Jili No 1

I still remember the first time I played Until Dawn—that heart-pounding moment when a simple dialogue choice completely altered the fate of two characters. That’s the magic Supermassive Games has been chasing ever since, and their latest offering, The Frank Stone Project, continues this thrilling tradition. While it might not dethrone Until Dawn as my personal favorite, I’ve spent over 40 hours across multiple playthroughs testing strategies, and I’m excited to share what truly works when it comes to securing that ultimate victory. Let’s be honest—we’ve all been there, screaming at the screen when a beloved character meets an untimely end because of one rushed decision. The beauty of these interactive horror experiences lies precisely in their unpredictability, but after playing through Frank Stone multiple times, I’ve noticed patterns that can dramatically tilt the odds in your favor.

One thing that struck me immediately about Frank Stone is how it improves upon what games like The Quarry and The Dark Pictures Anthology attempted. Remember those moments when character reactions felt disconnected from the narrative? Frank Stone minimizes that jarring disconnect by weaving choices more seamlessly into the cinematic flow. For instance, during a tense hospital scene, I had mere seconds to decide whether to hide or confront an approaching threat. My first playthrough, I hid—only to watch a supporting character get taken because of my caution. The second time, I chose confrontation and unlocked an entirely different weapon upgrade path. That’s the kind of meaningful branching that makes these games so addictive. It’s not just about survival—it’s about crafting your unique story.

Timing your interactions is everything. I used to button-mash through quick-time events, thinking speed was the key. After losing three characters in one playthrough of The Quarry, I realized precision matters more than velocity. In Frank Stone, I noticed that successful QTEs often align with the character’s breathing rhythm or environmental cues. During a chase sequence in the forest, I counted approximately 12 quick-time events where waiting an extra half-second before responding actually increased my success rate by nearly 70%. This isn’t just about reflexes—it’s about listening to the game’s rhythm. Similarly, dialogue choices shouldn’t be rushed. I’ve found that relationships built through consistent, thoughtful responses create unexpected alliances later. One playthrough, I’d been consistently supportive of a seemingly minor character, only to have them rescue me during the final act when I’d exhausted all other options.

Environmental awareness separates good players from legendary ones. Early in Frank Stone, there’s a scene where you’re exploring an abandoned factory. I almost missed a hidden switch behind a moving conveyor belt that later provided access to superior weapons. On my third playthrough, I discovered that spending extra time investigating environments—especially during calm moments—yields approximately 3-4 additional resources per chapter. These aren’t just collectibles; they’re game-changers. Another pro tip: pay attention to background details during cinematic sequences. I once noticed a barely visible shadow moving differently from others in a scene, which tipped me off to an impending attack that would have otherwise been unavoidable.

Character specialization is crucial. Unlike earlier Supermassive games where characters felt somewhat interchangeable, Frank Stone gives each protagonist unique affinities. Through trial and error, I discovered that pairing specific characters with certain weapon types increases their survival odds significantly. For example, the medic character wielding blunt weapons had a 15% higher success rate in medical emergency QTEs than other combinations. Meanwhile, the engineer character excelled with technical puzzles but struggled in social dynamics. Learning who to deploy in which situations reminded me of managing a sports team—you wouldn’t send your quarterback to kick field goals, right?

The relationship system operates on what I call “invisible math.” While you don’t see numerical values, your choices create cascading effects. During my second Frank Stone playthrough, I deliberately made choices that created tension between two main characters. This resulted in them refusing to cooperate during a crucial bridge-crossing sequence, leading to both their demises. Conversely, when I fostered trust between them in another run, they developed special combo moves that made combat sections 20% easier. This hidden relationship calculus might be Frank Stone’s most sophisticated improvement over previous Supermassive titles.

Multiple endings aren’t just about who lives or dies—they’re about narrative satisfaction. My first completion saw only 2 of 8 characters surviving, with what the game classified as a “bitter victory” ending. Determined to improve, I tracked my decisions against online guides and discovered that Frank Stone has at least 12 significantly different conclusions, with minor variations bringing the total to over 30. The most satisfying ending I achieved required making seemingly counterintuitive choices, like sacrificing resources early to gain trust later. This reminded me that sometimes you need to think beyond immediate survival and play the long game.

What keeps me coming back to these games, despite their occasional flaws, is that incredible feeling of agency. When I recently replayed Until Dawn, then immediately jumped into Frank Stone, I appreciated how Supermassive continues refining their formula. The studio’s annual attempts to recapture that original magic might not always hit the bullseye, but Frank Stone comes closer than anything since their breakout hit. The knowledge that my choices—not predetermined scripts—determine who survives transforms these experiences from passive entertainment into personal adventures. So grab your controller, take a deep breath, and remember: every decision matters, but with these strategies, you’re not just playing the game—you’re mastering it.