Frank Stone’s Casting: An Underrated Crowd-Pleaser Deserving More Recognition

When autumn rolled around and I began crafting my 2024 Game of the Year contenders list, I found myself facing a delightful dilemma. There were hits everyone seemed to agree on that I still hadn’t explored, and a few personal favorites I knew I’d champion. Among those, The Casting of Frank Stone effortlessly landed in my top 10, firmly in the category of heart picks.

It’s fair to say this game had me from the start. Supermassive Games’ ventures into horror are always a treat for me, falling into categories of "good," "great," or "amazing." The only hiccup in my experience was the climax of Little Hope, but even that was water under the bridge soon enough.

While my hours spent in Dead by Daylight pale in comparison to the time I’ve spent lost in its lore, I’d confidently call myself a fan. When I heard Supermassive was spinning off a narrative-driven story mode from Dead by Daylight, I was ready to dive in headfirst.

I wasn’t looking for anything groundbreaking, just the tantalizing prospect of a Dead by Daylight tale spun in the flavor of The Dark Pictures Anthology was captivating enough. Frank Stone didn’t exactly make a global sensation upon its release on September 3rd—though we do share the same birthday, which might add a bit of bias on my part. Still, I was incredibly pleased with how highly I regarded it, placing it easily among my top three Supermassive experiences.

The Casting of Frank Stone is a complex and gripping narrative. It’s the tale of five protagonists whose lives are intertwined across three different eras, all linked by a series of infamous murders in Cedar Hills, Oregon, and an amateur student film that chronicled the events. The thrill of piecing together what’s truly happening keeps you engaged throughout most of the game. Its rich atmosphere and varied choose-your-own-adventure gameplay make it a lore enthusiast’s dream come true.

However, the game hits a narrative climax that might leave some players in the dark unless they’re somewhat familiar with Dead by Daylight’s broader storytelling. I wouldn’t peg this as a shortcoming of the game itself—it fulfills its ambition and offers a story that ropes in series fans. Yet, I wonder if this niche appeal is why it flew under the radar for some.

In today’s entertainment world, where big-brand tie-ins and copyright wars often take center stage, I find The Casting of Frank Stone to be a refreshing change. It’s a prime example of studios meeting at the crossroads of their strengths to create something unique, without the overbearing influence of monetary incentives. This kind of creative synergy feels so nostalgic, even groundbreaking in its rarity.

Even if it didn’t resonate with everyone, I’d love to see more games taking a cue from Frank Stone’s framework. And if you happen to love both Dead by Daylight and Until Dawn, this game might just be your surprise GOTY contender—almost like it was for me.