The Casting of Frank Stone

The gameplay of this title has received mixed reviews, with many players noting that it leans heavily on cinematic elements and quick-time events, often feeling more like an interactive movie than a traditional game. While some appreciate the integration of Dead by Daylight mechanics and the narrative-driven approach, others criticize the gameplay for being simplistic, repetitive, and lacking meaningful interaction, leading to a less engaging experience overall. Performance issues, bugs, and a lack of depth in gameplay mechanics further detract from the enjoyment for many players.

The game has been widely criticized for its significant stability issues, including frequent bugs, graphical glitches, and performance problems such as stuttering and frame rate drops. Many players reported that these issues persisted even after several months post-release, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences. While some updates have improved stability, the overall consensus is that the game remains poorly optimized and buggy, detracting from its otherwise engaging story and gameplay.

The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its immersive and eerie qualities, effectively creating a haunting environment that draws players in. While many appreciate the strong visuals and sound design that contribute to a sense of mystery and tension, some reviewers note a lack of genuine scares and variety, leading to moments of predictability. Overall, the atmosphere is considered a standout feature, though it may not fully deliver on the horror experience some players expect.

The music in the game has received largely positive feedback, with many players praising its atmospheric qualities and effective integration of references from Dead by Daylight (DBD). Reviewers noted that the soundtrack enhances the overall experience, contributing to tension and immersion, while some highlighted specific sound effects and musical nods that resonate with DBD fans. 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 some players praising its multiple paths and endings, while others criticize it for a lack of impactful choices and a short runtime. Many reviews highlight the potential for varied experiences through different playthroughs, but some express frustration over repetitive outcomes and the need for quality-of-life improvements. Overall, while there is significant replay value for those who enjoy exploring different choices, some players feel it falls short in delivering a truly diverse experience.

The humor in the game is largely derived from its numerous references to "Dead by Daylight," which players found amusing and enjoyable, even if some felt the callbacks were excessive. Many reviewers noted that the writing can be unintentionally funny, with moments of jankiness and bugs leading to laughter, particularly when playing with friends. Overall, while the game has its flaws, the humor—both intentional and accidental—provides a lighthearted experience for fans of the genre.

Character development in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players praising the depth and nuance of certain characters, while others criticize the lack of meaningful growth and relatability, particularly for main characters. Many feel that the pacing is uneven, with too much focus on character introductions and not enough on their development, leading to a disconnect with the story. Overall, while some characters are well-designed and engaging, others are seen as underdeveloped and unlikable, detracting from the overall experience.

The emotional aspect of the game receives mixed reviews, with some players feeling deeply engaged and touched by specific scenes and character portrayals, while others criticize the overall story and character development as boring and lacking depth. Despite high-quality graphics and immersive gameplay, technical issues and uninteresting narratives detract from the emotional impact for many players. Overall, while some find the game to deliver emotional highs, others feel it falls short of its promises.

Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and repetitive, primarily due to the lack of options to skip previously seen dialogue and cutscenes, which makes replaying sections for collectibles or different outcomes a chore. The formulaic gameplay and empty environments further contribute to the feeling of monotony, leading many to feel that achieving 100% completion requires an excessive time investment. Overall, while some appreciate the depth of multiple story branches, the grinding experience is often described as frustrating and lacking in excitement.

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 and its DLCs. Players feel that the game lacks depth and originality, instead prioritizing promotional content over a compelling narrative, leading to disappointment, especially when compared to previous titles from the same developer. Overall, the consensus is that the game feels more like a marketing tool than a standalone experience.