Medium Rare, a dungeon crawler RPG inspired by the Resident Evil series, features a distinct visual style that utilizes modified stock photos. The game casts players in the role of someone attempting to rescue their wife from a human meat factory in a world where cannibalism has become an industrialized necessity due to depleted global resources.
The core gameplay involves grid-based exploration common to the genre, with a combat system centered on a three-by-three enemy grid that influences damage output. Dice rolls determine combat outcomes, and weapon choice is crucial for survival. The game also incorporates elements reminiscent of Resident Evil, such as tile-based inventory management, the threat of infected enemies, and limited safe havens for respite.
The game's striking aesthetic is achieved by processing real photographs through Photoshop and applying dithering techniques to create a textured, almost pixel-art appearance. As detailed in a developer vlog, these source images are all stock photos. This method, often referred to as photobashing, is a technique that the developers have refined to create the game's unique look.
Artist Giovanni Fim emphasized the importance of iteration and pursuing unique artistic directions to stand out on platforms like Steam. He noted that "being extreme really works. You need to zone in and focus into a very specific thing, something that defines your game." This approach is evident in Medium Rare's distinctive visual identity, which aims to differentiate it from more conventional or cliché designs.
A demo for Medium Rare is currently available on Steam, with the full release anticipated in 2027.