Deadlight

Released for Xbox live arcade on August 1st 2012, Deadlight is a 2d side-scrolling survival horror cinematic platformer for Xbox Live Arcade developed by Tequila Works.

(..takes deep breath…)
Plot:
Virus outbreak reanimates the dead, decimation of society, Randall Wayne (you) searches for his family.  Walking Dead meets Limbo.

Positive critic reviews focused on the horrific and compelling story-line and challenging puzzle game play.  Negatives include issues around game controls, brevity and voice acting.  Opinion is polarized as to the game environment, impressive vs. bland and the plot, compelling vs pointless.  The game managed to score a decidedly average 69% from 52 critic reviews on Metacritic.

My 2 cents
In fairness to the developers, I’ve only managed to invest an hour in the game since launch day, which probably says more about the game than I’d like to admit.  I found the voice over script contrived, the game atmospherics failing to impress and then there is that overly familiar nod to the walking dead, the “shadows” responding to loud noises…please!!.

Alf The Helper: Yeah I noticed that too, they could have mixed it up, like the zombies responding to smell!
Elderly: Smell?
Alf The Helper: Yeah, like the zombies can pick up your smell if you’ve been sweating and stuff.
Elderly: What?
Alf The Helper: Yeah, like you’ve got to shower and brush your teeth, find cans of Lynx to put the Zombies of your trail..
Elderly: 8( …..oh sweet divine!!….where was I?

…..getting pummeled by “shadows” before I knew how to fight back, didn’t help either.  I do however intend to return and finish the game, at which stage I’ll update this little section…  without Alf!

Quote of the Bunch:
Deadlight draws you in with its rich, pervasive atmosphere, but doesn’t give you much to do once you’re there. -Gamespot

Reviews Summary:
The quality of content is amazing, psychotic storyline with fluid gameplay.
The full product is a disappointment to say the absolute least.
Probably the best downloadable title on the market right now.
Weirdly inconsistent 2D survival horror.
A breathtaking adventure, though the main campaign lasts only five or six hours.
It’s as mindless as the zombies it features.
All the style, substance, and gameplay you could want, with none of the originality you need
Without satisfying mechanics or narrative, there’s nothing pushing you forward towards Deadlight’s conclusion.
An incredibly slight experience, a single play-through comes in at under two hours.
Ruined by the lacking storyline and extremely short campaign.

Official Website

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