This roguelite action title has been revealed at the recent Xbox Partner showcase and is being developed by Behaviour Interactive. That’s kind of ironic since the heroes you’re going to be embodying seem like the worst-behaved bunch of protagonists we’ve seen in a while. They’re still quite effective, though, as their distinct personalities and skill sets allow them to sow chaos among enemy ranks. Considering the fact that they’re all versions of Sam from different universes, that’s a given.

You’re going to be teaming up with them via a five-player run-based gameplay loop that’s looking like quite an entertaining romp through visually impressive environments that are populated by threats that seem poised to give Sam(s) more than a few challenges to overcome. With Mental pulling the strings, expect some insane (pun intended) action, game-changing boons, and a whole lot of chaos when you dive into this one.

It doesn’t have a release date yet, but it’s definitely worth watching the reveal trailer below if you’re looking for some fun.

“We understand the heightened expectations of what we are being asked to deliver upon here,” said Pannell. “What I personally really love about this is somehow the zombie trope is so powerful that it’s such an all- encompassing thing that we just have to deliver on those expectations to the best of our ability. And that’s really our goal every day, is to try and reach that benchmark to work towards those goals. And yeah, it absolutely is a big responsibility for us to do that. But one of the things that we have as a result of this, is that we have a community with us, and we have a group of people who are on this journey with us. We’re not alone here. It wasn’t just comments from three years ago. And even now, we are doing small scale play tests with members of the community, with the team, to really try and fulfill those expectations and make sure that we deliver on the game that A, they thought it was going to be, and B, that we believe that it can be at the same time.”

“So we’re on a journey together. We may have not been loud to the world, but we’ve been very active with our community, talking to our community, making sure that we get their feedback whenever we can. And like I said, even through actual small scale playtesting already, which we’re doing regularly.”

As for how development has been going in light of the project having gotten wishlisted by more than 1.5 million Steam users, Pannell spoke about how there has also been a fair bit of scepticism surrounding the title, with some calling it “too good to be true”. He acknowledged that “people have been burned by things that have been released.” However, the studio’s ultimate goal is to “prove that we are making a real game, that it is awesome. We’re focusing on the fun, we’re focusing on the things that really matter to making a good quality, fun game that fulfills these expectations.”

Pannell then went on to speak about what sets Blight: Survival apart from other co-op games. While he doesn’t directly bring up “any obvious genres”, he noted that the title thrives on offering players risks and rewards for every combat encounter. This aspect of risk-and-reward, he noted, is a “key element of the overall driving part of many features in the game.” Generally speaking, Blight: Survival takes ideas from a variety of different genres, but action horror is where Pannell believes it lands closest.

“It is a combat driven game with elements of exploration, with extraction light elements that are in there, and other elements also from games of that genre that help us drive the internal tension and the risk the players take whenever they’re in a given space,” he explained.

While Blight: Survival will also feature extraction game elements, Pannell noted that the studio isn’t simply working on a clone of what we’ve seen in ARC Raiders, for example. “We have extraction elements,” he explained, “but it’s not driven exclusively as the extraction genre. And we’re also taking extraction influence from other types of games, like for example, Helldivers or Deep Rock Galactic, that have extraction components as a core part of the phase of the game.”

“Again, not a direct analog, but we have both elements of what we normally consider a round-based game with extraction, plus a pure extraction game too. We have both those elements in our game, and they work in harmony with each other over the course of your playtime.”

“The core game loop is you go in, you try and amass what you can, and you can always push for more, but you could always back out when you feel like you’ve got something that is meaningful.”

Blight: Survival is being developed for PC. However, there is still no release date, at least for now.

It sees Naoe investigating the disappearance and attacks on villagers in Harima. She must eventually deal with an “otherworldly” threat and master “unique mechanics” to survive. The quest is available from the Hideout and awards a free Trinket and Banner upon completion.

Of course, the store is where the remaining content resides. It offers a special pack with outfits, Trinkets, weapons and Maurice, the Clown’s undead horse, as a mount.

