Randall Wayne is a lone survivor who must cross the dangerous terrain of a post-apocalyptic 1980s Seattle in search of his family. Much of the game's storyline is told through flashbacks, and the longer you play the game, the more you'll realize you want to help this unfortunate soul reach his ultimate destination. Deadlight presents a real isolated feeling as you progress through much of the game with only zombies to keep you company. The few survivors you do meet may make you wish you hadn't crossed paths with them, since many survivors in this world don't get along well with strangers. Deadlight will not only test your gaming prowess, but you'll really begin questioning moral decisions as you make your way through the game and eventually find out how this whole mess got started and what happened to Randall's family.
Gameplay in Deadlight is pretty straightforward. The game is a 2D platformer set in a 3D world meaning you must always be aware of your surroundings in both the foreground and background as enemies, gunfire, traps and other hazards can come from anywhere. There will be plenty of visible traps and pits to avoid in the crumbling remains of Seattle however, and the game makes sure to challenge you in some way at every turn. As you progress through the game, you'll find plenty of collectibles and even some unlockables to give the relatively short title some nice replay value. Combat in the game is simple enough with a few scattered weapons like a pistol or fire axe to fend off foes, but more than likely, you'll want to whistle and attract your enemies into a deadly trap or simply jump over their heads and run away rather than facing them head-on. It's a fun concept that never gets too repetitive and makes Deadlight one of the more unique titles to become available.
One thing you'll quickly learn about Deadlight is the game's controls aren't as responsive as in other titles. It does take some time getting used to running and jumping your way through the game, but it only presents a slight learning curve that still allows the game to excel. The game's presentation is lifted by a fantastic graphical display that utilizes lighting and shadows to reflect the grim tone the game's storyline presents. This isn't a happy world, and the developer wants you to be afraid. The game's storyline is told through reading Randall Wayne's journal and watching comic scenes play out before your eyes. This style works well with an excellent narrative provided by the game's protagonist, and the game's soundtrack brings the total package together to create a fully immersive experience.
Deadlight is an amazing play and will be worth the money to download once it releases. Few games deliver such a fun experience, and despite its relatively short length and sometimes awkward controls, you will love this game. It combines addictive platforming and survival horror elements with a riveting narrative that few titles have ever produced. Deadlight doesn't produce so many action packed sequences as it does dramatic situations you will have to carefully navigate in order to survive. This is the survival horror game fans have been waiting for, and it doesn't disappoint.
Deadlight is rated M by the ESRB for Blood, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes & Strong Language. For more information on the game, check out the official Deadlight website.
Game Information:
Developer: Tequila Works
Publisher: Microsoft
Platforms: Xbox 360 & PC
Release Date: October 25, 2012
