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Review of Dead by Daylight on Nintendo Switch

by Hemal Harris Hemal Harris photo Sep 2019
Cover image of Dead by Daylight on Switch
Gamefings Score: 8.5
Platform: Switch Switch logo
Released: 24 Sep 2019
Genre: Survival horror
Developer: Behaviour Interactive
Publisher: 505 Games

Introduction

So you think you have what it takes to survive a horror movie? In "Dead by Daylight," players face off in a deadly game of cat and mouse, where one player gets to be the Killer, and the other four pray—uh, I mean, become Survivors. If ever you wanted to know what running for your life feels like without the actual risk of getting eaten by a deranged serial killer, welcome to your new obsession. Grab your Switch, gas up your favorite energy drink, and let’s dive into the twisted world of asymmetrical multiplayer survival horror.

Gameplay

Picture this - it's a misty night, a small group of cute-but-terrified Survivors is rummaging around for generators like they're beaten-down grocery shoppers during Black Friday. Their goal? Repair five generators scattered across a dilapidated map filled with lurking shadows that scream 'I HAVE A CHAINSAW!' Why? Because I guess 'getting home on time' isn't a valid option when your only neighbor is a bloodthirsty Killer channeling their inner Freddy Krueger. As Survivors, you'll need to band together, not just to fix generators, but to strategize who distracts the Killer while the rest of the team repairs. Like a buddy cop movie, only with way more blood and the occasional hex from a witch. Each Survivor comes with unique perks—they can even self-heal or momentarily boost their speed to escape the madman hunting them. And let's not forget about the skill checks! While repairing, you might need to hit a few quick-time events, offering the thrill and terror of both 'Can I fix this before I’m skewered?' and 'Do I have what it takes to repeatedly push buttons with the precision of a caffeine-fueled octopus?'. The Killer, on the other hand, is all about chasing down their next victim and tying them up for a general *debriefing* on their life choices. Each Killer has unique abilities, like teleporting through walls or setting traps—like that friend who always shows up uninvited. And if you think being chased while your heart races is bad enough during the day, wait until you see the graphical fidelity of your impending doom on the Switch while trying to wiggle off those hooks. Spoiler alert – it’s never a happy ending—if you get hung up three times, you’re out, and the Entity won’t be sending a postcard. With only one escape hatch opening if the last Survivor manages to survive the mayhem and not get BBQ’d by the Killer, team play is essential. Survivors can also use flashlights to blind the Killer temporarily—though good luck with those reflexes when you see a giant axe swinging at your head. Yes, this game isn’t just about quick thinking and teamwork; it’s about your ability to scream incoherently while pulling heavily on those last-minute per-determined escape tactics. Don't be surprised if voice chat becomes non-existent in the panic of realizing you just pulled the gravely wrong Skill Check—sorry, that’s just the dread talking.

Graphics

If you thought Switch graphics couldn't deliver the fright factor, think again! "Dead by Daylight" nails that eerie atmosphere with its mist and grimy visuals that make you feel like an unwitting cast member in a horror flick. The textures may not be as sharp as on high-powered consoles, but the game's dramatic lighting plays with shadows in a way that feels almost tangible. You can practically smell the fear. Character models aren’t just inventive; they are customizable. Want to be a perky flashlight-wielding Survivor wearing a fluorescent pink clown wig? You got it! Killer's skin could range from gritty to downright horrifying. So yes, enduring your friends’ endless remixes of ‘scream’ sounds while playing will be as entertaining in the visuals as in the gameplay. Imagine cartoony killers with schtick personalities merged into terrifying entities—it's like if you invited a clown to a barbecue, and then, suddenly, it was a horror show.

Conclusion

In the bloodstained realm of "Dead by Daylight," every match proves to be a delightful chaos of skill checks, perfect timing, and a splash of panic-driven gameplay. The Nintendo Switch version adds portability, allowing for intense matches anywhere—yes, even in the comfort of your own bathroom. With frequent updates, a roster of iconic Killers and Survivors, and a thrilling asymmetrical multiplayer system, it's no wonder the game continues to thrive in the ever-growing horror game market. Just remember, in this survival horror land, it’s either you or them. So muster up your courage, crack open that energy drink, and may your skill checks always be great. Just avoid the hooks, okay? They're terrible for your health.

See Latest Prices for Dead by Daylight on Switch on Amazon

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