The Casting of Frank Stone Review

Ever wonder why four survivors have been relentlessly hunted by a killer in the woods since 2016? The Casting of Frank Stone, a 2024 interactive drama horror game developed by Supermassive Games and published by Behaviour Interactive, delves into the chilling universe of Dead by Daylight. Supermassive Games, known for Until Dawn and The Quarry, brings its signature choice-based narrative style to this dark tale, where your decisions impact the fates of the characters caught in a horrifying web of survival.

A Tribute to Dead by Daylight

For Dead by Daylight fans, The Casting of Frank Stone is a treat. As a casual player of Dead by Daylight since 2017, I couldn’t help but geek out at the numerous Easter eggs scattered throughout the game and how intricately it ties into the main game’s lore. The quick-time events are all inspired by Dead by Daylight mechanics, making the experience feel like an extension of the universe, a true homage to Behaviour Interactive’s creation. For fans of the series, it’s an appreciation and celebration of everything Dead by Daylight has built over the years.

Graphics and Performance

Visually, the game is stunning. The character models and facial animations are some of the best Supermassive has ever produced, bringing a heightened level of immersion. However, while playing on PC, I encountered some performance issues, notably framerate dips that worsened the longer I played. Resetting the game temporarily fixed the issue, but I suspect there’s a memory leak causing the performance instability over time. While it’s a correctable issue with future patches, it’s worth noting that these dips can momentarily take you out of the otherwise immersive experience.

Gameplay and Story

Like most Supermassive games, The Casting of Frank Stone leans heavily on storytelling, with quick-time events and player choices shaping the narrative. However, I found the interactive elements a bit lacking, with fewer moments of player input compared to previous Supermassive titles. At times, it felt like I was watching the game more than playing it, which can detract from the overall engagement. More player-driven moments would have elevated the experience further.

Despite the limited interactivity, the story had me hooked. Sure, it can feel like a cheesy horror movie at times, but the exploration of the Dead by Daylight world, from past to present, kept me invested. The game offers multiple endings, and the ability to revisit The Cutting Room Floor to see other possible outcomes is a neat feature, adding replayability as you try to uncover the different fates of the cast.

Lore and Easter Eggs

What truly makes The Casting of Frank Stone special is how it ties into the Dead by Daylight lore. Supermassive Games has done its homework, integrating the universe’s themes and mythology seamlessly into this standalone story. From familiar killers to references to past events, the game feels like a love letter to Dead by Daylight fans. As a bonus, players can earn Bloodpoints and other rewards that transfer over to the main game, adding even more value to the experience.

Conclusion

For $40 USD, The Casting of Frank Stone offers a solid, cinematic horror experience that fans of Dead by Daylight will especially enjoy. It pays homage to the series while delivering a standalone story that can appeal to casual and hardcore players alike. With beautiful graphics, engaging lore, and nods to the main game, it’s a must-play for Dead by Daylight enthusiasts.

While performance issues and a lack of interactivity slightly mar the experience, the strong narrative and fan service make up for it. I hope to see more stories set in the Dead by Daylight world in the future—this game has proven there's a lot of potential for expanding the universe beyond multiplayer gameplay.

For fans of Dead by Daylight, The Casting of Frank Stone is a thrilling ride, and I couldn’t imagine how much more exciting it would be for hardcore fans of the franchise. I'm giving The Casting of Frank Stone an 8/10.