Review: Dying Light: The Beast – A Standalone Worth Experiencing

By Phxnix3

Howdy Friends!

You may have already seen some of my colleagues review Dying Light: The Beast, but as with any game, every player walks away with their own impressions. Here are mine.

I’ve been a fan of the Dying Light franchise since the very first game. I pre-ordered the original, jumped into the sequel as soon as it dropped, and of course pre-ordered The Beast. Each time, I’ve walked away satisfied — and this release is no exception.

Originally intended as a DLC for Dying Light 2, The Beast offers enough content and depth to justify its status as a standalone title. Featuring 30 achievements and a story that takes about 12 hours to complete, it manages to carve out its own identity while retaining the spirit of the franchise.

Kyle Crane Returns

As a long-time admirer of Kyle Crane, I was thrilled to hear of his return — especially with the original voice actor, Roger Craig Smith. If the name sounds familiar, that’s because he’s brought life to iconic characters like Sonic, Batman, Captain America, and Ezio Auditore. While those roles are legendary, his voice as Crane remains the most memorable for me.

A Villain with Depth

The story introduces us to The Baron, a villain who stands out in the franchise. He isn’t a cartoonish mastermind or an unhinged maniac; instead, he’s a fascinating blend of scientist and misguided hero. His belief that he is doing the “right thing” — by unlocking invincibility — makes him one of the most compelling antagonists in the series.

The game also reintroduces vehicles, specifically patrol and forest watch cars scattered across the map. Though rare to find (or maybe I just haven’t looked hard enough), they add another layer to exploration.

Beast Mode – More Than a Gimmick

One of the standout mechanics is Beast Mode. While reminiscent of Dying Light 2’s mechanics, it has been revamped to feel more custom, player-driven, and rewarding. With a fully maxed Beast meter, you unlock incredible abilities — even strong enough to take down volatiles if you’ve mastered the combat.

The traversal is smoother, the animations are fluid, and the combat is satisfyingly brutal. Dismemberments are visceral: tearing torsos apart, ripping off heads, and punching holes through enemies’ chests. Unlike some games where a new feature feels tacked on, Beast Mode feels essential. It helps with boss fights, speeds up timed missions, and makes survival during overwhelming hordes far more manageable.

Story Highlights (Spoilers Ahead)

Dying Light: The Beast begins with Kyle Crane kidnapped by the GRE following the events of The Following. Thanks to “The Mother,” Crane is revealed to be the first human-volatile hybrid — making him the perfect subject for the Baron’s experiments.

Although two allies attempt to save him, their mission fails. One of them, “Subject B,” becomes a secondary experiment, which causes the Baron to decide Crane is expendable. Crane’s eventual escape comes thanks to Olivia, a former scientist for the Baron who defects and aids him in his journey.

From here, the game introduces Chimeras — grotesque hybrids that provide not only brutal encounters but also fuel Crane’s evolving Beast abilities through the compound known as “GSB.” Without giving too much away, Crane and Olivia’s pursuit of Chimera variants drives the story forward in compelling fashion.

Graphics and Presentation

On my setup, the game defaulted to medium quality, which looked fantastic but caused some lag. Dropping to low retained much of the visual beauty with smoother performance. The graphics are spectacular, with gore that’s slightly more realistic than Dying Light 2. This is especially noticeable in bare-handed combat, where finishers showcase everything from exposed skeletons to dislocated jaws.

Clothing and gear customization also deserve mention. Players can choose to have Crane remain shirtless for the entire story — and surprisingly, it looks excellent even in cutscenes, showcasing detailed motion capture, scars, and muscular definition.

Co-Op Potential

Though I haven’t yet tested co-op myself, there are clear signs the feature enhances gameplay. For example, passengers in vehicles can fire weapons while the driver maneuvers, making night survival or volatile encounters far more manageable. The option to load propane tanks into vehicles for explosive teamwork hints at some chaotic fun.

Dialogue and Choices

The dialogue shines in this installment. Crane is more sarcastic and angrier, clearly shaped by the events of the first game. One standout line references The Following, where Crane dismisses telepathic communication, saying:

^{“It did not go well the last time someone was in my head.”}

While player choices aren’t heavily emphasized in the main story, some side quests allow for alternative dialogues or cutscenes. These don’t radically alter outcomes, but they add flavor.

Replayability and Final Thoughts

After completing the main story, The Beast offers a solid photo mode with customization options similar to Dying Light 2’s. It’s a welcome addition for capturing the game’s haunting yet beautiful moments.

Replay value, however, is limited. Once you’ve finished the story and side quests, the drive to replay may dwindle unless you enjoy helping friends or random players in co-op.

My Ratings:

• Story: 10/10

• Replayability: 6/10

• Graphics: 9/10

• Gore: 9/10

Overall: 8.5/10 (or 4.25/5 stars).

Dying Light: The Beast may not be the longest or most replayable game, but for fans of the series, it’s an unforgettable ride well worth the purchase.

This was Phxnix3’s review — signing off and flying out. Later!

[more_links_box count=”5″]