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The Casting of Frank Stone

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of The Casting of Frank Stone
Item: The Casting of Frank Stone
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2024

GenresAdventure, Third Person Perspective, Horror, Single Player

AvailableSep 3, 2024

PlatformPC, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5

DeveloperSupermassive Games

Overview

The shadow of Frank Stone looms over Cedar Hills, a town forever altered by his violent past. As a group of young friends are about to discover, Stone’s blood-soaked legacy cuts deep, leaving scars across families, generations, and the very fabric of reality itself.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

A divisive Dead by Daylight origin story: Bold lore expansion and cosmic horror dazzle, but messy pacing, underdeveloped characters, and cliched scares sink it. Praised for ambition and creativity, yet criticized as convoluted and unengaging. A risky gamble: a must for fans, a miss for others.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

42%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

38%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

19%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of The Casting of Frank Stone has several positive aspects that some critics highlight, particularly in its ambitious narrative structure and its deep connection to the Dead by Daylight universe. Many reviewers, such as IGN Brasil and GINX TV, praise its expansion of the franchise's lore, noting that it offers a captivating narrative with well-established characters and enhances the existing understanding of the game's mythos. GameGrin and Twinfinite also commend the game's intriguing premise, with GameGrin emphasizing its chilling and gruesome tale, and Twinfinite calling it a fantastic storyline that serves as an origin story for one of the killers. GameCritics and RPG Fan acknowledge the complexity of the narrative, with GameCritics noting the story's ambition in spanning three time periods and RPG Fan appreciating the relatable characters and avoidance of typical horror tropes. The game's use of interweaving timelines and cosmic horror elements is also seen as a strength by MeuPlayStation and PlayStation Universe, who describe it as creative and focused. However, the story faces significant criticism for its lack of coherence, pacing issues, and underdeveloped characters. New Game Network and GamingBolt both point out that the narrative struggles with a diluted sense of tension and fails to deliver genuine scares, while Eurogamer Germany and Eurogamer Poland criticize it as boring, unoriginal, and convoluted. Push Square and ZTGD note that the story lacks depth and character engagement, with Push Square calling it uninteresting and ZTGD finding it weak and unengaging. Dot Esports and My critic name is VG247 also mention the lack of organization and character development, with Dot Esports pointing out that the plot is cliched and uninteresting. Try Hard Guides and TheXboxHub highlight issues with plot holes and inconsistent scares, while COGconnected and GameSpot acknowledge some missed opportunities in storytelling and character development. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed, with many recognizing the game's ambition and its ties to the Dead by Daylight lore, but also pointing out its narrative flaws. While IGN Brasil, GINX TV, and Twinfinite praise the story as engaging and deep, others like New Game Network, Eurogamer Germany, and GamingBolt find it confusing, underwhelming, and lacking in scares. The game's use of multiple timelines and branching narratives is seen as both a strength and a weakness, with GameSpew and Slant Magazine noting that while the story is compelling, some elements may be too convoluted. Despite these criticisms, several reviewers, including Impulsegamer and RPG Fan, believe the story is worth experiencing, especially for fans of the franchise, though it may not fully satisfy all players.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

The Casting of Frank Stone is a flawed, passive narrative horror game that gambles on branching choices and cinematic flair (like its Super8 camera mechanic) but falls flat with repetitive, underdeveloped gameplay, sluggish controls, and shallow QTEs, leaving a mixed experience that feels like a missed opportunity for innovation.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

