The Medium is a quirky horror puzzle game that is not intimidating and offers more meditative gameplay. The game was created as an exclusive for the Xbox Series and PC, but it can hardly be called a nextgen project. The Medium is just a high-quality adventure game with an interesting plot, good presentation, and unusual ideas.
The Medium was the first big Xbox Series exclusive. But there are no classic parameters of high-budget projects: the graphics are quite ordinary, and the gameplay is not surprising. The Bloober Team (Observer, Layers of Fear) was responsible for the development so that some players could expect a noticeable horror component from the game.
But The Medium perfectly builds the atmosphere - the work with sound and music is done at the highest level.
The story inevitably refers to Silent Hill: the action takes place between two worlds. Another exciting thing: the Bloober Team project has a direct emphasis on scenes with violence. In most games of this genre, some shots can shock - there is not much, or not at all.
The graphics are quite common but lovely. The Bloober Team is asked to pay attention to the content.
Much of the gameplay takes place between the two worlds, and the screen is split into two parts - there is no point in creating great graphics when the viewer is not focused on either world. Such a split-screen perfectly emphasizes all the game's internal messages and perfectly illustrates that the parallel and real worlds interact with each other.
Most of the gameplay involves solving puzzles that are performed at the highest level. The player needs to act in two worlds at once - there are even two separate inventories - and if the entrance in the real world is blocked, it will not work in both worlds.
Another part of the gameplay consists of endless walks through the locations. At some moments, the whole game is just to hold down the forward button and enjoy the soundtracks; that's why developers recommend playing with headphones and a gamepad.
As a result, we have an excellent adventure game with elements of psychological horror. The plot is remembered and retains interest. The Bloober Team managed to recreate the Silent Hill vibe, but without a parody of the legendary series.
Summary: The Medium is an independent and quality project.
