The Casting of Frank Stone, developed by Supermassive Games for the PlayStation 5, ventures into familiar territory for the studio, known for its narrative-driven, choice-centric gameplay. This game aligns closely with the historical offerings from Supermassive, yet it falls short of the complex and immersive experiences they typically deliver.
The game is set against the backdrop of a cult classic horror film that spans three distinct time periods: 1963, 1980, and 2024. Players get the opportunity to control characters across these eras, which adds a layer of depth to the storytelling. The game’s premise revolves around a monster and dark secrets embedded within this eerie film. The plot thickens when three individuals, each carrying a copy of the movie, find themselves together under one roof—a setup ripe for suspense and intrigue.
Supermassive Games has tried to make The Casting of Frank Stone an entry point that does not require familiarity with Dead by Daylight, another title by Behaviour Interactive. Although the game nods subtly to this greater universe, it stands alone in its storyline and gameplay. However, for dedicated fans of Dead by Daylight and newcomers alike, the game suffers from an overly simplistic approach that may leave players yearning for more substance.
Gameplay in The Casting of Frank Stone is basic and straightforward, with limited environmental interactions and notable reuse of settings, particularly in the latter stages of the game. Interactable objects and collectibles are sparse, which minimizes exploration and reduces the engagement level. This simplified interaction contrasts starkly with the intricate gameplay elements that fans have come to expect from other Supermassive games.
The characters in the game, despite their potential, are underdeveloped and fail to evoke a significant connection with the player. Throughout approximately five hours of play, the characters seem more like placeholders going through predetermined motions rather than vibrant personas whose fates are shaped by player decisions. This lack of character development contributes to an overall narrative that struggles to resonate or captivate.
Further detracting from the gaming experience are the visuals, which notably lack the polish and detail typical of Supermassive’s productions. The graphics are a step down from what players might anticipate based on previous titles from the developer, adding to the sense of a diminished gaming experience.
Despite the historical success of Supermassive Games in merging engaging narratives with interactive gameplay, The Casting of Frank Stone fails to live up to these expectations. It presents itself as just another game from the developer, devoid of the depth, intricacies, and charm that usually define their works. The outcome is a game that feels too elementary and unengaging, reflecting a missed opportunity to enrich the Dead by Daylight universe.
Ultimately, The Casting of Frank Stone serves as a reminder of the challenges in game development, especially when trying to simplify or strip back elements that are integral to a studio’s success. While it reaches for the haunting allure and choice-driven narrative typical of Supermassive Games, it fails to deliver a compelling or memorable gaming journey. For fans of the genre and the developer, this iteration falls disappointingly flat, making it difficult to recommend as anything beyond an average gameplay experience.
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