PGC NEWS

Supermassive Games, the developers of the acclaimed horror game Until Dawn, continue their legacy of cinematic horror with The Dark Pictures Anthology. One of the earliest entries in this anthology, Man of Medan, offers a thrilling, albeit short, interactive drama experience filled with suspense, mystery, and chilling atmosphere. This review delves into the game’s strengths, highlighting its eerie atmosphere, intriguing mystery, and high replay value.

A Ghost Ship and a Hidden Treasure

Man of Medan

Man of Medan follows a group of five young adventurers: Alex, Brad, Julia, Conrad, and Fliss. Their journey begins with a diving expedition in the South Pacific, aiming to explore the wreckage of a downed American B-29 bomber. Within the submerged plane, they discover clues hinting at a lost treasure called “Manchurian Gold.” Intrigued by the prospect of riches, they set a course to investigate the coordinates mentioned in the plane’s logs.

Man of Medan

Their treasure hunt takes a dark turn when their boat is attacked by pirates. The pirates, learning about the Manchurian Gold, force the group to navigate to the supposed treasure location. Upon arrival, they discover not gold, but a derelict WWII-era American ghost ship, its crew mysteriously deceased. A palpable sense of dread hangs heavy in the air as an unseen presence begins to stalk them, threatening their very lives. The group must now fight for survival against both the increasingly hostile pirates and the supernatural horrors lurking within the ship’s decaying hull.

Trapped in a Nightmare: Atmosphere and Dread

Man of Medan

One of Man of Medan‘s greatest strengths is its ability to cultivate an atmosphere of unrelenting dread. The claustrophobic, dimly lit corridors of the ghost ship create a constant sense of unease, as players never know what horrors lurk around the next corner. The repetitive design of the ship’s interior, while potentially monotonous in other genres, enhances the feeling of being trapped in a nightmarish labyrinth, prey to an unseen predator.

Man of Medan

Unlike the more tangible antagonists in later Dark Pictures Anthology games like House of Ashes and The Quarry, the malevolent force in Man of Medan remains shrouded in ambiguity. Its form shifts and changes, playing on the characters’ perceptions and fears. This ambiguity forces players to question what they see and hear, adding a psychological layer to the horror. Every decision becomes fraught with tension, as a wrong move can easily lead to a character’s demise.

Unraveling the Manchurian Gold: A Compelling Mystery

Man of Medan

The mystery of the Manchurian Gold serves as the narrative backbone of Man of Medan. Clues scattered throughout the ghost ship and the B-29 wreckage slowly reveal the tragic fate of the ship’s crew and the nature of the supernatural threat. However, uncovering these clues requires active exploration and a keen eye for detail. Players who simply rush through the story may miss crucial pieces of the puzzle.

Man of Medan

The truth behind the Manchurian Gold also impacts gameplay, unlocking new choices and pathways as the story unfolds. This interwoven narrative and gameplay design encourage multiple playthroughs to fully grasp the scope of the mystery.

Choices and Consequences: High Replay Value

Man of Medan

As an interactive drama, Man of Medan‘s core strength lies in its branching narrative and the consequences of player choices. Some choices require specific items, creating a trade-off system that can significantly alter the course of the story. Certain decisions have immediate repercussions, while others may seem inconsequential until the game’s climax, adding a layer of suspense and unpredictability.

Man of Medan

This intricate web of choices and consequences, combined with the relatively short playtime of around four hours, encourages replayability. The free “Curator’s Cut” DLC further enhances this by adding new scenes, perspectives, and choices, extending the game’s lifespan and offering fresh insights into the narrative.

Conclusion

Man of Medan provides a compelling, albeit brief, horror experience. While the short playtime might be a drawback for some, the game’s strengths lie in its chilling atmosphere, intriguing mystery, and high replay value. It serves as a solid entry in The Dark Pictures Anthology and a testament to Supermassive Games’ expertise in crafting engaging interactive narratives.