Despite its eight years of dominance in the horror genre, the world of Dead by Daylight remains shrouded in mystery. The asymmetrical multiplayer matches only reveal so much about the universe of serial killers. There’s mention of an evil “Entity,” blood sacrifices, and ensuing violence.
However, in September, Behaviour Interactive aims to expand this lore. With The Casting of Frank Stone, developed by Supermassive Games, known for Until Dawn and The Quarry, players will experience an interactive horror movie. This classic slasher tale involves a group of teens in a town haunted by a sinister killer, with each player’s decisions shaping the fate of characters. While this formula aligns with Supermassive’s expertise, the demo I played indicates a seamless integration into the existing horror universe.
The Enigmatic Antagonist
The Casting of Frank Stone unfolds in Cedar Hills, a small Oregon town with a dark secret revolving around the menacing Frank Stone, a brutal killer donning chains and a welder’s mask. The main narrative follows a group of teens unraveling the mysteries surrounding Frank, potentially delving into the supernatural.
The demo, set in the 1960s, places me in the shoes of a cop investigating a missing child case at a steel mill. Interactions with a creepy groundskeeper introduce familiar gameplay mechanics from Supermassive – dialogue choices, character exploration, document collection, and quick-time events. The immersive atmosphere, detailed visuals, and eerie ambiance draw me into the experience, akin to watching a suspenseful horror movie.
As the demo progresses, I encounter skill checks that test my reflexes and decision-making. The tension escalates, reminiscent of Dead by Daylight, requiring precise timing and action to survive. The climactic face-off with Frank Stone, featuring intense gameplay elements and a thrilling escape, leaves me eager for more.
The full game promises to expand on this narrative, involving teens fighting for survival in the mine with outcomes influenced by player choices. While the connection to Dead by Daylight remains ambiguous, the blend of horror elements and gameplay mechanics assures an engaging experience. The Casting of Frank Stone is poised to deliver a captivating and gory adventure beyond the realm of the fog.
The Casting of Frank Stone launches on September 3 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
