The Casting of Frank Stone sets a gruesome tone | Hands-on preview

The Casting of Frank Stone sets a gruesome tone | Hands-on preview

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades under my belt, I must say that The Casting of Frank Stone has piqued my interest like a well-aimed hook trap. Having played my fair share of Supermassive Games’ offerings and Behaviour’s Dead By Daylight, I can confidently assert that this crossover is the equivalent of a survival horror dream team.


Dead by Daylight has grown into a massive franchise, with Behaviour Interactive standing out as one of the most dedicated developers, consistently introducing new content like updates and characters, all while staying attuned to balance and gameplay adjustments. It’s no wonder why it’s so beloved, but fans have been eager for story-driven content within the game’s universe. Who better to delve into this theme than Supermassive Games? Known for their gripping games such as Until Dawn and The Quarry, they also align with Dead by Daylight’s tone – focusing on both intense violence and gore, while incorporating dashes of humor. Meet Frank Stone.

In a nutshell, “The Casting of Frank Stone” appears to share similarities with a Supermassive game, yet offers plenty of reasons for Dead By Daylight enthusiasts to look forward to it. During my brief gameplay session, there were some intriguing Easter Eggs that I won’t reveal, but rest assured, this title will appeal to a wide range of horror aficionados. Whether you prefer jump scares, violence, suspense or well-crafted narratives, this game promises to deliver. Throughout my playthrough, I found myself both on edge and intrigued by the snippets of the story I encountered.

In the initial part of the story, I assumed the character of Sam Green, a detective investigating the mysterious disappearance of a boy in Cedar Hills, a massive steel mill, during the wee hours. The task at hand was to locate him. Upon my arrival, I conversed with the night shift worker who appeared somewhat evasive, but it could have been due to his intoxication, fear, or something more ominous. You get to decide how you want to approach this character – opt for empathy or apply a bit of pressure using intimidation techniques. After skimming through some records and learning very little else, I ventured into the steel mill.

The Casting of Frank Stone sets a gruesome tone | Hands-on preview

In keeping with the style of Supermassive Games, the sound design is top-notch and the suspenseful instances where lighting subtly hints at hidden elements are abundant. This creates an atmosphere of tension, drawing you deeper into the mysterious mill, where your flashlight serves as your sole guide. Scattered around are collectibles to discover, some of which reference characters from Dead by Daylight, a delightful touch. The game also incorporates Quick Time Events (QTEs), similar to skill checks in Dead by Daylight, adding an extra layer of excitement. Interestingly, there were no generators as seen in Dead by Daylight, but the pressure was on when hitting the prompt within the circular gauge, reminiscent of the tension experienced while evading a killer.

As you venture deeper into the mill, you come across a gruesome sight: a heap of tissue being nibbled on by an employee’s dog. Upon closer examination, you discover a human ear amidst the grisly scene, and the atmosphere suddenly shifts to something ominous. Could this be the ear of the missing child, or is it someone else’s? The tension escalates as you descend further underground into a room with an enormous furnace. There, you find a baby crying in a crib, but there are other chilling discoveries waiting for you. I won’t spoil the surprise; you’ll have to uncover the secrets yourself.

In “The Quandary of Frank Stone,” the creators’ signature elements are skillfully showcased. You’ll find dialogue choices that impact the narrative and your interactions with other characters, much like they do in their games. The blend of skill checks and Quick Time Events is reminiscent of Dead by Daylight, but with a unique twist. Furthermore, the game’s references and atmosphere echo Behaviour’s distinct style, yet it maintains its own identity as a chilling horror with the perfect balance of gore, suspense, and humor. I can’t wait to see where the story leads and how the world of Dead By Daylight unfolds through the lens of such an accomplished and gifted development team, as seen in “Until Dawn.”

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2024-08-13 18:16