Preview The Ultimate “Zombie” Action Video Game? My First Impressions of Dying Light: The Beast…
Published on 08/23/2024 at 7:00 p.m.
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Gamescom 2024 has some big surprises in store for us. Revealed during the Opening Night Live hosted by Geoff Keighley, Dying Light: The Beast surprised an audience that did not expect to find this post-apocalyptic universe so quickly. Techland is back in the spotlight this year with the ambition of offering players the ultimate “zombie” experience. Mission accomplished? Here are the first elements of an answer.
Preview Conditions
Following the release of a trailer at ONL, Dying Light: The Beast revealed a little more about itself during a 45-minute hands-off presentation on PC followed by a 30-minute interview with several members of Techland as well as actor Roger Craig Smith.
The Return of Kyle Crane
Dying Light: The Beast marks the grand return of Kyle Crane. This iconic character from the first Dying Light had disappeared for almost 10 years, and we finally know what happened to him. Held captive by the Baron for ten years, he was the subject of genetic experiments based on the zombie virus. This resulted in his DNA being deeply altered, transforming him into a ferocious beast, giving him supernatural powers. And he’s not the only one to have fallen victim to these mad scientists.
In order to ensure a certain continuity in the saga, the actor who lent his voice to Kyle Crane in the video game released in 2015 is reprising this role which is particularly close to his heart and for which he has expressed a real attachment. Narratively speaking, The Beast takes place precisely 13 years after the events of Dying Light (2015) and follows the events of Dying Light 2 (2022). However, it is not necessary to have completed the two previous parts to fully enjoy this “third” episode and its +18 hours of duration.
Dying Light: The Beast is a standalone experience in every sense of the word. New survivors will be able to discover one of the most striking post-apocalyptic universes in the 10th Art while long-time fans will be happy to return to explore a whole new region on foot or in vehicles that turn out to be destructible. Entirely hand-crafted, Castor Woods is the ideal open world for a bloody and nervous adventure. Visually stunning, The Beast stands out from the competition with its lighting effects, the attention to detail and its localized damage essential to fully immersing players in its post-apocalyptic world.
Free the beast
Dying Light: The Beast is extremely aptly named. The novelty of this new opus that immediately jumps out at you is the somewhat singular condition of Kyle Crane. With his DNA tainted by that of zombies, he now possesses abilities that dangerously distance him from his humanity. For example, he can go into a rage and increase his power tenfold, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Many skills related to his new condition are yet to be discovered. For the rest, Techland does what he does best, and it shows.
Parkour, the central point of the first two parts, is still as spectacular, if not more so. Our hero moves with rare ease in environments designed to highlight his athletic qualities. The night, another essential element of the saga involving a drastic increase in difficulty, guarantees an adventure that is always as intense. But Techland does not just recycle the gameplay mechanics that made the franchise successful. On the contrary, the studios seek to constantly improve their formula.
Beyond the still brutal and gripping hand-to-hand combat, the emphasis is also placed on gunfights which were until now on the fringes. Kyle Crane displays exhilarating firearms skills. This FPS also knows how to take its time and slow down the pace during sequences that call upon your gray matter and a keen sense of discretion, particularly when faced with the Freaks… new enemies that are particularly belligerent and dangerous. Finally, Dying Light: The Beast embraces a tradition that dates back to the first episode. It will be playable alone or in 4-player co-op.
Nos impressions
Dying Light: The Beast is likely to make a big impression when it comes out. Techland is looking for the ultimate “zombie” experience and could well be on its way to bringing it to life. More immersive, more intense and more visceral than ever, the saga is finding new life with a much more bestial approach driven by the return of an iconic character. The Beast will have to prove himself with the controller in hand, but there is no doubt that this survivor will be able to pass the test of fire.
Editorial opinion
Exciting