Interestingly, another collaboration was stealthily added – Balatro. Players can obtain a new Trinket/Amulet with a unique Legendary perk, causing a random affliction upon ending a combo. How you get it is unknown, but it’s definitely fitting for the deck-builder.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is available for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Check out our review and the post-launch roadmap here.

How this will work is completely unknown, but a teaser clip on Twitter showcases Naoe and Yasuke near a bonfire. Meanwhile, a figure in full armor with a flaming aura observes them from a distance. Both protagonists are in plain clothes, and the hashtag “#TheFogIsCalling” may tease some unique stealth mechanics. Time will tell, but as with any collaboration, expect limited-time rewards and paid cosmetics in the store.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is available for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. Crossing three million players in roughly a week, its player count and spending “clearly” surpassed Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, per Ubisoft’s latest financials. Check out our review, where we awarded it a nine out of ten.

Even more content is on the way, including the second story quest in June, new difficulty settings, an alarm system for the open world, and much more. Check out the current post-launch roadmap here.

Remi Racine, Behaviour Interactive CEO and co-founder, said in a press release, “It’s a privilege to welcome a developer of Red Hook’s caliber. Earlier this year, we established an ambitious goal for our future as a publisher – to make Behaviour synonymous with horror and surround Dead by Daylight with a library of similarly exceptional horror games.

“Our acquisition of Red Hook is another emphatic step towards this objective, with more to come.” This seems to imply that other studios specializing in horror titles could be up for acquisition.

Red Hook Studios co-founder Chris Bourassa said, “We’ve found kindred spirits in the Behaviour team. Both studios are Canadian, independent, and devoted to fantastic horror games. Where we differ is scale, which opens the door to new possibilities. Behaviour’s support will help us pursue our vision for Red Hook’s future and focus fully on transforming Darkest Dungeon into an absolute juggernaut of the dark fantasy genre.”

Studio co-founder Tyler Sigman added, “Joining forces with Behaviour is exciting on multiple levels. They have demonstrated a commitment to allowing our team to continue developing Darkest Dungeon in the manner we know best but with the benefit of their considerable knowledge and resources. We are stronger together than apart. Critically, there is a shared love of Darkest Dungeon, and with Behaviour’s help, we can delve even deeper into the franchise.”

How this will affect the direction of the Darkest Dungeon franchise remains to be seen. However, Red Hook Studios will remain independent while operating under Behaviour Interactive’s purview.

In the meantime, the developer is working on Kingdoms, a free new standalone campaign for Darkest Dungeon 2. It releases in three modules, with the first, Hunger of the Beast Clan, out in Q4 2024. There will also be a new paid DLC, Inhuman Bondage, which adds a new region, enemies, and hero with unique Trinkets, palettes, and much more. Head here for more details.

In May last year, developer Behaviour Interactive announced that it Midwinter Entertainment – a studio that it had previously acquired – was working on a new PvE co-op shooter spinoff set in the Dead by Daylight universe, before announcing the game as Project T earlier this year and kicking off an insiders playtest program. 

Mere months later, however, the developer has announced that based on the feedback it received from said playtests and “a thorough internal risk assessment from a commercial and product perspective”, it has decided to cancel the project.

“When we conceptualized Project T, we wanted to have players involved in it as early as possible, which led to the creation of the Insiders Program,” the developer wrote in an announcement published on Twitter. “This approach has allowed us to get very early validation on the project’s core design and gameplay, which is something that often comes much further into the production of a game. Following the playtest in July, we ran a thorough internal risk assessment from a product and commercial perspective. While a number of players expressed appreciation for what they played, unfortuantely, the outcome of this deep analysis yielded unsatisfactory overall results.

“It’s with a heavy heart that we announce that Project T has been cancelled. We want to thank you for your support throughout this journey.”

