Game Review: Exploring the Thrills of The Casting of Frank Stone
In the realm of choice-based interactive storytelling, The Casting of Frank Stone stands out with its campy horror narrative, reminiscent of the style seen in Supermassive Games’ previous titles. As I delved into this peculiar experience, I found myself captivated by its quirky charm, even as I navigated some perplexing gameplay decisions.
Set against the backdrop of a B-movie aesthetic, the story unfolds around a killer named Frank Stone, who meets his demise early on. The plot quickly unravels, taking players on a journey back to the 1980s, where a group of teens unintentionally resurrects Frank’s vengeful spirit while filming a horror movie. Armed with a mysterious camera, they aim to trap Frank, but their efforts lead to unexpected consequences. Flash forward to 2024, and players find themselves summoned to a sinister mansion by Augustine Liber, the character central to the unfolding horror.
The narrative strikes a balance between humor and horror, capturing the essence of a classic slasher flick filled with over-the-top characters. However, one of the game’s shortcomings lies in its pacing, often jumping between timelines and characters, leaving the story feeling rushed. Important plot points can feel disjointed, diminishing the potential impact of crucial choices.
Gameplay adheres to the familiar mechanics that Supermassive fans appreciate—exploration, puzzles, and character interactions drive the experience. Yet, the unclear relationship dynamics can lead to confusing outcomes. Making what seems like rational choices can sometimes result in disapproval from fellow characters, generating frustration and breaking immersion.
Additionally, the game suffers from a binary choice system that limits player agency. Exploration, though encouraged, often feels futile, as discoveries rarely influence the plot meaningfully, leaving players questioning the value of their investigative endeavors. A more linear design could enhance the overall experience, streamlining interactions and maintaining player engagement.
While The Casting of Frank Stone incorporates thrilling gameplay moments from Dead by Daylight, such as quick-time events and generator repairs, some encounters with Frank lack the looming terror one might hope for. Although tense moments do arise, particularly towards the climax, the gameplay can feel unbalanced, with mechanics that don’t fully utilize the horror potential.
A unique feature of the game is the “Die Together” mode, allowing couch co-op gameplay with up to five players. However, the character-jumping narrative can render this feature somewhat redundant, since the core of the gameplay remains similar to solo play.
On the technical front, The Casting of Frank Stone struggles with occasional glitches, including character movement issues and graphical anomalies. These shortcomings contribute to a sense of rushed development that detracts from the immersive experience players seek.
Despite its flaws, the game’s conclusion delivers a surprising twist that connects cleverly to the Dead by Daylight universe, leaving players both bemused and entertained. The humor, charm, and engaging twists present throughout the gameplay ensure that, while The Casting of Frank Stone may not be flawless, it offers an intriguing experience for fans of interactive horror narratives. As it carves its niche in the genre, it invites players into a uniquely captivating yet imperfect world of horror and humor.
