The Casting of Frank Stone might be the perfect 2024 Halloween game
We had the chance to preview Supermassive Games' new horror experience The Casting of Frank Stone, so see what we thought of it ahead of Halloween right here.
Harry Boulton
28th Aug 2024 14:47
Images via Supermassive Games
Everybody loves to be scared - even those who say they don't like horror can still enjoy the sensation. While films and books certainly tingle the senses, putting the power and control in your own hands with a game really ramps up the tension.
Supermassive Games have been at the forefront of the QTE-based horror genre, with hits like Until Dawn and The Quarry under their belt, but their new experience - The Casting of Frank Stone - brings that fear to the already horrifying world of Dead by Daylight.
If you're already a fan of Supermassive's output then Frank Stone is looking like more of the same in the best way, and if you've not yet dipped your toes into their spooky universe then this might just be a fantastic place to start.
Don't go down to the mill at night
I was only able to experience a short section of what I presume is the game's opening in a preview build, but I've certainly got a taste of what's to come in the rest.
While it appears that the core of the game takes place in the present day with the legacy of a killer looming over the rural town of Cedar Hills, this preview takes us back to the real Frank Stone and the mystery of a child's disappearance.
You take the role of Sam, a lone police officer investigating a near-abandoned mill in the middle of the night, as he encounters strange inhabitants and dark corridors. Much of the rhythm is maintained from Supermassive's previous efforts, with difficult choices to be made and vital quick-time events to clear.
It's the type of structure that's perfect to play both alone in a dark room with headphones on and on the sofa with a bunch of your friends, as the chaos of trying to make the right choice and devastation if you miss a QTE is just as enjoyable (and horrifying!) either way.
Even in the short play session I had access to I was delighted to see that the game doesn't shy away from the gruesome, with piles of flesh galore and rather horrific death scenes in just the opening 45 minutes or so. I'd almost be tempted - and I'm sure the game would welcome it - to go through multiple times and try to 'fail' the game, as that would almost be as intriguing as it would be to succeed and survive.
One of the biggest appeals, of course, is the fact that The Casting of Frank Stone is set within the Dead by Daylight universe. What that actually boils down to is still rather unclear beyond a few easter eggs here and there so far, but as a fan of Behaviour Interactive's asymmetric multiplayer game, I'm definitely excited to see what, and perhaps who might crop up.
Gorgeous horror
Outside of the horror action itself one aspect that really stood out to me was how great the game looks. You don't always need great graphics to succeed in horror as both games and films have shown, but the stunning visuals on display here certainly go a long way in establishing a sense of immersion.
In particular, I loved how well the light of my torch cascaded into the darkness of the mill, giving me enough to go on but leaving plenty to the imagination. This does come at a cost of performance though, and my somewhat outdated PC was struggling a little bit, but if you've got the power to run it with all the bells and whistles I think you'll be in for a treat.
The Verdict
If you're looking for a new game to scare you this Halloween then I think you'll be in for a treat with The Casting of Frank Stone.
While I've only seen a glimpse of what the game has to offer, I'm confident that the Supermassive formula will once again flow well, creating an engaging world with meaningful actions to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Previewed on PC. Preview code provided by the publisher.
About The Author
Harry Boulton
Harry is a Guides Writer at GGRecon, having completed a Masters of Research degree in Film Studies. Previously a freelance writer for PCGamesN, The Loadout, and Red Bull Gaming, he loves playing a wide variety of games from the Souls series to JRPGs, Counter-Strike, and EA FC. When not playing or writing about games and hardware, you're likely to find him watching football or listening to Madonna and Kate Bush.
