The “Man of Medan” series is part of “The Dark Pictures Anthology,” a series of interactive horror games developed by Supermassive Games. Before diving into the series, it’s important to acknowledge “Until Dawn,” the spiritual predecessor that set the stage for these games.
Until Dawn
Released in 2015, “Until Dawn” is an interactive drama and survival horror game exclusive to PlayStation. The game follows eight young adults who have to survive on Blackwood Mountain when their lives are threatened. The choices players make shape the narrative and determine who survives until dawn.
The Dark Pictures Anthology
“The Dark Pictures Anthology” builds on the narrative-driven gameplay of “Until Dawn.” Each game in the anthology is a standalone story with different characters and settings, but all share the same gameplay mechanics and horror elements. The games are linked thematically, exploring various horror genres and tropes.
Man of Medan Series Overview
- Man of Medan (2019)
- Little Hope (2020)
- House of Ashes (2021)
- The Devil in Me (2022)
Man of Medan
Plot
“Man of Medan” follows five characters who are trapped on a ghost ship in the South Pacific Ocean. The story is influenced by the choices players make, leading to different outcomes and multiple endings. The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of the five characters:
- Alex: A college student and experienced diver.
- Brad: Alex’s younger brother, a bookish and cautious individual.
- Julia: Alex’s girlfriend, adventurous and headstrong.
- Conrad: Julia’s brother, a confident and sometimes reckless character.
- Fliss: The captain of the boat, practical and resourceful.
Gameplay
The gameplay involves exploration, quick-time events, and decision-making. The choices impact the relationships between characters and the story’s outcome. The game can be played in single-player or multiplayer modes, including a shared story mode where players can control different characters simultaneously.
Review
“Man of Medan” received mixed to positive reviews. Critics praised its atmospheric setting, branching storylines, and replay value. However, some criticized its pacing and character development.
Little Hope
Plot
“Little Hope” follows four college students and their professor who are stranded in the eponymous town. They encounter supernatural forces and must uncover the town’s dark history to escape. The characters’ fates are influenced by the player’s choices:
- Andrew: A history student with a troubled past.
- Angela: A mature student, skeptical and often critical.
- Daniel: A rational and level-headed student.
- Taylor: A headstrong and independent student.
- John: The professor, knowledgeable but secretive.
Gameplay
Similar to “Man of Medan,” “Little Hope” involves exploration, decision-making, and quick-time events. The game also features a “Curator’s Cut” mode, offering alternative perspectives and choices.
Review
“Little Hope” was better received than its predecessor, with praise for its story, atmosphere, and improved character development. Some reviewers noted that the game still suffered from pacing issues and repetitive gameplay elements.
House of Ashes
Plot
“House of Ashes” is set during the 2003 Iraq War. A group of soldiers and CIA operatives find themselves trapped in an underground Mesopotamian temple. They must navigate the temple’s dark passages while being hunted by ancient creatures. Key characters include:
- Rachel King: A CIA field officer.
- Eric King: Rachel’s estranged husband and commanding officer.
- Jason Kolchek: A US Marine.
- Nick Kay: A US Marine and Rachel’s lover.
- Salim Othman: An Iraqi soldier.
Gameplay
The game features the same core mechanics as previous entries but introduces new elements like 360-degree camera control and more action-oriented sequences. The multiplayer modes return, enhancing the cooperative experience.
Review
“House of Ashes” received generally positive reviews, with critics highlighting its engaging story, character dynamics, and improved gameplay mechanics. The new setting and horror elements were particularly praised.
The Devil in Me
Plot
“The Devil in Me” revolves around a group of documentary filmmakers who receive a mysterious invitation to a replica of H.H. Holmes’ “Murder Castle.” They soon find themselves in a deadly trap. The characters include:
- Kate Wilder: The host of the documentary.
- Mark Nestor: The cameraman.
- Erin Keenan: The sound engineer.
- Jamie Tiergan: The lighting technician.
- Charlie Lonnit: The director.
Gameplay
“The Devil in Me” retains the series’ core mechanics while introducing new interactive elements and puzzles related to the “Murder Castle.” The multiplayer modes continue to offer unique ways to experience the game.
Review
The game received mixed to positive reviews, with praise for its unique setting, story, and atmosphere. However, some critics noted that the gameplay mechanics had become somewhat formulaic.
Character Bios
- Alex (Man of Medan): A motivated and ambitious young man studying at college, he is also an experienced diver who is planning to propose to his girlfriend, Julia, during their trip.
- Brad (Man of Medan): Alex’s younger brother, Brad is intelligent and cautious. He is not as experienced in diving or adventure, often relying on his brother for guidance.
- Julia (Man of Medan): Adventurous and confident, Julia is Alex’s girlfriend. She is excited about the trip and unaware of Alex’s proposal plans.
- Conrad (Man of Medan): Julia’s older brother, Conrad is charismatic and sometimes reckless, enjoying life and seeking thrills.
- Fliss (Man of Medan): The captain of the Duke of Milan, Fliss is resourceful and protective of her boat and crew.
- Andrew (Little Hope): A college student with a troubled past, Andrew is introspective and determined to uncover the truth about Little Hope.
- Angela (Little Hope): A mature student, Angela is skeptical and often critical, providing a grounded perspective.
- Daniel (Little Hope): Rational and level-headed, Daniel is a natural leader among the group.
- Taylor (Little Hope): Headstrong and independent, Taylor challenges authority and seeks answers.
- John (Little Hope): The knowledgeable but secretive professor, John guides the group through their ordeal.
- Rachel King (House of Ashes): A CIA field officer caught in a love triangle, Rachel is brave and decisive.
- Eric King (House of Ashes): Rachel’s estranged husband and commanding officer, Eric is determined and strategic.
- Jason Kolchek (House of Ashes): A US Marine, Jason is loyal and protective of his comrades.
- Nick Kay (House of Ashes): A US Marine and Rachel’s lover, Nick is brave and often finds himself in moral dilemmas.
- Salim Othman (House of Ashes): An Iraqi soldier, Salim is resourceful and driven by the desire to reunite with his son.
Conclusion
“The Dark Pictures Anthology” builds on the success of “Until Dawn,” offering standalone horror stories with interconnected themes and gameplay mechanics. Each game presents a unique narrative and set of characters, providing varied horror experiences while maintaining the core interactive drama and survival elements that define the series.