As one of the lucky few to see Dying Light: The Beast in action here at Gamescom 2024, I can say that this isn’t just another zombie game; it’s a whole new beast. Set to be the most visually impressive entry in the Dying Light franchise, this standalone story welcomes back Kyle Crane, the rugged hero from the original game. Let’s slash some zombies.
Great to have you back Kyle
For those who remember the adrenaline-fueled days of the original Dying Light, the return of Kyle Crane is a big deal. And boy, has he changed. After the events of the first game, Crane is back, scarred but not broken. During his captivity he got armed with new abilities that will change the way we kill our zombies. Dying Light: The Beast is not DLC; it’s a full-fledged, standalone adventure, featuring around 18 hours of gameplay that promises to delve deeper into Crane’s psyche and the dark, mysterious world he inhabits.
The first thing that stood out for me during the demo was the new open world. Simply put, it’s breathtaking. Techland has leveraged every ounce of their powerful engine to craft an open world that’s not just expansive but incredibly detailed; the world of The Beast is as beautiful as it is haunting.
The developers have cited influences like Twin Peaks and Stranger Things, and it shows. The atmosphere is thick with a sense of isolation and mystery. Small towns surrounded by dense woods that seem to stretch on forever. Every corner of this world feels alive, yet freakishly empty at the same time, as if something is lurking just beyond your line of sight. It’s a world that invites exploration but also keeps you on edge, never allowing you to fully let your guard down; especially in the dark.
In the demo, we were on the hunt for the elusive Baron, Kyle had a score to settle, to say the least. The journey took us through decaying towns and dense forests. The attention to detail in the environment is staggering, with every building, every tree, and every shadow carefully crafted to draw you deeper into the mystery.
Parkour time
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Dying Light game without the parkour gameplay that has become the series’ trademark. The Beast takes this to a whole new level, with a precision that makes navigating the world an absolute joy. The parkour mechanics have been refined to the point where running along rooftops, vaulting over obstacles, and sliding under barriers feels like second nature.
But it’s not just about getting from point A to point B. In The Beast, parkour is integrated into puzzle-solving, adding a layer of depth to the gameplay that keeps things fresh. During the demo, we encountered several environmental puzzles that required us to use our parkour skills in creative ways to progress. It’s a smart addition that breaks up the combat and keeps you engaged with the world around you.
Shed some blood
Combat on the other hand is as intense and brutal as ever, but it’s also more strategic. There are more firearms at your disposal, but don’t be fooled into thinking this is a shooter. Ammo is scarce, and wasting bullets on every walking corpse you encounter is a quick way to find yourself overrun. Instead, you’ll need to think on your feet, using the environment to your advantage. In the demo, we saw clever use of fire and electricity—igniting a basement full of zombies or luring a group of infected into a pool of water before electrifying it. And when it comes to melee combat, the game really doesn’t hold back. The kills are brutal, visceral, and immensely satisfying.
Unleashing the beast
The titular beast powers are something entirely different. As Crane fights and his rage builds, he can unleash these powers, transforming into something similar to the Hulk. In this state, Crane is unstoppable, able to tear through hordes of zombies with ease, smashing through walls and sending enemies flying with a single punch. It’s a thrilling experience that adds a whole new layer to the gameplay. In the climactic boss fight of the demo, we faced off against the Behemoth, a huge zombie that seemed unfazed to everything we threw at it. It wasn’t until Crane tapped into his Beast powers that we were able to bring the monster down. The Beast mode is not just about raw power; it’s about timing and strategy, and using it effectively feels incredibly rewarding.
Something for the fans
For those who own the Ultimate Edition of Dying Light 2, there’s even more good news, this game will be available for free. It’s a brilliant move by Techland, not only rewarding loyal fans but also providing a gorgeously crafted bridge between the two games. For newcomers, the game offers a fantastic entry point into the world of Dying Light, introducing them to Kyle Crane’s story and setting the stage for what’s to come.
Early conclusion:
Dying Light: The Beast is shaping up to be an absolute must-play for fans of the series and newcomers alike. With a thrilling story, a world filled with atmosphere, and gameplay that pushes the boundaries of what we’ve seen in the franchise so far, it’s clear that Techland has poured their heart and soul into this project. I can’t wait to play it myself!