The setting is Cedar Hills, and the plot focuses on four teens shooting a horror movie, Murder Mill. They opt for the abandoned Steel Mill as a location, not only because of its creepy vibes but also due to its history with Frank Stone. The latter was a serial killer who terrorized the town years prior for mysterious reasons.

Of course, things start going wrong in the mill, and the group must survive against all odds. The Casting of Frank Stone features the same tenets of Supermassive’s horror titles while mixing skill checks from Dead by Daylight. There’s also an 8mm camera used in specific sequences. For more details on the title, check out our review – we gave it a five out of 10.

This brings us to The Casting of Frank Stone, Supermassive’s latest interactive narrative horror. As a collaboration with Behaviour Interactive, touted as “from the world of Dead by Daylight”, it seemingly offers a simple tale where choice and consequence determine who survives. Nothing revolutionary, but with deep enough characterization, compelling writing, and intriguing scenarios, it could have been a tight thriller.

"The setting is Cedar Hills in 1980, several years after the carnage perpetrated by one Frank Stone. Jaime, Chris, and Linda are shooting a movie, Murder Mill, set in the abandoned Steel Mill where Stone previously worked."

Instead, it falters on numerous fronts. Though it somewhat caters to fans of the Dead by Daylight lore, the story and gameplay fail to stand on their own, whether you’re seeking heart-pounding scares, something more cerebral or plain old violence.

The setting is Cedar Hills in 1980, several years after the carnage perpetrated by one Frank Stone. Jaime, Chris, and Linda are shooting a movie, Murder Mill, set in the abandoned Steel Mill where Stone previously worked. It’s not until later they learn about the extent of his crimes, and together with Robert, they push deeper into the mill to capture more. But is Frank really dead? We know The Entity from Dead by Daylight is involved somehow, based on all the marketing blurbs, but in what sense?

The plot holes appear fairly early, especially regarding the movie the teens are shooting. Where does Frank Stone figure into the script, especially when they presumably need one more shot to wrap it up? Is this meant to be a commentary on amateur film-making and how it can sometimes feel directionless, justifying the teens wandering around with the least amount of self-preservation instinct? You, the player, know it’s a plot device to keep things moving, but it doesn’t have to feel so shoddily constructed (cheesy acting aside).

Amid all this, another plotline unfolds, set in 2024. It sees the unassuming Madison venturing to a strange, isolated estate at the behest of the mysterious Augustine. She meets a somewhat familiar face along the way and then Stan, who couldn’t be slimier or more untrustworthy if he tried. They – and their host – are also connected to Murder Mill, and when Augustine mysteriously disappears, the trio begin exploring to uncover her secrets.

"For the most part, it feels like The Casting of Frank Stone is intent on moving things along rather than taking the time to build its cast."

There is some poorly written dialogue here and there, accentuated by how awkward the cutscene direction and facial expressions can sometimes be. However, above all else, it feels like the majority of the cast just isn’t fleshed out enough. Jaime comes across as happy-go-lucky but becomes more hesitant and moody about the production after Chris delves into Frank Stone’s past. What’s the deal with his family, and what does he want?

There’s Chris, who may come across as ungrateful but emerges as someone determined to get things done and cares for her friends deeply, even when terrified. What’s that about her not being from Cedar Hills? Why does she want to make a horror movie besides simply liking horror? There’s no time to explain. Jaime’s sister, Bonnie, gets some moments to breathe as she offers intriguing glimpses into her time in New York and how she feels about Cedar Hills. However, it’s simply not enough, ultimately wasting her potential.

There are other examples, but Frank Stone is probably the most egregious. As you explore off the slightly beaten path, there are some interesting bits to discover about Frank, even if they’re little more than reminders of someone behind his actions. For the most part, it feels like The Casting of Frank Stone is intent on moving things along rather than taking the time to build its cast.

The characterization feels adequate in service of the overall plot but doesn’t go that extra mile to really make you care. We’re on the cusp of something more, especially after the opening hours (despite some dreadful exchanges), but it’s ultimately inconsequential en route to the climax. I have other complaints regarding certain scenes and choices, which mess with my suspension of disbelief, but that would venture into the spoiler territory. Suffice it to say that the core plot turns out to be more straightforward than you would think, even if much of it stretches credulity.