13%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

56%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

31%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of The Casting of Frank Stone receives mixed praise, with several critics highlighting its narrative-driven mechanics and unique features. Many appreciate the branching choices that influence story outcomes, such as GameSpot noting that dialogue decisions and QTEs impact character fates, while GameSkinny and COGconnected praise the replayability offered by the "Cutting Room Floor" mechanic and branching paths. The integration of cinematic elements, like the Super8 camera mechanic, is seen as a creative touch by Shacknews and Gamer Escape, though some critics, like IGN Brasil, acknowledge its blend of familiar horror tropes with new mechanics. Additionally, XboxAddict and MeuPlayStation note the game’s adaptation of the "Killer vs. Survivor" model from Dead by Daylight, adding depth to character interactions and relationships. These positives suggest the game attempts to innovate within the narrative horror genre, even if its execution is uneven. However, the majority of critics criticize the gameplay for being unengaging, repetitive, and lacking depth. Eurogamer Germany and Dot Esports describe the experience as passive, with minimal interactivity and a focus on cutscenes over meaningful gameplay. Gamereactor UK and NME highlight sluggish controls, tedious puzzles, and uninspired environments, while RPG Fan and Push Square point to slow traversal and inconsequential choices. IGN and GamingBolt criticize the game’s reliance on rote mechanics, such as basic survival puzzles and underdeveloped combat, which fail to create tension. Even the QTEs and skill checks, inspired by Dead by Daylight, are deemed shallow by TheXboxHub and VG247, with Eurogamer noting that choices often feel disconnected from outcomes. These recurring criticisms underscore a lack of innovation and a failure to fully realize the game’s potential. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Casting of Frank Stone is a flawed but occasionally engaging entry in the narrative horror genre. While it introduces unique mechanics like the Super8 camera and branching storylines, these elements are often overshadowed by its repetitive structure, lack of player agency, and underdeveloped gameplay systems. GameCritics and PlayStation LifeStyle acknowledge the game’s attempt to blend filmmaking themes with interactive storytelling, but many, including Eurogamer Poland and GamingTrend, feel it falls short of previous Supermassive Games titles. The game’s short runtime and shallow mechanics, noted by Wccftech and GameSpot, further contribute to a sense of missed potential. Despite some praise for its cinematic approach and replayability, the overwhelming sentiment is that The Casting of Frank Stone struggles to balance innovation with execution, leaving players with a mixed but ultimately underwhelming experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

The Casting of Frank Stone dazzles with Unreal Engine 5-driven visuals and atmospheric horror, but technical bloopers—stiff animations, texture glitches, and PS5/PC performance hiccups—sink its polish, leaving a polarizing mix of awe and frustration.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

52%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

41%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The Graphics and Visual Design of The Casting of Frank Stone receive widespread praise for their aesthetic quality, cinematic presentation, and attention to detail. Critics like GameSpot and Xbox Tavern highlight the game’s visually appealing character designs that align with the Dead by Daylight universe, while GameSpew and Movies Games and Tech laud its photorealistic environments and "stunning visuals" powered by Unreal Engine 5. Impulsegamer and MeuPlayStation commend the realistic character modeling, lighting effects, and motion capture work, which contribute to a foreboding atmosphere and immersive storytelling. Pure Xbox and GINX TV specifically note the "gorgeous visuals" and "beautifully modeled characters," emphasizing how these elements enhance the horror experience. The game’s use of visual storytelling, such as the 8mm movie camera in COGconnected’s review, and its homage to classic horror cinema in VG247’s analysis further underscore its creative strengths. These positive remarks collectively suggest that the game’s art direction and technical execution are a highlight, particularly in its environments and character work. However, the visual design is also marred by significant technical and artistic shortcomings. CGMagazine and Eurogamer Poland criticize the PS5 version for "outdated character animations," "pixelation issues," and "low-quality textures," while Siliconera points to texture pop-in and performance struggles on PC. TheSixthAxis and GameMAG note animation interruptions, lip-sync problems, and inconsistent motion capture, with GameSkinny pointing out that younger characters’ faces appear aged. New Game Network highlights "stiff body movements" and "blurry backgrounds," and Push Square calls the visuals "worse than expected" for Supermassive Games, contributing to an "average experience." These issues, including stuttering transitions (GameSpot), shadow dithering (GamingBolt), and repetitive scenes (Eurogamer Germany), suggest that while the game’s ambition is clear, its execution falls short in key areas, affecting immersion and polish. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed, with the game’s visuals being a standout feature but hampered by technical flaws and inconsistent design. On platforms like Xbox Series X and PC, many praise the Unreal Engine 5-driven graphics, atmospheric lighting, and detailed environments, as noted by Eurogamer and Wccftech, but these strengths are often overshadowed by performance issues, especially on PS5. While IGN Italia and INVEN acknowledge improvements in capturing the Dead by Daylight universe, others like Game Informer and IGN express disappointment due to repetitive settings and animation quirks. Despite the criticisms, the game’s visual design is frequently highlighted as a strong aspect, with Checkpoint Gaming and Try Hard Guides calling it one of the game’s "strongest elements." The divide between platforms and the prevalence of technical bugs indicate that while the visuals have potential, they require refinement to fully realize their promise.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

The Casting of Frank Stone’s sound design and music were praised for their atmospheric immersion and thematic depth, with many calling it "exceptional" and "haunting." But voice acting, dialogue, and audio mixing were criticized as inconsistent, weak, and sometimes distracting, undermining the horror experience. Overall, the audio was a strong suit, but flaws in performance and narrative integration held it back.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

