This summer, Techland is returning Dying Light to its origins by focusing the storyline on original character Kyle Crane in Dying Light: The Beast. In this installment, Kyle pursues revenge while simultaneously trying to control his own inner beast. I had a chance to check out Dying Light: The Beast at Summer Game Fest Play Days to get an idea of how it’s shaping up.
In my 60-minute session playing Dying Light: The Beast, I delved into the environment of Castor Woods, utilizing the game’s iconic parkour to leap across rooftops and ascend buildings. Much like in previous Dying Light games, I predominantly employed melee weapons for combat against the undead, but there were opportunities to find and use other weapons when needed. In one mission, I covertly moved through a base of human soldiers, dispatching them silently with takedowns and my bow. However, a firefight ensued, leading me to seize an assault rifle from a fallen soldier to swiftly eliminate the rest.
Afterward, I delved into a dimly-lit cellar on a quest for a fuel tank. Guiding myself with my torch, I moved cautiously, slipping past adversaries until it became impossible to do so any longer. Fortunately, I stumbled upon a flamethrower and illuminated the entire area with its flames. A game developer informed me that the weapon showcased some of the latest visual enhancements and lighting in The Beast, making them apparent as I set the cellar ablaze with my fiery blasts.
In terms of real-time action, much of it will feel familiar if you’ve played the first two Dying Light games. However, what sets The Beast apart is the intriguing character of Kyle Crane, who, after years of testing, has become a hybrid between human and zombie. This unique physiology presents an engaging narrative twist as Kyle struggles to keep his inner beast under control. This struggle also plays a role in gameplay, subtly echoing the main theme of Dying Light 2 Stay Human: the battle within every individual.
In battle, a gauge accumulates each time Kyle takes or dishes out harm. When this gauge is full, Kyle transforms into a more ferocious version of himself, becoming quicker and inflicting greater melee damage on enemies as he enters a rage. This transformation triggers distinct kill animations that are exclusive to Kyle when he’s in his enraged state.
Towards the finale of my presentation, I encountered the formidable Chimera – a massive, unyielding undead creature that hurled cars and relentlessly charged at me. To dodge its attacks, I had to leverage Kyle’s agility and swiftly maneuver around it, all while avoiding the swarm of undead minions the Chimera was raising. Upon finally vanquishing the Chimera, Kyle administered a syringe filled with its blood into himself, subtly hinting at the intensity and direction the complete game’s narrative might take.
The sneak peek you see here is from an early demonstration, which we showcased during Summer Game Fest: Play Days. The completed game may still undergo changes.
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2025-06-13 18:57