"Some graphical issues exist on PS5, like a dithering effect with shadows and odd anti-aliasing on "

The voice actors do a good enough job with the delivery, while Supermassive’s performance capture is on point more often than not. The same goes for the environmental details – locations can feel limited and somewhat simplistic (outside of an annoying maze-like section). However, the remains of the Cedar Mill, various graffiti adorning the walls, and more gruesome bits, coupled with the lighting and shadows, help contribute to the atmosphere. The cinematography is also decent, though I found the voyeur-esque shots when the teens were returning to their garage, short as they were, to be the best.

Some graphical issues exist on PS5, like a dithering effect with shadows and odd anti-aliasing on characters’ hair. Despite the solid frame rate performance, both can prove distracting at times. There were also a few bugs that took me out of the experience, like one character’s death glitching out and making them appear like paper mache, Jaime putting on a backpack while already wearing one, and the presence of a character who should, by all means, not be in a scene. Thankfully, there’s nothing game-breaking and I can see these being addressed quickly.

One aspect that unfortunately can’t be “fixed” is the gameplay. By now, the gameplay loop will be familiar to fans of Supermassive’s previous titles. Certain cutscenes have choices to make, but you can also walk around and explore some areas, solving puzzles, gathering collectibles, and chatting with other characters. You have quick-time events, some represented as Dead by Daylight-style skill checks, and it’s all fairly rudimentary. However, the additional mechanics feel out of place or mind-numbingly simplistic.

When you think Dead by Daylight, what comes to mind? Four players are pitted against a murderous killer, exploiting their environment and utilizing stealth to escape (in a nutshell, at least). Skill checks come into play in different ways, like when repairing generators. Hit the required area to repair, but missing it will cause the generator to make noise, attracting the killer. If you can time the button press perfectly, repairs go by faster.

"Then there are the camera scenes, where you aim the 8mm, press the trigger and film, occasionally winding it up. Given the context of these sequences, the whole mechanic comes across as dull and diminishes any potential scares."

The Casting of Frank Stone carries that over, but without any threat (except for perhaps one scene – I didn’t fail it enough times to find out). You could keep timing it perfectly and repairing it faster, but that doesn’t matter. I also dislike the whole “hunting for parts” aspect because (a) it’s repeated for every single generator repair, and (b) one section’s parts are just in plain sight, mitigating any sense of tension.

Then there are the camera scenes, where you aim the 8mm, press the trigger and film, occasionally winding it up. Given the context of these sequences, the whole mechanic comes across as dull and diminishes any potential scares. The only real challenge came from the drift in my DualSense’s right stick, which was, at best, a minor inconvenience.

The regular puzzles are slightly better, but not by much. One section has pop-up notifications, the same informing you of a fate changing, annoyingly dictating every single step in a puzzle. Another sequence involves finding valves to redirect steam jets to progress forward. Finding them is super-easy, but on replaying the section, I discovered that you can’t just gather the parts and proceed. No, you need to trigger the same cutscenes and interact with the same things again. It may not sound like the biggest deal, but when replaying chapters to make different choices, it becomes an annoyance

Speaking of which, there’s the Cutting Room Floor, where you can revisit past decisions to try and obtain different outcomes. It also helpfully indicates the percentage of players who opted for each choice. I’ve played my share of adventure titles and visual novels, so this is appreciated. Unfortunately, you can’t just jump to the choices in question. You have to start the chapter and keep playing until reaching the point of said decision.

"Yet, despite the sheer range of possibilities in the horror genre, the biggest struggle with The Casting of Frank Stone is finding much of anything that genuinely frightens or pushes the envelope."

There’s also no skipping or fast-forwarding, increasing the tedium ten-fold, to see another outcome (which may not always be worth it). What happens if you make a mistake at some point? Go back to the beginning of the chapter and do it all over again. While the game attempts to separate the chapters enough, you still must endure several repeated cutscenes ad nauseam for a new result.

