Dead by Daylight will Keep You Playing ’till Dawn

 

 

‘Dead by Daylight’ is a multiplayer horror game where one player takes on the role of a savage killer while others play as survivors trying to escape from the killer’s wrath. Starbreeze Studios and Behavior Digital published ‘Dead by Daylight’ on June 14, 2016. Since then, the game has had numerous content added, including new DLC with killers, survivors, and cosmetic items.

This asymmetrical game is played in what are called trials, which are basically just online matches. They only way to escape the trials is to fix five generators to power up the gates that keep you locked in the Killing Grounds. Each Killing Ground is different, and not even the killer knows where the trial will take place. In one game you can spawn into a quiet farm with a dilapidated farmhouse, and in another you can spawn in an institution with labyrinth-like halls. There’s even a chance to spawn in Haddonfield, the town in which the Halloween movies take place. Every map has unique features that players can use to their advantage against the killer and vice versa.

Survivors play in third person, which allows them a wider field of view. The camera can spin in any direction so that the survivor can always check to see what might be sneaking up behind them.

There are numerous survivors that players can choose from, each with their own unique looks, perks, and back story. Some are original to the game, such as the graceful Nea Karlsson who is both stealthy and quick on her feet. Laurie Strode, the protagonist from the movie Halloween, is a survivor that can be purchased from the Halloween DLC. No matter who you choose to play as, you’re guaranteed to have a unique experience.

While it’s encouraged to work together with other players, it’s not completely necessary. Often times players are faced with the choice of being a hero or being selfish. You can choose to rescue your friends at the risk of catching the killer’s attention, or you can leave them to die and risk being the last one alive with the killer hunting for you alone.

The killer gets a first person view which limits their field of view to a narrow cone while they are seeking out their prey. As a killer, you can play with as a multitude of different monsters, each with unique powers. Some are unique to the game, such as the Wraith, who can turn invisible at any moment he wishes. Other killers include Michael Myers and the newly added Leatherface, who are just as terrifying in game as they are in the movies.

There is a unique progression system in the game called a bloodweb. This is where players can unlock unique items and perks to make their survivors stronger. Survivors can unlock perks that allow them to repair generators faster, get out of traps more easily, and recover from their wounds in desperate situations. Killers can unlock items that make their weapons more powerful as well as perks that will keep survivors constantly struggling to survive.

There are a number of multiplayer horror games out there, such as ‘The Secret World’ and ‘Friday the 13th: the Game,’ but ‘Dead by Daylight’ has managed to rise in popularity despite the competition. Personally, I think this might be the best multiplayer survival horror game out there.

I’ve played over a hundred hours of this game without getting bored. Everytime I load into a match, I feel like I’m inside a slasher horror movie. There have been moments so tense that my hands have started to shake because I’m terrified some creepy monster is going to turn the corner and mow me down with a chainsaw.

There are, of course, a few issues with the game. Much like every other game on the market, ‘Dead by Daylight’ has issues with glitches. Game-breaking bugs do damper the experience, and so far a lot of them haven’t yet been fixed.

There’s also an issue with graphics. I’m not one who usually gets hung up on visuals, but this game has some really low resolution models. I mean it’s so bad that I can see actual pixels even with my graphic settings on ultra.

Despite these issues, I’d still say that the game is worth the $20 price tag. The developers are constantly working on improving the game and getting new content out. Some of that new content, by the way, is actually provided for free to the players. ‘Dead by Daylight’ is available on PC, Xbox One, and Playstation 4. If you are interested in learning more about the game, visit http://www.deadbydaylight.com.

HELEN JARDEN
hjarden@lc.edu

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