) downplayed frame rate issues but acknowledged visual glitches. Overall, critics agree that The Medium is technically ambitious but inconsistent. While Xbox Series X and PS5 versions showcase next-gen visuals with ray-tracing and dynamic resolutions, they struggle with performance hiccups like stuttering and texture loading. PC’s experience varies: high-end rigs enjoy smooth gameplay with ray tracing (as noted by Multiplayer.it), while lower-spec systems face microstuttering (PCMag) or split-screen issues (Riot Pixels). Despite these flaws, many praise the game’s visual design and technical ambition, as seen in TierraGamer’s acknowledgment of its “impressive” execution. The consensus is that The Medium is a visually striking title with room for optimization, particularly on Xbox and PS5, where stability remains a concern despite its hardware capabilities.

The Medium’s replay value is viewed through a lens of limited but not entirely absent appeal, with some critics highlighting its atmospheric depth and narrative intricacies as potential incentives for revisiting. For instance, Critical Hit (PC) emphasizes that the game’s potent atmosphere, compelling story, and mix of gameplay elements prevent it from feeling monotonous, suggesting that players might return to appreciate its subtleties. Similarly, The Escapist (XBOX SERIES X) notes that the reviewer restarted the campaign to uncover narrative breadcrumbs with fresh insight, indicating that the story’s complexity could encourage multiple playthroughs. Collectibles and optional lore, as mentioned by PlayStation LifeStyle (PS5) and GamePro Germany (XBOX SERIES X), also add minor layers of engagement, offering players a reason to explore again for hidden details or achievements. These positives, however, are tempered by the game’s brevity and linear structure, which many critics argue diminish its long-term appeal. The negatives surrounding The Medium’s replay value are more uniformly critical, with several reviewers pointing to its short runtime, lack of meaningful progression, and repetitive gameplay as major drawbacks. COGconnected (PS5) outright states the game has “no replayability,” while Atomix (XBOX SERIES X) notes that it can be completed in around eight hours with minimal incentives for returning. The absence of difficulty levels, character upgrades, or New Game+ options is frequently cited as a flaw, with GAMINGbible (XBOX SERIES X) and Xbox Achievements (XBOX SERIES X) criticizing the lack of post-game content. Additionally, Digital Trends (XBOX SERIES X) and Game Revolution (XBOX SERIES X) argue that the game’s linear design and unsatisfying ending reduce its appeal for repeat playthroughs. Even collectibles, while present, are seen as insufficient to offset the game’s lack of depth or challenge, with Gamer.nl (XBOX SERIES X) stating there’s “no compelling reason to replay” it. Overall, the critical consensus leans toward a moderate assessment: The Medium offers some minor replayability through its narrative layers and collectibles but is largely criticized for being too short, linear, and lacking in post-game incentives. While a few critics, like Critical Hit (PC) and The Escapist (XBOX SERIES X), see value in revisiting the game for deeper storytelling or hidden details, the majority—such as COGconnected (PS5), Atomix (XBOX SERIES X), and GAMINGbible (XBOX SERIES X)—view it as a one-time experience. The game’s unique mechanics and atmosphere are praised, but these elements are often seen as insufficient to compensate for its structural limitations. Ultimately, the Medium is regarded as a strong single-playthrough experience, but its replay value remains constrained by its design choices and brevity.