The Casting of Frank Stone

The optimization of the game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many players reporting severe performance issues such as stuttering, frame rate drops, and crashes, particularly during cutscenes and scene transitions. While some users with high-end PCs experienced fewer problems, the general consensus is that the game is poorly optimized and requires significant patches to improve performance. Many reviewers recommend waiting for updates or a sale before purchasing, as the current state of optimization detracts from the overall experience.

The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many players praising the stunning visuals and atmospheric design, particularly in relation to the horror genre. However, numerous reports highlight significant optimization issues, including lag, stuttering, and graphical glitches that detract from the overall experience, especially on lower-end systems. While some players found the graphics impressive and immersive, others noted that performance problems hindered gameplay, suggesting that the game may require further patches to improve stability and visual fidelity.

The gameplay of this title has received mixed reviews, with many players noting that it feels more like an interactive movie than a traditional game, featuring long cutscenes and minimal player interaction. While some appreciate the integration of mechanics from "Dead by Daylight" and the narrative-driven approach, others criticize the gameplay for being repetitive, simplistic, and plagued by performance issues, leading to a lack of engagement and excitement. Overall, the experience is heavily reliant on story and atmosphere, with gameplay often taking a backseat.

The game has been widely criticized for its significant stability issues, including frequent glitches, frame rate drops, and performance problems that persist even months after release. Many players report being unable to complete the game due to game-breaking bugs, particularly in the final chapters, leading to frustration and uninstalls. While some updates have improved stability, the overall consensus is that the game remains poorly optimized and riddled with technical issues, detracting from the overall experience.

The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its immersive and eerie qualities, effectively combining stunning graphics and sound design to create a captivating horror experience. However, many reviewers noted that while the atmosphere is strong, it often lacks the intense scares and variety expected in a horror game, leading to moments of predictability and disengagement. Overall, the atmosphere is a standout feature, drawing players into a haunting world, but it may not fully satisfy those seeking a more thrilling horror experience.

The music in the game has received largely positive feedback, with many players praising its atmospheric quality and effective integration of references to the "Dead by Daylight" universe. Reviewers noted that the soundtrack enhances the overall experience, contributing to tension and immersion, while some highlighted specific sound effects and familiar motifs that resonate with fans of the original game. However, a few critiques mentioned that the music could be sparse at times, with mixed opinions on its overall impact on gameplay.

The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with many players praising its multiple paths and endings, which encourage different experiences on subsequent playthroughs. However, some critics argue that the impact of choices is minimal and that many endings converge to a similar conclusion, limiting true replay value. Overall, while there are elements that enhance replayability, such as achievements and alternative choices, the game's relatively short length and certain design choices may deter some players from replaying it extensively.

The humor in the game is largely derived from its quirky character personalities, unintentional comedic moments, and numerous references to "Dead by Daylight," which fans found amusing. While some players noted that the writing could be hilariously bad, many enjoyed the absurdity of bugs and glitches that added to the overall comedic experience. Overall, the game offers a mix of intentional and unintentional humor that resonates well with fans of the genre, making it a fun, albeit flawed, experience.

Character development in the game has received mixed reviews, with some players praising the depth and attachment they felt towards certain characters, while others criticized the pacing and lack of meaningful growth for many main characters. Several reviewers noted that the story's structure often hindered character development, leading to a feeling of disconnection and frustration, particularly with key figures like Frank Stone and Augustine. Overall, while there are moments of strong character design and nuance, many players felt that the game fell short in delivering a cohesive and engaging character arc.

The emotional aspect of the game receives mixed reviews, with some players feeling deeply engaged and touched by specific moments, particularly the ending, while others criticize the overall story and character development as boring and lacking depth. Despite high-quality graphics and immersive gameplay, technical issues and unlikable characters detract from the emotional stakes for many, leading to a sense of disappointment regarding the promised emotional impact. Overall, while some players find emotional resonance in the game, others feel let down by its execution.

Players consistently express frustration with the grinding aspect of the game, noting that the lack of a skip option for previously seen dialogues and cutscenes makes replaying sections tedious and time-consuming. Many feel that achieving 100% completion requires excessive repetition, often leading to a monotonous experience, especially when revisiting earlier chapters. Overall, the grinding is seen as a significant drawback, detracting from the enjoyment of exploring multiple story branches and outcomes.

The monetization aspect of the game has been widely criticized, with many reviewers describing it as a blatant cash grab primarily serving as an advertisement for Dead by Daylight's DLC rather than a standalone horror experience. Players feel that the game lacks depth and originality, instead relying heavily on existing knowledge of Dead by Daylight, leading to disappointment given the expectations set by previous titles from the same developer. Overall, the sentiment is that the game feels more like a 40-50 dollar promotional tool than a fully realized project.