The Casting of Frank Stone: A Hidden Gem for Crowd-Pleasing Collaborations, Not GOTY Contender

Earlier this fall, as I was curating my shortlist for 2024’s Game of the Year contenders, I found myself sifting through a medley of recognized hits I hadn’t quite gotten around to and those personal favorites I was eager to champion. Right up there among my top picks was The Casting of Frank Stone. This game stood out, clearly fitting into my list of personal favorites.

It was pretty much a given that I’d be a fan. Supermassive Games has a way of crafting horror games that are consistently impressive. To me, their offerings range from “good” and “great” to downright “amazing.” The only hiccup I experienced was with the ending of Little Hope, yet even that didn’t take long to shrug off.

Now, my actual hours spent playing Dead by Daylight might not be as extensive as the time I’ve dedicated to diving into its lore. Still, it’s safe to say I’m definitely a fan. So when I heard about a Dead by Daylight spin-off by Supermassive that embraced a story mode format, it felt like the perfect match for my interests.

Sure, I didn’t anticipate earth-shattering revelations from it. The allure of a Dead by Daylight narrative done in the style of The Dark Pictures Anthology was more than enough to entice me. Despite Frank Stone’s launch on September 3rd not making massive waves (and fun fact, that’s my birthday too, though that only slightly biases me toward it), I was genuinely impressed. Honestly, it might just crack my top three of all Supermassive titles.

The game masterfully weaves a chilling narrative. It follows five characters across three timelines, all linked to a series of historic murders in Cedar Hills, Oregon, and a low-budget student flick inspired by those events. The deeper you delve into its mysteries, the more engrossing it becomes. Rich in atmosphere, it offers immersive choose-your-own-adventure gameplay that’s perfect for lore enthusiasts.

However, the game’s climactic twist is its biggest drawback. To fully appreciate the narrative’s impact, one needs basic knowledge of Dead by Daylight’s universe. I believe the game fulfilled its vision, captivating fans of the original series (pun intended), yet its low-key reception likely stems from this requirement.

In today’s entertainment scene, dominated by big-brand tie-ins or petty copyright battles, collaborations like The Casting of Frank Stone are a delightful surprise. Here, two studios come together naturally, melding their strengths to create something unique. This kind of artistic partnership, driven more by creativity than financial motives, feels nostalgically original.

Even if The Casting of Frank Stone isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, its collaborative model is something I’d love to see more of in future games. And who knows, if you love both Dead by Daylight and Until Dawn, this might just be your perfect Game of the Year too. It nearly clinched that title for me.