One of the best features of subscription services like Xbox Game Pass is the ability to find really solid short games that players may not have been inclined to purchase otherwise. However, since most subscription services frequently rotate their catalogs, it can be hard to keep track of every short game that has potential. For horror fans with a Game Pass subscription,The Mediumis a relatively short psychological horror title heavily inspired by the likes ofResident EvilandSilent Hillthat is definitely worth checking out before it leaves the service later this month. Thankfully,The Medium’srelatively short runtime means that gamers can experience this game in full before it leaves on the 15th of February.
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Development and Setting
The Mediumwas developed by Bloober Team, a Polish developer. Bloober Team had already made somewhat of a name for itself in horror,releasingObserver,Layers of Fear,andThe Blair Witch Project.However,The Mediummarks somewhat of a different approach from Bloober Team as its first game in third-person perspective, emulating the fixed camera angles of earlier horror games.
Apparently, the concept for the game has existed since 2012, and the development team was waiting until it had access to apt technology to begin making the game. As such, the story and visuals of the game have been brewing for a long time, while the gameplay was developed more recently. Music for the game features Akira Yamaoka and Mary Elizabeth McGuinn, both renowned for their work onSilent Hillgames.
During this period, Bloober Team was aware of the popularity of media set in Eastern Bloc countries, such as shows likeChernobyl, Dark,and its own previous game,Observer.With this in mind,the decision to setThe Mediumin Poland makes sense. However, setting the game in the late ’90s, following Poland’s transition to a democratic government, proves to be one of the game’s most unique features. Acutely aware the history of Poland after the Soviet Union is not well-known by most of the world, the development team put considerable effort into introducing this history to players while not alienating a wider audience.
Story and Gameplay
The Mediumfollows Marianne, who is, as the name suggests, a medium. Following the death of her stepfather, Marianne receives a mysterious phone call from Thomas, who knows about her powers. From here, Marianne sets off on a quest to find Thomas while battling malevolent spirits and solving mystical puzzles.The gameplay ofThe Mediumis relatively simple to get accustomed to and should appeal in particular to those who enjoy puzzle games. LikeSilent HillandResident Evil,the setting and enemies set the tone for the game, which takes players on a journey that explores Poland’s history in a psychological thriller.
The Mediumis available now on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
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