The nostalgia-inducing uncertainty of aging and pandemics aside, it’s hard to believe The Darkish Photos Anthology has been around for five years, blurring the lines between the passing of time. As I gaze back on Man of Medan’s humble beginnings, it’s astonishing to acknowledge that five years have elapsed since its debut – a milestone that serves as a poignant reminder of time’s relentless passage.
While four playable Darkish Photos games are currently available, five can be accessed if you own a VR headset. We recently got a first look at the series’ next core installment at Gamescom Online. Given the franchise’s debut is already five years old, it may seem unreasonable to pin high expectations on Man of Medan.
The Dark Pictures Anthology is a chilling choose-your-own-fatal-adventure horror series from acclaimed developer Supermassive Games. Building upon the success of Till Daybreak, this instalment takes a distinct approach with each subsequent game, refining the core concept of “five individuals entangled in a horror scenario, fighting for survival.” Up until now, we’ve witnessed affluent travelers held captive on an eerie vessel in Man of Medan, a university expedition marooned in a deserted cityscape in Little Hope, a military unit stumbling upon a long-hidden ancient temple in Home of Ashes, and a documentary filmmaking crew terrorized on the isolated island of a notorious killer in The Satan in Me.
Opinions on the video games’ quality are divided, as one would expect from a distinct group of horror enthusiasts granted their chance to see their preferred sub-genre showcased with each release. As each successive installment draws upon the themes and ideas of its predecessors, the overall quality of the series gradually improves, with later entries garnering more positive receptions on average. On the occasion of Man of Medan’s anniversary, I’m willing to make a strong argument that, despite its flaws, it remains one of the standout titles within The Dark Pictures Anthology – and arguably, Supermassive’s most terrifying horror game to date?
The initial reaction to Man of Medan’s shocking plot twist was sharply divided, and for good reason. While I won’t reveal too much about the game, I must confess that my initial expectations weren’t entirely met, yet this didn’t deter me from completing it with enthusiasm. Forgiveness lies within statistical reach, and I have since replayed Mass Effect: Moments of My Life (MoM) six or seven additional times to better understand its trajectory.
While Man of Medan’s narrative is not without its flaws, including some narrative wobbles, it shares similar criticisms with the rest of the collection, such as protagonists’ stiffly mocapped facial animations often appearing awkward and unnatural in their reactions. While Man of Medan excels in one crucial aspect, arguably surpassing Till Daybreak’s achievements in that regard alone.
In Supermassive’s horror games, a crucial element is the unpredictable nature of character mortality: any character can perish, leaving anyone else as the sole survivor, and this unpredictability enables a vast array of possible story outcomes, making each experience uniquely terrifying. With such complexity, every considered video game boasts an astonishing multitude of potential endings, making a strong case for unparalleled replayability that’s impossible to refute.
As players delve deeper into the game, they inevitably develop a keen sense of narrative familiarity, only to discover that certain characters are shielded by plot armor, safeguarding their well-being until the final moments of the game. Despite being one of the most-acclaimed Dark Pictures games to date, Home of Ashes is marred by an egregious flaw – nearly 60% of the main cast is virtually indestructible until the final two chapters? This design choice renders repeated playthroughs stale and unengaging from a narrative standpoint.
While establishing a clear narrative focus is crucial, it’s equally important to ensure this clarity before the main players take centre stage; indeed, Man of Medan excels at doing just that. Among the numerous character fatalities touted in MoM’s promotional materials – roughly 60, according to boasts – lies an unprecedented degree of narrative fluidity, distinct from Supermassive’s typical approach. While sudden death is a constant reality, the journey to the end can unfold in countless ways, depending on the unique paths each character takes, influenced by their companions, timing, and the fates of those around them. As the narrative unfolds, the bonds forged by the five protagonists through their shared experiences become so strong that each possible combination of characters – be it two, three, four or even all five together – can drive the story’s climactic conclusion forward with equal effectiveness.
As the cornerstone of Supermassive’s esteemed heritage in horror gaming, I firmly believe that Man of Medan stands out as the anthology’s crowning achievement, exemplifying its innovative storytelling approach through branching narratives. While it excels in gameplay terms, individual opinions may vary regarding the characters’ annoyance factor; a topic worth exploring another time. Meanwhile, the infamous finale remains a contentious issue. Are you seeking a horror experience game where the journey unfolds differently each time, driven by the choices you make along the way, allowing for a unique and thrilling adventure with every playthrough? Five years on, The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan remains an unassailable masterpiece.