45%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

55%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of The Casting of Frank Stone received generally positive feedback from multiple critics, with several highlighting its atmospheric contributions and thematic cohesion. COGconnected praised the "tense and understated musical score," while Eurogamer noted the "oppressive sound design" and references to Dead by Daylight, which they felt reflected the game’s "trapped rhythm of the connecting timelines." Movies Games and Tech lauded the audio as "exceptional," emphasizing how the soundtrack and voice acting enhanced the horror elements, and Siliconera specifically commended the sound design for its immersive quality, especially when using headphones. GamingBolt and RPG Fan also acknowledged the environmental details and nostalgic effects from the Dead by Daylight universe, which effectively built tension and enriched the narrative without requiring prior familiarity with the franchise. These reviews collectively underscore the game’s ability to create a haunting, immersive soundscape that aligns with its horror themes. However, several critics pointed out notable flaws in the voice acting and audio mixing. Multiplayer.it criticized the "issues with voice acting quality and mixing," while PlayStation Universe described the voice acting as "wooden and stunted," suggesting it detracted from the experience. Vandal noted "translation errors" and "voice acting fitting the characters" as shortcomings, and GamingBolt mentioned "poorly written dialogue and awkward cutscene direction" that undermined immersion. New Game Network went further, arguing that the "spooky music" failed to generate tension due to the game’s lack of actual threats. These critiques indicate that while the sound design and music were strong, the vocal performances and narrative integration were inconsistent, creating a disconnect between audio elements and the game’s storytelling or emotional impact. Despite mixed reactions, the overall consensus leans toward appreciation for the game’s audio direction, with many acknowledging its effectiveness in enhancing the horror atmosphere. Critics like Eurogamer, Movies Games and Tech, and GameSkinny emphasized the strategic use of sound effects and musical motifs to evoke dread, even if some felt the execution fell short in certain areas. The discrepancies in voice acting quality and translation issues were significant but not universally damning, as others like COGconnected and MeuPlayStation highlighted strong performances and regional dubbing. While the lack of jump scares and perceived absence of real threats (as noted by New Game Network) tempered the horror experience, the audio design’s ability to immerse players and evoke tension remained a standout feature. The game’s reliance on Dead by Daylight references and its atmospheric depth suggest that, despite flaws, its sound design and music were a critical strength for many reviewers.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

The Casting of Frank Stone’s voice acting is polarizing – lauded for immersive, "stellar" performances by console critics, but panned for clunky writing, awkward delivery, and translation flaws by PC reviewers, with mixed results hinging on narrative quality and platform-specific expectations.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

45%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

40%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

15%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in The Casting of Frank Stone receives significant praise from several critics, highlighting its strengths in character portrayal and immersion. COGconnected and GameSpew describe the voice acting as "unimpeachable" and "on-point," respectively, emphasizing its role in delivering compelling performances that enhance the game’s narrative. GamingBolt and Impulsegamer commend the actors for their "good performances" and "top-tier" delivery, noting how they effectively sell the characters’ motivations and emotional depth. Additionally, MeuPlayStation praises the Brazilian Portuguese dub for enriching the game’s immersion, while Movies Games and Tech and Wccftech highlight its "stellar" and "solid" contributions to a movie-like experience. These reviews collectively underscore the voice acting’s ability to elevate the game’s storytelling and character engagement when executed well. However, several critics point to notable shortcomings in the voice acting, particularly in terms of consistency and technical quality. Multiplayer.it criticizes the "lacking" voice acting as a detractor from the overall experience, while Vandal notes "mismatched" performances and "translation issues" that disrupt immersion. GameMAG and Eurogamer Germany describe the voice acting as "poor" and "unconvincing," with Eurogamer Germany specifically pointing to exaggerated character performances. GameGrin and Try Hard Guides mention "off" reactions and "awkward" dialogue, while IGN and New Game Network critique the clunky writing and rushed character relationships, which undermine the voice acting’s impact. These negative assessments suggest that while some performances shine, broader issues with pacing, translation, and script quality hinder the overall effectiveness of the voice work. The overall consensus among critics is mixed, reflecting a divide between those who praise the voice acting’s strengths and those who highlight its flaws. While platforms like PS5 and Xbox Series X see more positive reviews (e.g., COGconnected, GameSpew, and GamingBolt), PC-based critics (e.g., GameMAG, Eurogamer Germany, and IGN) tend to emphasize the technical and narrative shortcomings. This split may stem from differences in platform-specific presentation or varying expectations for the game’s tone. Despite the criticisms, several reviewers acknowledge the voice acting’s potential to enhance the experience when paired with strong writing, as noted by RPG Fan and GameSkinny. Ultimately, the reception suggests that The Casting of Frank Stone’s voice acting is a polarizing element, with its success dependent on the player’s tolerance for its uneven execution and reliance on the game’s broader narrative framework.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

