The Casting of Frank Stone mixes a ludicrous storyline with captivating and jaw-dropping cinematic. The result is a game that is tough to put down. Though much of the action is grim, I couldn’t turn away. I’d say the brutal nature of the plot and the gore prevents younger gamers from taking this on. However, those with a strong constitution will adore the twists and turns and masses of blood.
This cinematic horror adventure was developed by Supermassive Games and published by Behaviour Interactive. Moreover, it is a single-player third-person endeavour that keeps you guessing throughout. The absurd nature of the story and the exceptional acting will make you gawp, gasp, and reel in disgust. Yet, you will not stop playing until you’ve experienced every twisted finale.
The Casting of Frank Stone tells a bizarre story.
Like Lunacy: Saint Rhodes, The Casting of Frank Stone tells an absurd story. As the plot plays such a major role in this game, I don’t want to spoil it for you. However, a little context goes a long way. Accordingly, I’ll try to remain spoiler-free.
Frank Stone is a cog in a cult’s twisted machine. His crimes are thwarted in the Cedar Hills steel mill by the local authorities. However, this isn’t the end of his tale. Demonic forces are at play and a young group of would-be actors and producers inadvertently stumble across his gruesome lair. This is the catalyst in a grim adventure with too many twists and turns to mention.
Exceptional branching storylines.
The developer has a knack for creating incredible atmospheric titles. The Casting of Frank Stone is no different. They mix their exceptional storywriting skills with the world of Dead by Daylight. This creates an unforgettable experience that makes you want to shout from the rooftops.
The core mechanics are simple. Once the cinematic plays out, you must investigate key areas. En route, there are minor puzzles to solve, items to find, and plenty of QTEs to react to. Alongside this, you must make game-changing decisions that alter your fate. Do you help one of your friends or run for the hills? Whatever you decide, you must deal with the consequences. Thankfully, you can hit the cutting room if you wish to explore every unique storyline.
The Casting of Frank Stone looks amazing.
The Casting of Frank Stone has a few minor graphical issues. However, these are few and far between. It is mostly a well-polished visual treat with some of the best cinematic I’ve witnessed. The lipsyncing is spot on and the emotions and reactions are wonderful. Alongside this, each scene transitions seamlessly to enhance immersion.
The cinematic would fall short if the audio weren’t perfect. Luckily, the acting is spectacular and you will not be disappointed. The era-specific language shows an eye for detail and I loved the ambient sound effects and occasional tune. Aesthetically, this is up there with the best games available.
Simple controls.
You’ll spend much of your time enjoying the cinematic. This makes playing this a straightforward task. Thankfully, when fast reactions or heavy button tapping are called for, the controls do not let you down. Exploration was reasonably simple and the protagonists move through the world at a comfortable speed. This keeps things moving nicely and there are no low points as a consequence.
Replay value and longevity are at the fore. If you fall for its creepy charms, you’ll want to see every storyline. Additionally, searching for the grim dolls and finding trinkets was a challenging task. Subsequently, it takes a fair bit of searching to discover every collectable.
The Casting of Frank Stone is an exceptional horror game.
I’ve been treated to some great horror games recently. A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead and Lunacy: Saint Rhodes were both great. Yet, The Casting of Frank Stone shows how it should be done. The story is tense, uncomfortable, and unpredictable. Moreover, the setting is great and it is aesthetically pleasing. Finally, it has many reasons to return to play it again. Accordingly, if you love horror, you must buy it here! Will Frank Stone’s legacy haunt you? Explore the steel mill, make your film, and hope to survive.
