Dying Light: The Beast represents Techland's latest foray into the survival horror genre, building upon the successful foundation of the Dying Light series while introducing new mechanics and a darker narrative. After spending extensive time with the game, we're ready to share our comprehensive review.
Overall Rating: 8.5/10
Dying Light: The Beast successfully delivers an intense survival horror experience that builds upon the series' strengths while introducing fresh gameplay elements. While it has some minor flaws, the overall package is compelling and worth your time.
Gameplay Mechanics
The core gameplay of Dying Light: The Beast maintains the series' signature parkour mechanics while introducing the new Beast Mode abilities. The parkour system feels fluid and responsive, allowing players to navigate the post-apocalyptic world with precision and style.
Beast Mode
The new Beast Mode is a game-changer, literally. When activated, Kyle Crane transforms into a more powerful version of himself, gaining enhanced strength, speed, and unique abilities. This mechanic adds a strategic layer to combat and exploration, though it's not without its limitations.
Combat System
The combat system has been refined from previous entries, offering more brutal and satisfying melee encounters. The weapon variety is impressive, ranging from improvised tools to military-grade firearms. The impact of each hit feels substantial, making combat encounters genuinely engaging.
Night Cycle
The night cycle remains one of the game's most compelling features. When darkness falls, the world becomes significantly more dangerous, with enhanced zombies and new threats emerging. The tension during nighttime exploration is palpable and creates some of the game's most memorable moments.
Graphics and Visual Design
Dying Light: The Beast is a visually impressive game that takes full advantage of current-generation hardware. The post-apocalyptic world is beautifully realized, with detailed environments that tell their own stories through visual design.
Environmental Design
The game world is meticulously crafted, with each area feeling distinct and purposeful. From the claustrophobic corridors of abandoned buildings to the open streets of the city, the environment design supports both the gameplay and narrative effectively.
Character Models and Animation
Character models are well-detailed, and the animation work is smooth and believable. Kyle Crane's transformation sequences are particularly impressive, showcasing the technical prowess of Techland's development team.
Lighting and Atmosphere
The lighting system plays a crucial role in creating the game's atmosphere. Dynamic lighting effects enhance the horror elements, with shadows and light sources creating tension and guiding player movement.
Story and Narrative
The narrative of Dying Light: The Beast explores darker themes than previous entries, focusing on Kyle Crane's transformation and the consequences of his new abilities. The story is engaging, though it occasionally feels rushed in certain sections.
Character Development
Kyle Crane's character arc is compelling, as players witness his struggle with his new identity and the moral implications of his transformation. The supporting cast is well-developed, though some characters could benefit from more screen time.
World Building
The game world feels lived-in and authentic, with environmental storytelling that adds depth to the narrative. Notes, audio logs, and visual cues throughout the world provide additional context and lore for players who take the time to explore.
Audio Design
The audio design is exceptional, with a haunting soundtrack that perfectly complements the game's atmosphere. Sound effects are crisp and impactful, from the satisfying thud of melee weapons to the distant growls of zombies.
Voice Acting
Voice acting is generally strong, with Kyle Crane's performance being particularly noteworthy. The emotional range displayed during his transformation sequences adds weight to the narrative.
Soundtrack
The musical score effectively enhances the game's mood, with tracks that range from subtle ambient pieces to intense action themes. The music never feels intrusive and always serves the gameplay experience.
Multiplayer and Co-op
The 4-player co-op mode is a welcome addition that enhances the game's replayability. Working together with friends to survive the zombie apocalypse creates memorable moments and adds a social element to the experience.
Co-op Gameplay
Co-op gameplay is well-implemented, with mechanics that encourage teamwork without forcing it. Players can choose to work together or pursue individual objectives, providing flexibility in how the experience is approached.
Technical Performance
Dying Light: The Beast runs smoothly on current-generation hardware, with stable frame rates and minimal technical issues. The game is well-optimized, though some players may experience occasional frame drops during intense action sequences.
Platform Performance
Performance across different platforms is consistent, with the PC version offering the most flexibility in terms of graphical settings. Console versions maintain stable performance while delivering impressive visual fidelity.
Replayability
The game offers good replayability through multiple difficulty settings, collectible hunting, and the co-op mode. The open-world nature of the game encourages exploration, and there are plenty of side activities to engage with.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent parkour mechanics and fluid movement
- Innovative Beast Mode adds strategic depth
- Compelling narrative with strong character development
- Outstanding audio design and atmosphere
- Well-implemented co-op multiplayer
- Beautiful visual design and environmental storytelling
- Intense and satisfying combat system
Cons:
- Some story sections feel rushed
- Beast Mode can feel overpowered at times
- Minor technical issues during intense sequences
- Limited character customization options
- Some side activities can feel repetitive
Comparison to Previous Games
Compared to Dying Light 2: Stay Human, The Beast offers a more focused and intense experience. While it may not have the same scale as its predecessor, it compensates with tighter gameplay mechanics and a more compelling narrative.
Final Verdict
Dying Light: The Beast is a worthy addition to the series that successfully builds upon the franchise's strengths while introducing fresh elements. The game delivers an intense survival horror experience that will satisfy both longtime fans and newcomers to the series.
While it has some minor flaws, the overall package is compelling and offers excellent value for money. The innovative Beast Mode mechanics, combined with the series' signature parkour and combat systems, create a unique and engaging gameplay experience.
If you're a fan of survival horror games or the Dying Light series, The Beast is definitely worth your time. The game successfully balances familiar elements with new mechanics, creating an experience that feels both familiar and fresh.
Recommendation
Buy it if: You enjoy survival horror games, parkour mechanics, or the Dying Light series. The game offers excellent value and a compelling experience that will keep you engaged for hours.
Skip it if: You're looking for a completely different experience from the series, or if you prefer more traditional survival horror games without parkour elements.
Overall, Dying Light: The Beast is a solid entry in the series that delivers on its promises and provides an engaging survival horror experience. With its innovative mechanics and compelling narrative, it's a game that's worth playing for fans of the genre.