The Casting of Frank Stone stumbles on technical execution: Xbox and PC grapple with frame drops, crashes, and janky performance, while PS5 offers smoother play despite minor glitches. Accessibility and replayability shine, but inconsistent optimization across platforms—especially on PC—hampers immersion, making it a mixed bag of polish and potential.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

14%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

36%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of The Casting of Frank Stone varies across platforms, with some positive feedback from critics. On the Xbox Series X, GameSpot noted frequent stuttering during scene transitions, which affected the cinematic experience, but Pure Xbox reported a solid 30FPS with no major technical issues, suggesting a more stable experience. Similarly, on the PS5, Gamereactor UK praised the game for playing "without a hitch," while KeenGamer and MeuPlayStation highlighted smooth performance with only minor graphical bugs or visual glitches that didn’t disrupt gameplay. On PC, Wccftech mentioned that the game runs smoothly on PlayStation 5, though it faced issues on PC, with some critics like New Game Network and Siliconera noting performance problems, including hitching and texture pop-ins. Despite these issues, several reviewers acknowledged the game's accessibility features and replayability elements, which contributed positively to the player experience. However, the technical performance on Xbox Series X and PS5 was not without its flaws. GameSpot and Riot Pixels both pointed out frame rate drops, crashes, and bugs that detracted from the overall polish of the game. Vandal noted texture loading issues and a lack of vertical sync, which impacted performance, while CGMagazine criticized the game for janky movements and graphical glitches on PS5. God is a Geek mentioned unresponsive controls, and TheSixthAxis highlighted minor issues like graphical pop-ins and lip syncing problems. On PC, the criticisms were more pronounced, with GameSkinny and RPG Fan pointing out bugs, slow performance, and frustrating resolution settings, while INVEN and Shacknews reported frame drops during cutscenes and transitions. These technical issues were seen as significant enough to affect immersion and gameplay flow. Overall, there is a mixed consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of The Casting of Frank Stone. While some platforms, like the PS5, received more positive feedback from reviewers such as Gamereactor UK and MeuPlayStation, others, particularly the Xbox Series X and PC, faced more consistent reports of performance issues. The game’s technical shortcomings, including frame rate inconsistencies, graphical bugs, and control responsiveness, were frequently mentioned, especially on PC. However, the lack of major crashes or game-breaking problems on most platforms suggests that while the game is not without flaws, it is generally playable. The discrepancies in performance across platforms indicate that the game may not have been fully optimized for all systems, leading to a varied experience depending on the hardware used.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

The Casting of Frank Stone dazzles with its Cutting Room Floor and 17 endings for replayable storytelling, but its linear structure, repetitive gameplay, and shallow choices undermine engagement, leaving it a polarizing, moderate experience for narrative fans.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

36%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

45%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

19%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The Casting of Frank Stone receives praise for its replayability features, particularly the Cutting Room Floor mechanic, which allows players to revisit decisions and explore alternate story outcomes without restarting the entire game. Critics like TheXboxHub, Xbox Tavern, and GINX TV highlight this as a standout element, emphasizing its role in enabling branching narratives, multiple endings, and uncovering hidden story gaps. Checkpoint Gaming and PCGamesN note the game’s 16 or 17 endings, which incentivize players to experiment with choices and uncover varied paths. Additionally, GameSpew and PlayStation LifeStyle commend the game’s length and depth, suggesting that thorough exploration and storytelling can extend engagement. Impulsegamer and Movies Games and Tech also point to the abundance of endings and collectibles as key draws for replay, while Gamereactor UK and GameGrin acknowledge the potential for discovery through hidden branches and different choices. These positives collectively position the game as offering meaningful replay value for fans of narrative-driven experiences and those interested in its connections to the Dead by Daylight universe. However, several critics argue that the game’s replayability is undermined by its linear structure and underdeveloped mechanics. Multiplayer.it and Riot Pixels criticize the lack of significant gameplay variation, stating that the narrative remains largely unchanged despite player choices. IGN Italia and Push Square point to a passive, confusing story and simplistic design as deterrents to multiple playthroughs. GamingBolt and Siliconera note the tediousness of revisiting the same content due to limited skip options or repetitive puzzles, while INVEN and GameMAG highlight that choices feel constrained, with minimal impact on endings. Gamer Escape and GameSkinny also mention weak character development and insufficient incentives to revisit the game, and GamingTrend criticizes the cumbersome process of replaying scenes to alter outcomes. These critiques suggest that while the game has mechanics to support replay, they are often hindered by design flaws or a lack of engaging content. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed but leaning toward moderate replay value. While the Cutting Room Floor and branching narratives are frequently praised as unique and innovative, many reviewers feel these features are not enough to overcome the game’s shortcomings. GameSpot and Xbox Tavern emphasize the appeal of collectibles and multiple endings, but GameGrin and IGN note that the differences between endings may not justify repeated playthroughs. VG247 and PlayStation LifeStyle suggest that the game’s horror references and accessibility features could entice fans, while GameInformers and New Game Network express that the overall experience lacks the depth to compel players to return. The divide reflects a game that offers intriguing replay mechanics but struggles to maintain engagement beyond the initial playthrough for many, making it a polarizing title in terms of long-term appeal.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

