Dying Light The Beast review scores are officially in, and the verdict is clear – Techland has delivered what many consider the franchise’s finest moment. With a Metacritic score of 78 and an OpenCritic rating of 82, this standalone sequel has achieved something remarkable: becoming the highest-rated entry in the entire series.
Why Critics Are Calling It A Return to Form
The Dying Light The Beast review consensus reveals a game that strips away the bloat and focuses on what made the original special. After the mixed reception of Dying Light 2, Techland took a different approach. Instead of adding more systems and complexity, they dialed back the power fantasy and leaned heavily into survival horror elements.
GameSpot’s review praised this approach, noting that the game “winds up being the most enjoyable Dying Light so far” precisely because it dials back the power fantasy. The result is a scarier, tougher, and more immersive experience than anything the series has offered before.
Kyle Crane’s Triumphant Return
One of the biggest wins in every Dying Light The Beast review is the return of Kyle Crane. After 13 years of experimentation by an evil corporation, Crane returns as a human-zombie hybrid hell-bent on revenge. Critics consistently praise Roger Craig Smith’s performance, with many noting his “brilliantly done-with-it-all” delivery that keeps players invested even during predictable story moments.
The Gamer’s review specifically highlighted that “Crane is the only protagonist that Dying Light needs moving forward,” emphasizing how his presence elevates the entire experience.
Beast Mode: The Game-Changing Mechanic
Every Dying Light The Beast review mentions the titular beast mode mechanic. This system allows Crane to tap into his infection and unleash overwhelming power against enemies. However, it comes with significant trade-offs – activating beast mode sacrifices precision, weakens defenses, and risks loss of control.
Critics describe this as turning combat into a “dangerous gamble where brute force collides with self-preservation.” The mechanic perfectly embodies the game’s risk-reward philosophy that reviewers are praising.
Combat and Horror Excellence
The combat system has earned universal praise across Dying Light The Beast review coverage. Critics highlight the “brutal, physical, and unforgiving” combat that emphasizes raw impact. Every weapon swing, punch, and bullet feels meaningful, with active ragdoll reactions and detailed wound systems creating authentic-feeling encounters.
| Combat Feature | Improvement |
|---|---|
| Melee Combat | More physicality and impact |
| Enemy AI | 22 tactical strategies for humans |
| Gore System | Realistic wound mechanics |
| Zombie Variants | 110 visual variants with unique behaviors |
Castor Woods: A Living, Breathing World
The setting of Castor Woods has impressed critics consistently. GamesRadar’s review described it as feeling “more alive than Harran or Villedor combined,” despite occupying a much tighter space. The environment successfully blends urban decay with natural overgrowth, creating a unique atmosphere that serves the horror elements perfectly.
Technical Improvements Across The Board
Critics have noted significant technical improvements throughout their Dying Light The Beast review coverage. The game features enhanced visual fidelity, improved parkour mechanics, and better sound design with over 2,500 unique zombie vocalizations. These improvements create a more immersive and terrifying experience, particularly during nighttime encounters.
What Critics Are Saying
The critical consensus is overwhelmingly positive. CGMagazine awarded the game 9/10, calling it “a remarkable advancement for the franchise.” GamesRadar described it as “a staggering achievement” that recaptures the series’ spirit while elevating it significantly.
- Best combat system in the franchise to date
- Compelling story with strong character development
- Perfect balance of horror and action elements
- Refined parkour mechanics that feel natural
- Atmospheric world design that enhances immersion
Minor Criticisms From Reviews
While overwhelmingly positive, some Dying Light The Beast review coverage notes minor issues. Critics mention that the grappling hook can feel challenging to use, and survivor encounters sometimes occur at inconvenient moments. However, these complaints pale in comparison to the praise for the game’s strengths.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Metacritic score for Dying Light The Beast?
Dying Light The Beast currently holds a Metacritic score of 78, making it the highest-rated mainline entry in the series. The OpenCritic score is even higher at 82.
How long does it take to complete Dying Light The Beast?
The main story takes approximately 20 hours to complete, while completionist playthroughs can extend to 50-60 hours depending on how much side content you explore.
Is Kyle Crane really back in Dying Light The Beast?
Yes, Kyle Crane returns as the protagonist after 13 years. He’s been experimented on and transformed into a human-zombie hybrid, which explains the beast mode mechanics.
Do you need to play previous Dying Light games first?
While The Beast references events from the first game and The Following DLC, it works as a standalone experience. New players can jump in, though they’ll miss some story context.
What platforms is Dying Light The Beast available on?
The game is available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. It focuses on current-generation hardware to deliver the enhanced visual and technical improvements critics praise.
Is the beast mode mechanic overpowered?
Critics consistently note that beast mode comes with significant trade-offs. While powerful, it sacrifices precision and control, making it a strategic choice rather than an easy win button.
How does the horror compare to previous games?
Reviews consistently praise The Beast for returning to stronger horror elements. Critics describe it as scarier and more atmospheric than Dying Light 2, with improved nighttime encounters.
Conclusion
The Dying Light The Beast review consensus is clear – Techland has created something special by returning to the series’ roots while refining every element that made the original great. With the highest review scores in franchise history, compelling protagonist return, and perfectly balanced gameplay mechanics, The Beast represents everything fans hoped for in a sequel. Critics agree that by focusing on what works rather than adding unnecessary complexity, Techland has delivered the definitive Dying Light experience. Whether you’re a longtime fan or newcomer to the series, the critical consensus suggests this is the perfect entry point into zombie-slaying mayhem.