Atti Abderrahim
Table of Contents
Gamescom 2024 brought us some unexpected surprises, and one of the most exciting was the reveal of Dying Light: The Beast during the Opening Night Live, hosted by Geoff Keighley. Techland’s latest installment in the Dying Light series aims to deliver the ultimate zombie experience. But does it succeed? Here’s a deep dive into what we can expect from this thrilling new game.
The Return of Kyle Crane
Dying Light: The Beast marks the triumphant return of Kyle Crane, the iconic protagonist from the original Dying Light. After nearly a decade of absence, we finally learn what happened to him. Captured by a ruthless figure known as The Baron, Kyle was subjected to horrific genetic experiments that altered his DNA, transforming him into a ferocious beast with supernatural powers. But he’s not the only one who fell victim to these mad scientists.
To maintain continuity in the series, the original voice actor for Kyle Crane reprises his role, bringing depth and authenticity to the character. Narratively, The Beast is set 13 years after the events of the first Dying Light (2015) and follows the timeline of Dying Light 2 (2022). However, it’s not necessary to have played the previous games to fully enjoy this standalone experience, which boasts over 18 hours of gameplay.
A Standalone Experience in a Post-Apocalyptic World
Dying Light: The Beast is a standalone experience in every sense. Newcomers can dive into one of the most memorable post-apocalyptic worlds in gaming, while long-time fans will relish the opportunity to explore a brand-new region. Whether on foot or in vehicles—both of which can be destroyed—players will navigate the intricately designed Castor Woods, an open world ideal for a bloody, adrenaline-pumping adventure. The game’s stunning visuals, attention to detail, and localized damage effects set it apart from the competition, ensuring a deeply immersive experience in its post-apocalyptic world.
Unleashing the Beast
Dying Light: The Beast lives up to its name, thanks to the unique condition of Kyle Crane. With his DNA now tainted by the zombie virus, Kyle possesses abilities that push him further from his humanity. He can enter a rage mode, dramatically increasing his power—a mere glimpse of the new skills tied to his transformed state. There’s much more to discover about his newfound abilities, and Techland does what it does best: pushing the boundaries of gameplay.
The parkour system, central to the first two games, is more spectacular than ever. Kyle moves with incredible agility through environments designed to showcase his athletic prowess. Nighttime, a core element of the saga that dramatically increases the game’s difficulty, guarantees an intense and thrilling experience. But Techland isn’t content with simply recycling the gameplay mechanics that made the franchise a success; they’ve continuously refined and enhanced the formula.
Beyond the brutal and gripping melee combat, Dying Light: The Beast also places a stronger emphasis on gunfights, which were previously more peripheral. Kyle’s skill with firearms adds a new layer of excitement to this FPS. The game also knows when to slow down, offering sequences that require strategy, stealth, and brainpower—especially when facing the new, highly dangerous enemies known as Freaks. Finally, Dying Light: The Beast continues the series’ tradition of offering both solo play and a 4-player co-op mode.
Our Impressions
Dying Light: The Beast is poised to leave a lasting impression when it launches. Techland is striving to create the ultimate zombie experience, and they may very well succeed. With its more immersive, intense, and visceral approach, the series breathes new life into itself with a more beastly take on the genre, led by the return of an iconic character. While the game still has to prove itself when the controller is in hand, there’s little doubt that this survivor will withstand the test of time.
This exclusive, in-depth look at Dying Light: The Beast underscores why it’s one of the most anticipated games of the year. As it hits the shelves, it’s likely to dominate search engines and attract clicks from fans and newcomers alike, thanks to its rich narrative, innovative gameplay, and the return of a beloved character. Prepare to unleash the beast and dive into an unparalleled zombie action experience.
