The Casting of Frank Stone: A Dead by Daylight Story Expanded

Supermassive Games, known for their work on Until Dawn and The Quarry, ventures into new territory with their latest interactive horror, The Casting of Frank Stone. This game offers a chilling narrative rooted in the lore of Dead by Daylight, expanding the universe in ways that will appeal to long-time fans of the series. However, does it deliver enough to warrant a standalone experience, or is it just a thin extension of the existing mythos?

A Dark Story Unfolds in Cedar Hills

Set in the eerie town of Cedar Hills, the game revolves around the legend of Frank Stone, a serial killer whose brutal crimes have left a haunting legacy on the town. A group of young friends unknowingly stumbles upon this grim history, and their lives become intertwined with the horrors Frank Stone has wrought. The narrative takes players on a journey that blends psychological horror with moments of intense supernatural dread. It explores themes of guilt, betrayal, and the lengths people will go to survive, with every decision you make influencing the outcome.

The plot’s strength lies in its atmospheric storytelling. Supermassive Games is known for their ability to craft emotionally charged, interactive stories, and this title is no exception. The game leans heavily on dialogue-driven scenes and cinematic sequences, using a combination of jump scares and slow-burn tension to keep players engaged. The choices you make will impact the story’s direction, adding layers of replayability as you explore different outcomes for the characters.

A Love Letter to Dead by Daylight

Fans of Dead by Daylight will find plenty to love here. The Casting of Frank Stone is filled with references to the beloved asymmetrical multiplayer horror game. From subtle visual cues to deeper lore integrations, the game provides a rich experience for players familiar with the Dead by Daylight universe. The narrative seamlessly blends with the wider story of the “Entity” and its dark influence, setting up what could be future additions to Dead by Daylight, including new killers or story expansions.

This deeper connection to Dead by Daylight is a double-edged sword, however. For die-hard fans, the Easter eggs and lore expansions are thrilling, but for newcomers, the game’s reliance on pre-existing knowledge may feel like a barrier to fully understanding the intricacies of the plot. Still, the game manages to tell a standalone story that is unsettling and engaging, even if you aren’t a Dead by Daylight veteran.

Cinematic Gameplay with Some Flaws

At its core, The Casting of Frank Stone is an interactive narrative experience rather than an action-heavy game. Much like Supermassive’s previous titles, gameplay largely revolves around exploring environments, interacting with objects, and making key decisions during high-stakes moments. The Cutting Room Floor, a feature that allows players to go back and adjust certain choices, adds a layer of replayability, giving you the chance to reshape the story after completing it.

However, the gameplay itself has limitations. The controls and camera angles can be frustrating at times, with clunky mechanics that occasionally detract from the immersive experience. Additionally, some players may find the characters’ actions baffling, as their behavior can shift from rational to nonsensical within the same scene. This inconsistency can be jarring, especially in a game where the characters’ survival hinges on logical decision-making.

One of the biggest drawbacks of the game is its length. Clocking in at around 9 hours of gameplay, The Casting of Frank Stone feels too short for its price point. While the narrative is engaging, the brevity of the story leaves little room for deeper exploration of the game’s world or its characters. For players expecting more substantial gameplay, this may come as a disappointment.

The Lore Expands

Despite its flaws, The Casting of Frank Stone delivers on its promise to expand the Dead by Daylight lore. The game dives into the origins of the killer and the twisted realities spawned from his actions, connecting threads that are sure to excite fans. Supermassive Games also introduces the character of “The Champion,” who is heavily implied to become a future killer in Dead by Daylight. The attention to detail and nods to the broader universe will keep players speculating about what’s to come.

For those invested in Dead by Daylight, the game enriches the lore in ways that feel meaningful, providing insight into the world beyond the Fog. However, if you are not familiar with Dead by Daylight, the game’s connection to the multiplayer title might feel underwhelming, as the story doesn’t fully stand on its own without that context.

The Cutting Room Floor: A Unique Feature

One of the standout features of The Casting of Frank Stone is The Cutting Room Floor—a mechanic that allows players to revisit key moments in the game and change their decisions. This adds a level of control over the narrative that many interactive story games lack, offering players the chance to see how alternate choices play out without replaying the entire game from scratch. It’s a great addition for fans of decision-based gameplay, giving the story more layers and replayability.

What Works and What Falls Short

Highlights for Horror Fans

• Immersive Storytelling: The narrative is both gripping and emotionally charged, keeping players invested in the fate of the characters.
• Dead by Daylight Easter Eggs: The game is packed with references for fans, adding depth and context to the lore of the multiplayer game.
• Cutting Room Floor: This feature enhances the replayability by allowing players to change key decisions after completing the game.

Where It Misses the Mark

• Short Gameplay: At around 9 hours, the game feels too brief for its price, especially when compared to other titles in the genre.
• Inconsistent Characters: While the majority of the cast is well-developed, some characters exhibit frustratingly irrational behavior, which can take players out of the experience.
• Limited Gameplay Variety: Compared to Supermassive’s previous works like Until Dawn and The Quarry, the game offers fewer interactive elements and gameplay mechanics.