The Dark Pictures: Man of Medan

'The Dark Pictures: Man Of Medan (2019)' is the first of eight (planned) games in an anthology series from the makers of 'Until Dawn (2015)', followed by 'Little Hope (2020)' and the upcoming 'House Of Ashes (2021)'. It's a narrative-driven adventure game in which you take control of five characters and, in turn, try to help them survive the events they're forced into. It's a choice-based experience that mostly consists of dialogue options, quick-time events and split-second decisions. There are segments in which you walk around the environment in a more traditional manner, finding secrets to flesh out the story, but most of the thing is like an interactive cut-scene. That's not a bad thing, though; it's the style of the game. Though it's sometimes a bit clunky (both narratively and mechanically), it's ultimately an atmospheric and engaging experience. The piece nails its realist aesthetic, with nuanced animation bringing to life the motion-capture performances that drive each character. The game's choices feel like they have impact, even if some are inevitably red herrings, and the action/ suspense sequences get you on the edge of your seat. The ending is a bit of a let-down, primarily because it feels a bit rushed and underwhelming (there's no major climax, really). Plus, some of the characters' reactions to certain events - including deaths - are unbelievably subdued. Having said that, the game is enjoyable pretty much all the way through. It allows you to uncover its mystery, which is satisfying; however, the characters never confirm their own theories, which is unsatisfying. As you can see, the piece is a bit of a mixed bag, but it's entertaining and that's the most important thing. It also features an apparently fantastic co-op mode that I haven't had a chance to play myself. In the end, it's a solid narrative adventure. 7/10.

I was VERY skeptical about this game! Kind of like when I played Until Dawn for the first time (and ended up loving it!) Medan Of Man wasn't perfect or anything THAT DEEP but it won me over in the end! It was fun, had some good scares and some subtle choices that had MAJOR consequences! Looking foward to the next one! Wow!

While it is not clear from one playthrough, the plot uses the gameplay to involve the player in the story and its consequences in a remarkable way. I found it moderately enjoyable the first time through the story, and found it to be much better than I initially thought after seeing clearly how the pieces fit together.

I first played the game by myself and I thought it was ok, but super short. Then I got a group of my friends together and we played it and we had a great time. Playing with friends you can either see them fail or have a great time yelling at each other to press buttons faster and make different choices. After Until Dawn it's definitely a let down but I don't mind that this is becoming an anthology series.

If you are a fan of horror movies and games with a story ... well you are in the right place then. Now I understand that some people do not consider this a game. Pushing buttons to progress the story and walking from time to time (finding clues of the story along the way). But at least here you can walk around, there are FMV games that are just video after video (I like them too, just saying).

The story is rich and complex and to actually understand all of it, a number of playthroughs have to be made! And I made more than just a number of ... although that doesn't make much sense I reckon ... what would be more than a number of playthroughs? Anyway, the game is rich and detailed and gives you moral choices and lets you be whoever you want to be. You can play all the characters at one point or another ... and you really are the mastermind of the story that is evolving in front of you.

After Until Dawn and the success of it, this is a beginning of stories that are connected through a story teller. Until Dawn had the psychologist to guide you through ... this has a mysterious figure talking to you from time to time ... I can't wait for the next games this has to offer ... love it to say the least. Great acting, script and editing.