„Flawed but fun” Dying Light: The Beast Summer Game Fest demo

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Over the weekend at Summer Game Fest, I got a 45-minute exclusive preview of Techland’s upcoming action horror game, Dying Light: The Beast. This is the third installment in the series, and it features the return of Kyle Crane, the protagonist from the original Dying Light game. If you wish to avoid spoilers for any prior Dying Light games, beware. Having been held captive by a mysterious figure called The Baron for more than a decade, Crane has now managed to break free. With his new abilities at his disposal, he intends to take vengeance on his tormentor in this game.

Dying Light: The Beast, a standalone third entry in the series, is flawed but fun

The Beast” is a full game on its own, not an expansion or DLC as some mistakenly thought during Summer Game Fest. Originally intended as DLC, Techland is now considering it as the third installment in the “Dying Light” series. After giving it a try, I understand why. While it might not match the ambitious systems promised for Dying Light 2, “Dying Light: The Beast” excels in parkour, action, and survival horror, which are key elements that have made this franchise popular.

Initially, I’d like to express my admiration for the intelligent design of placing “Jump” on the right bumper for controllers in this game. Given that the game emphasizes seamless movement through an urban landscape filled with jumps and climbs, being able to control both sticks to aim and jump concurrently greatly enhances the fluidity and naturalness of movement. This is particularly beneficial when the primary focus is on exploring an expansive open world, and it’s a testament to the consistency in great design from previous games. However, there are also numerous fresh features to keep you intrigued throughout your playthrough as well.

Due to Kyle Crane’s incarceration by the Baron, he has acquired the capacity to release immense power and destructive force. This newfound prowess empowers him to shatter through hordes of zombies swiftly, toss boulders at adversaries, and perform many other actions. There’s a vast skill tree waiting to be discovered and mastered that will enhance this ability even further, adding more excitement to his capabilities.

Even though you’re strong now, don’t underestimate the risks. You can’t just summon your newfound power at will, as enemies can quickly overpower you. A horde of zombies, armed humans, or even stronger nighttime adversaries could easily defeat you. During the demo, I met my demise once and nearly did so a second time, despite having the developer next to me offering guidance and suggestions. Reflecting on it now, I believe they also showered me with healing items to use as well.

Instead of charging past foes and leaping onto buildings out of their reach as an effective tactic, you can also employ stealth, toss a diversionary object, or, if you prefer (and I don’t), disguise yourself with the filth of a corpse to blend in with the undead for a short while.

In a more technical sense, Dying Light: The Beast boasts an innovative lighting system that elevates the game’s visual appeal to a breathtaking level. Initially, I was captivated by its visuals, but it was when I ignited the flamethrower for the first time that truly left me awestruck. Not only does the haptic feedback and sound design intensify its destructive impact, but the vivid depiction of the flame makes it the most authentic-looking flamethrower I’ve ever encountered in a video game. This was soon followed by throwing a hand grenade, resulting in an explosion that surpassed anything I had previously witnessed.

In my gaming adventures, I discovered that Dying Light: The Beast brings in unpredictable weather conditions, making every playthrough unique. During a recent demo, rain unexpectedly poured down, and my guide elucidated its impact. The roads become slick when it rains, and electric attacks prove more potent. I didn’t get the chance to test driving in the wet weather during that session, but later on, I was blown away by how realistic the driving felt. Although it’s not a full-blown simulation, you can run out of fuel, sustain damage from zombie collisions, and end up stranded if you’re not cautious enough.

The Beast” was the narrative aspects. However, it didn’t surpass my already low expectations and it doesn’t hinder the enjoyment of the gameplay. Essentially, Kyle Crane’s quest for revenge serves as a sufficient driving force, propelling you from one action sequence to another. Furthermore, if story isn’t your primary concern, you have the freedom to explore the open world at your leisure.

In the final ten minutes of my demonstration, I encountered a boss fight. While pursuing clues about The Baron, I stumbled upon a facility that housed an enormous, genetically altered beast. Eventually, this creature and I faced off in a junkyard, which seemed to be its preferred battleground for hurling vehicles at me. It’s possible that the fight was designed for earlier levels or that it was simplified for the demo, but it didn’t seem overly difficult. A strategically timed dodge usually kept me out of harm’s way, and even when hordes of zombies joined the fray, the beast would occasionally bat them away on my behalf.

Overall, I had an enjoyable experience with Dying Light: The Beast. Although my demo was quite straightforward, I can already envision myself spending numerous hours delving into this open world and maneuvering through tense predicaments. While it may not be flawless, the storyline is straightforward, and the wire-based puzzles aren’t particularly taxing, there is still a lot of entertainment to be had here.

On August 22nd, 2025, the new installment in the Dying Light series, titled “The Beast,” is set to release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC platforms such as Steam and the Epic Games Store. Pre-orders are currently available. Notably, those who own the “Dying Light 2: Ultimate Edition” will receive this game as a free DLC, fulfilling Techland’s promise. We are grateful to Techland for allowing us an early peek at their upcoming Dying Light title.

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2025-06-11 03:02