The Medium - PS5

The Medium is a psychological horror game developed by Bloober Team. Players control Marianne, a medium capable of traversing both the physical and spirit worlds. This unique dual-reality mechanic allows for simultaneous exploration of both realms, aiding in puzzle-solving and uncovering hidden secrets. Marianne's psychic abilities can also be employed against hostile entities, with energy replenished by interacting with spirit wells.

Set in post-communist Poland in 1999, the narrative begins with Marianne mourning her adoptive father's death. She receives a mysterious call from Thomas, who knows of her abilities and offers insights into her recurring nightmares involving a girl's murder by a lake. Thomas invites Marianne to the Niwa Workers' Resort, an abandoned Soviet-era vacation spot, to uncover the truth behind her visions.

Upon arrival, Marianne discovers Niwa's dark past, particularly the tragic Niwa Massacre, where numerous lives were lost, leaving lingering spirits. As she delves deeper, she encounters Sadness, the spirit of a young girl, and the malevolent entity known as the Maw. The Maw seeks to escape the spirit world by possessing living beings, posing a constant threat to Marianne.

Throughout her journey, Marianne uncovers Thomas's history as a fellow medium subjected to experiments by both Nazi and Soviet forces. His daughter, Lilianne, struggled to control her powers, leading to catastrophic events at Niwa. The intertwining fates of Marianne, Thomas, and Lilianne form the crux of the story, culminating in revelations about Marianne's own identity and the origins of her abilities.

The Medium was initially announced in 2012 but faced delays due to technological constraints. It was reintroduced in May 2020, leveraging next-gen hardware capabilities to render its dual-reality gameplay. The game debuted on Windows and Xbox Series X/S on January 28, 2021, and later on PlayStation 5 on September 3, 2021. Critics praised its atmosphere, innovative mechanics, and narrative depth, though some noted performance issues on certain platforms.