In the realm of zombie games, where the thrill of survival often overshadows the scenery, Techland’s latest offering, Dying Light: The Beast, invites players to pause and appreciate its breathtaking backdrop—the Swiss Alps. This picturesque setting elevates the experience, but even if it were set in a less visually striking environment, the game stands out as a testament to Techland’s evolution over more than a decade of crafting engaging RPG zombie adventures.
The journey of Dying Light: The Beast began as an ambitious DLC for 2022’s Dying Light 2, but as the project expanded, Techland wisely decided to transform it into a standalone title. Now available on Xbox, PS5, and PC, the game continues the saga of Kyle Crane, the original protagonist. After enduring years of torment and experimentation, Crane emerges as a formidable half-human, half-zombie entity, equipped with the ability to dismantle the undead with ease. His mission? To confront the mastermind behind his transformation while also rescuing those trapped in the treacherous Castor Woods.
Hoppin’ And Choppin’ All Day
As players delve into The Beast, they will find familiar mechanics that define the franchise: first-person melee combat and parkour-inspired exploration. Techland has refined these elements, making traversal through the expansive world a delightful experience. The act of moving from one quest marker to another becomes an adventure in itself, where even the most mundane tasks are enjoyable, thanks to the fluidity of movement.
The new map, comparable in size to the original Dying Light world, is a playground filled with opportunities for climbing, sliding, and maneuvering around hordes of zombies. The stunning visuals of snow-capped mountains and autumnal hues create an almost cozy atmosphere—until a monstrous zombie shatters the tranquility. The melee combat remains consistent with previous titles, which is a welcome aspect. Players will appreciate the visual degradation of weapons as they are used, a feature that enhances the gritty realism of combat. The satisfaction of delivering a crushing blow to a zombie with a sledgehammer never wanes.
While crafting mechanics return from earlier installments, they can be somewhat cumbersome. However, the reward of creating a flaming machete that slices through the undead makes the effort worthwhile, akin to indulging in a guilty pleasure.
I’m Shifting Into Beast Mode
A standout feature of Dying Light: The Beast is Crane’s ability to unleash his latent monster powers, transforming him into a formidable force against both zombies and human adversaries. Players can accumulate “beast juice” through combat, allowing Crane to enter a hyper-accelerated state of destruction. This transformation is exhilarating, particularly when faced with overwhelming hordes of zombies.
Throughout the campaign, players encounter unique infected bosses that present distinct challenges. One such encounter involves a boss that envelops the area in fog, utilizing other zombies strategically. Defeating these foes grants Crane Beast Points, which can be used to enhance his powers further. Even at just seven hours into the game, players will feel a sense of invincibility in Beast mode—though caution is advised when night falls, as the most dangerous enemies emerge, turning the gameplay into a thrilling horror experience.
Though the main storyline may lack depth and coherence, the sheer enjoyment derived from the gameplay mechanics overshadows these shortcomings. Dying Light: The Beast encapsulates Techland’s mastery of open-world zombie gaming, offering a stunning environment, exhilarating combat, and refined movement. The return of familiar elements from the first game enhances the overall experience, making it a strong contender for the title of the studio’s best work yet. As players engage in the chaos of the undead, the silliness of the narrative fades into the background, leaving only the thrill of survival and the joy of exploration. If the remainder of the game maintains this level of quality, it is poised to secure a spot on many Game of the Year lists.
