The Medium (PS5)

A Tale of Two Worlds

The Medium is a psychological horror game set in post-communist Poland during the 1990s. You play as Marianne, a spirit medium who can travel between the real world and the spirit realm. Using this unique ability, she solves puzzles, uncovers dark secrets, and unravels the story of a decaying resort filled with ghosts, trauma, and things better left buried.

The dual-reality mechanic is probably the game’s biggest hook. At certain points, both worlds appear on-screen simultaneously, letting you shift between dimensions to solve environmental puzzles or escape supernatural threats. It’s a clever concept and it gives the game a distinct identity among modern horror titles.

The atmosphere is really good throughout. The empty halls, grey skies, and cold architecture perfectly capture a sense of isolation that feels uniquely Eastern European. The soundtrack, partly composed by Silent Hill veteran Akira Yamaoka, adds an unsettling layer of melancholy that lingers long after you’ve put the controller down.

The aspect of The Medium that may divide players, depending on their taste in games, is its gameplay. It leans heavily into the “interactive experience” side of horror, with simple puzzles and a lot of slow walking from one room to another. In my opinion the exploration is engaging enough that searching for clues and connecting the story’s pieces is satisfying. But those expecting tense survival mechanics or combat will find little of either.

Marianne herself is a compelling protagonist. Her calm demeanor and emotional depth give the story a grounded center, even when the narrative becomes increasingly abstract. And it does. The Medium’s plot can be hard to follow if you’re not paying close attention. The storytelling is a bit fragmented, leaving much for players to interpret on their own.

At around eight hours long, The Medium doesn’t overstay its welcome. It’s a slow burn, but one with style, atmosphere, and just enough mystery to keep you hooked until the end.

Final Rating: 7.5/10

Pros:

• Unique dual-reality mechanic
• Great atmosphere and haunting setting
• Compact runtime that fits the story

Cons:

• Minimal gameplay and simple puzzles
• Story can be hard to follow without close attention
• Slow pacing and limited replay value