33%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

64%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall verdict of The Casting of Frank Stone highlights several positive aspects that resonate with fans of both Supermassive Games and Dead by Daylight. Critics like VG247 and GINX TV praised its narrative depth, cinematic presentation, and effective integration of Dead by Daylight lore, calling it an "entertaining and immersive experience" and an "excellent addition" to the universe. GameGrin and Twinfinite noted its replayability, branching storylines, and accessibility for newcomers, while Xbox Tavern highlighted its "excellent presentation, storytelling, and performances," ranking it among their favorite Supermassive releases. The game’s visuals, sound design, and character development—particularly in GameCritics’ view—were frequently lauded, with some critics appreciating its "chilling, gruesome" atmosphere and "innovative gameplay" elements. Even Impulsegamer and RPG Fan acknowledged its strengths, with the former calling it a "well-written, engaging horror game" and the latter noting its "narrative and character depth" despite technical hiccups. However, the negatives are equally prominent, with many critics pointing to its shortcomings in gameplay, pacing, and horror execution. IGN Italia and New Game Network criticized the "confusing plot," "weak gameplay," and "lack of horror elements," while Eurogamer Germany and GamingBolt described it as "forgettable," "unimpressive," and "underdeveloped." Issues like "clunky mechanics," "simple puzzles," and "missed opportunities" were recurring themes, with GameSkinny and Vandal noting that it "suffers from execution issues" and "fails to deliver tension." GameMAG and Multiplayer.it called it a "step down" from Supermassive’s previous works, and Shacknews remarked it felt like a "Dark Pictures Anthology game with a Dead by Daylight theme," lacking the scope of other titles. Additionally, TheXboxHub and GameGrin pointed out its "short runtime" and "divisive ending," while COGconnected mentioned "graphical hiccups" and a "slow opening." These critiques suggest the game struggled to balance its ambitious ideas with polished execution. Despite the mixed feedback, the overall consensus leans toward a middle-ground assessment, with many critics acknowledging its niche appeal and potential while recognizing its flaws. Twinfinite called it "among the best Supermassive games ever made," but others like IGN and Game Informer deemed it "disappointing" and "unimpressive." The divide often hinged on audience expectations: Eurogamer Poland and RPG Fan noted it could be enjoyable for B-horror fans or newcomers, while GameSpot and Slant Magazine emphasized its value for Dead by Daylight enthusiasts. GameCritics gave it a 7/10, calling it "solid" but "rushed," and Wccftech described it as a "surprising treat" despite its brevity. While most critics agreed it fell short of greatness, many saw it as a worthwhile, if flawed, entry for fans of the genres it blends, with Try Hard Guides and Movies Games and Tech suggesting it could pave the way for future story-driven projects. The game’s reception reflects a polarizing but ultimately niche experience, balancing creative ambition with technical and narrative shortcomings.

TL;DR

The Casting of Frank Stone is a polarizing mix of stellar narrative and cinematic flair, blending Dead by Daylight lore with branching storylines, but falters via clunky gameplay, underwhelming horror, and a rushed, divisive finish—splitting fans between "narrative gem" and "unimpressive misfire." Ambitious but flawed, it’s a niche treat for genre enthusiasts, not a standout for broader audiences.

MONSTER

Reviews

92 reviews found

Xbox Tavern

Xbox Series X

Sep 3, 2024