I said that The Casting of Frank Stone doesn’t stand well enough on its own, but there may still be some appeal for Dead by Daylight fans. Certain events link back to The Entity and its motives while slightly expanding on certain factions. Unanswered questions remain about the entire process leading to the finale, but at least it makes Behaviour’s lore somewhat more interesting.

The Casting of Frank Stone could have offered a unique traipse into Dead by Daylight’s world, combining Supermassive’s narrative treatment with the latter’s tense gameplay to cater to single-player fans. Instead, it opts for the same gameplay model seen in the developer’s previous titles, with a few barely interesting hooks to liven things up.

It’s dragged down further by an underdeveloped cast and a narrative that leaves much to be desired when not confounding with its plot holes or punishing you for wanting to pursue other paths. Yet, despite the sheer range of possibilities in the horror genre, the biggest struggle with The Casting of Frank Stone is finding much of anything that genuinely frightens or pushes the envelope.

This game was reviewed on PlayStation 5.

The most important for completionists is the Cutting Room Floor, available after finishing the story and where players can return to choices and select different outcomes. Couch co-op also returns, allowing you to pass controller between friends and the 8mm film camera employed by the main cast to “sense the cosmic danger” that stalks them.

Pre-orders can also use Plunderer’s Instinct to more easily locate collectibles. Meanwhile, those who pick up the Deluxe Edition can unlock the Cutting Room Floor from the start.

The Casting of Frank Stone launches on September 3rd for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. Check out our feature for more details on what to expect.

Cedar Hills

Cedar Hills, Oregon, is the setting and the site of a tragedy perpetrated by the famous Frank Stone many years prior. It’s also where five friends embark in the Summer of 1980 to shoot an amateur horror film. It isn’t long before they’re seemingly hunted by the man and must escape. However, things aren’t what they seem, and there’s clearly more brewing beneath the surface.

Characters

Christine Gordon, Jaime Rivera, Linda Castle, Robert Green, and Bonnie Rivera form the core cast who venture to the mill. However, there’s also a prologue set in 1963, seemingly setting up the events to come, where you control a police officer, Sam Green, investigating the location to search for a missing child (and seemingly encountering Stone, based on May’s gameplay trailer).

Various murders also occurred years before, from a fire in Lakeview that claimed the lives of two to attacks on the public and police following a showing of the film, “Murder Mill”, at the cinema (a poster for which also appears in the mill). What these have to do with Stone is unknown, but there’s doubtless a connection.

Frank Stone

The core focus is on titular serial killer Frank Stone, who dons a welding mask and uses tools like hammers and blades to brutalize his victims. He even has a meat hook, presumably for mounting victims (not unlike in Dead by Daylight), while a rough sketch for a suit and mask (as seen on the official website) refers to him as a “Creature forged to purge the world.” However, some fans have noticed what may be The Entity behind Stone in one key art image.

What’s especially interesting is how Goss revealed to Bloody Disgusting that Stone’s name is a “play on words.” Perhaps Frankenstein? A creation by The Entity for some nefarious purpose? Regardless, it wouldn’t be the first time Supermassive has used titles with double meaning. Look no further than The Quarry, which is decidedly not about a site where rocks and sand are gathered.

Dead by Daylight Connection

The Casting of Frank Stone doesn’t just have references to Behaviour Interactive’s Dead by Daylight (like the mask belonging to Anna the Huntress, one of the latter’s killers, or the signature generator). It also promises a “never-before-seen look at the wider world” of the franchise. Director Steve Goss told Bloody Disgusting earlier this year, “There are huge sections of the game that feel nothing like a traditional Supermassive game because we’re exploring a connection to the Dead By Daylight experience. There’s a kind of balance between those two things.”

Behaviour Interactive’s Dave Richard also promised that Dead By Daylight players would learn more about the universe. “There’s a way that players will be able to explore the Dead By Daylight world that would be impossible to do in the multiplayer game.”

