About The Medium
The Medium is a highly acclaimed psychological horror video game developed by Bloober Team and released in January 2021. Set in an eerie abandoned hotel resort called the Niwa Workers’ Resort, the game follows the protagonist, Marianne, a medium with the ability to travel between the physical and spiritual worlds.
The Storyline
In The Medium, players assume the role of Marianne, a woman haunted by visions and tormented by a mysterious entity. As she embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind her abilities, she arrives at the Niwa Workers’ Resort. The hotel, located in Poland, is shrouded in darkness and hides a multitude of secrets waiting to be revealed.
Marianne soon realizes that her gift grants her access to a parallel spirit realm. This realm exists alongside the real world, allowing her to simultaneously navigate both dimensions. As she explores the resort, Marianne encounters a variety of otherworldly beings and encounters the spirit of a young girl named Sadness.
Together, Marianne and Sadness explore the paranormal occurrences and unravel the mysteries that have plagued the Niwa Workers’ Resort for years. Throughout their investigation, they encounter a malevolent entity known as The Maw, who seeks to devour souls and control the spirit world.
Gameplay Mechanics
The Medium presents a unique gameplay mechanic where players can switch seamlessly between the real world and the spirit world. This dual-reality system allows Marianne to explore both realms simultaneously, solving puzzles and uncovering hidden secrets. The split-screen display provides players with a visually stunning contrast between the two worlds, emphasizing the eerie atmosphere and the juxtaposition of the living and the dead.
Throughout the game, Marianne utilizes her psychic abilities to interact with the environment and manipulate objects in both realms. These abilities include opening spirit-aware doors, projecting her spirit to interact with specific objects, and utilizing an ability called “Out of Body” to move freely while leaving her physical body behind.
Besides exploration and puzzle-solving, The Medium also features tense stealth segments where players must evade hostile spirits in both dimensions to survive. The game’s tense atmosphere, enigmatic story, and chilling soundtrack contribute to a truly immersive horror experience.
Visuals and Sound Design
The Medium boasts stunning visual graphics, bringing the Niwa Workers’ Resort to life in realistic detail. From the decrepit halls of the hotel to the creepy forest surroundings, the game’s art direction creates a haunting and immersive world like no other.
The sound design in The Medium is equally impressive, with a hauntingly beautiful score composed by Arkadiusz Reikowski and Akira Yamaoka, the renowned composer behind the Silent Hill series. The music adds an extra layer of suspense and tension to the gameplay, enhancing the overall chilling experience.
Overall, The Medium is a spine-chilling psychological horror game that seamlessly intertwines two worlds and challenges players to confront their deepest fears. With its intriguing storyline, unique gameplay mechanics, and immersive audio-visual experience, it is a game that horror enthusiasts should not miss.