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the Medium-PS5 Quick Review 28-9-21 Since the Medium was announced I had be keen to play the latest horror game from Bloober team. Once it was announced for Ps5 I patiently waited and had to endure an extra week after initial release date for the two worlds special edition to arrive. I have enjoyed previous Bloober team games, though some have proven underwhelming to my expectations. This lead me to always have reservations about the Medium. After playing through this game, I can say I have no more reservations. The game starts with a rather unique gameplay mechanic. It allows ‘dual sense’ or literally Two World control. Marianne the main protagonist is a medium that has the ability to see the other dimension, a dark and hell like world, though beautiful visually. This is portrayed as a split screen showing the real world and what Marianne sees in her medium mind, this plays out in real time on screen. This gameplay mechanic is extremely intriguing and well executed and is the central element to be able to progress through puzzle solving and through out the story. This never felt like a gimmick and is the key to what made this game feel special, fresh and different. Marianne uses her ability to interact with items through out the game that gives her insightful flash backs and critical story elements. The story begins with Marianne dealing with a tragic personal event before she receives an anonymous phone call. This leads her on a journey to an abandoned holiday resort. It is here she encounters her first other world soul that leads her on quest for the answers she is seeking. During Marianne’s venture you will see many various settings that are viewed in the two world sight of Marianne. The current dilapidated resort or dark side of the medium mind. The is no action or ability for Marianne to fight in the game and it relies on moments of stealth and run for your life chase segments from the the main monster, a 8ft plus demonic spirit known as the Maw. Who is voiced by Troy Baker. The Medium gave me some nostalgic vibes similar to Clock Tower or Haunting Ground. The puzzles are well thought of throughout and none were extremely challenging or lead to moments of shear frustration or annoyance that distracted from the narrative. Overall the story is a memorable one and combined with the fixed camera angle that is directed well in a modern game context and not just used as a nostalgia novelty. The visuals are the first game I have encountered to feel truly next generation. There is very little in the way of flaws in this game. The narrative, voice performances are exceptional from all characters large or small. The soundtrack is one of the best and most fitting to the overall storytelling I have heard in any game let alone a horror game for sometime, this is dual composed by Arkadiusz Reikowski and Akira Yamaoka with Akira previous works including entries in the Silent Hill series. Who is this game for? For fans of adventure puzzle horror, that are seeking and old school feel but with a modern take done right, a memorable story that never stops or splutters in a near perfect delivery, accompanied by strong voice performances and a superb score. This is Bloober Teams greatest work. My Score 9/10 Must buy