Choice-Driven Gameplay

Supermassive Games is known for its choice-driven gameplay, where one wrong move can create a butterfly effect cascading into multiple unforeseen possibilities. The Casting of Frank Stone is no different – based on your decisions, the narrative will branch accordingly. Responses can have different tones, whether serious or concerned, which also impact the story’s direction.

Anyone Can Die

However, like the developer’s previous titles, whether it’s The Quarry, Until Dawn, or The Dark Pictures Anthology, anyone can die. It’s all tied to your decisions, and somewhere along the way, someone may not live to see the end. How will this play into Dead by Daylight’s lore, where The Entity can revive Survivors, causing them to relive their tribulations in its realms unto eternity? We’ll have to wait and find out.

Puzzles

Supermassive and Behaviour Interactive haven’t delved too deeply into the puzzles players will encounter in the environment. You will spend a decent chunk of time gathering clues and investigating, which could potentially offer information when making decisions. There are also collectibles to discover, though their significance to the story is unknown.

QTEs

It wouldn’t be a Supermassive Games title with QTEs, whether it’s pressing the right button prompt at the required time or repeatedly pressing one within a limited window to perform an action. Original? Maybe not, but thankfully, there’s another mechanic that long-time enjoyers of the developer’s catalogue will have to master.

Skill Checks

As seen with Game Informer’s exclusive gameplay last month, Dead by Daylight’s Skill Checks also enter the mix. While exploring the mill’s tunnels, Sam is surprised by a pipe suddenly bursting. A Skill Check appears where you must press the button in the correct section of the circular bar. A smaller white section is also present and could produce a better result if your timing is right.

The Camera

The Super 8 camera that the cast uses is also pivotal to the plot in several ways. While it can film things in the first person (as revealed to Game Informer as part of its final cover story), there are implications for other uses down the line. Supermassive also teased that there may be other cameras for players to use.

The Cutting Room Floor

Upon beating the game, you get access to The Cutting Room Floor, where strips of film reel showcase all the decisions made and let you return to specific points to choose differently. It’s also helpful for picking up any spare collectibles, ensuring another playthrough isn’t necessary (though you could also pre-order to instantly unlock the Plunderer’s Instinct to scan for the same). Those who purchase the Deluxe Edition gain instant access to The Cutting Room Floor, providing a guide of sorts if you really want everyone to live on that first playthrough…or even die, just to see what happens.

Storytelling Structure Similar to Until Dawn

However, don’t expect as many different directions as The Quarry. The developer revealed to Game Informer that the story-telling structure is like Until Dawn. There will be plenty of branches, but this approach sounds more focused and could mean more substantial endings based on your actions.

Unreal Engine 5

The Casting of Frank Stone uses Unreal Engine 5, a major step up from The Quarry developed on Unreal Engine 4. It’s utilizing tech like Lumen for environmental lighting and Nanite for more detailed geometry. Art director Ollie Simmonds also revealed in a behind-the-scenes video that it allows the team to use its own scanning for photogrammetry. “So with Nanite, we can just drop it in as-is, and we keep all that incredible detail and realism in our environments.”

System Requirements

As such, PC players can look forward to higher specifications than the developer’s previous games. Windows 10 64-bit 1909 or higher or Windows 11 and 70 GB of installation space are required, first and foremost. Minimum requirements include an Intel Core i5-8400 or AMD Ryzen 5 1600, 12 GB RAM, and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 or AMD RX 5700 XT. The recommended requirements include a Core i5-12400F or Ryzen 5 5600, 16 GB RAM, and an RTX 3070 or AMD RX 6800.

4K, HDR10 and Ray Tracing

While Supermassive hasn’t outlined the specifications required for 4K and ray tracing on PC, Xbox Series X (and, by extension, PS5) players can somewhat rest assured. The game’s Xbox Store listing confirms 4K and ray tracing support alongside HDR10.