As I sat down to compile my list of contenders for the 2024 Game of the Year earlier this fall, I was faced with a delightful challenge. I needed to sift through a jumble of universally acclaimed hits, many of which I still had to experience, and personal favorites that I planned to champion fervently. Among them, The Casting of Frank Stone easily secured a spot in my top ten, largely championed by my own affection for it.
I must confess, this game had an unfair advantage right from the start. I’ve always believed that Supermassive Games’ ventures into horror can be neatly categorized as “good,” “great,” and “amazing.” In fact, the only time I recall being truly let down was at the end of Little Hope, but I moved past that quickly.
Despite my moderate playtime in Dead by Daylight compared to the countless hours I’ve spent delving into its lore, I think it still qualifies me as a fan. So, when Supermassive announced a story-driven spin-off of Dead by Daylight, naturally, it was right up my alley — a decision that didn’t need much thinking.
I didn’t anticipate any groundbreaking revelations. The mere idea of a Dead by Daylight narrative crafted in the style of The Dark Pictures Anthology was already a compelling enough reason for me to dive in. Although Frank Stone didn’t exactly set the gaming world alight following its release on September 3rd—it shares my birthday, so perhaps there’s a hint of favoritism in my assessment—it still left a lasting impression on me, possibly even ranking among my top three Supermassive creations.
The Casting of Frank Stone weaves a captivating yet dark tale. Featuring five protagonists you’ll navigate through different periods, it circles around a chilling series of murders in Cedar Hills, Oregon. This mystery is compounded by the release of a student film inspired by these events. Trying to unravel the truth behind the history keeps you engaged throughout, offering a rich atmosphere and varied, choose-your-own-path style gameplay. Ultimately, though, it’s a title catered to the lore aficionados.
Its most significant drawback might be its harsh, narrative punch at the end, which truly resonates if you’re at least somewhat acquainted with Dead by Daylight’s broader world. Personally, I think the game achieved precisely what it set out to accomplish: delivering a story that captivates its existing fan base. Yet, its swift departure from the spotlight hints at this as a potential reason for its quiet reception.
In a world where entertainment often leans towards cash-grabbing collaborations and harsh copyright battles, I find it refreshing to see efforts like The Casting of Frank Stone. It’s a testament to what can happen when studios combine their strengths organically, out of sheer creative synergy rather than financial motives—a refreshing, almost nostalgic approach.
Even if The Casting of Frank Stone didn’t capture everyone’s heart, I hope more games follow in its footsteps. And, if you happen to adore both Dead by Daylight and Until Dawn, this might just be the game you’ve been waiting for—it nearly became my Game of the Year.
