Genre: Sidescroller Platformer Survival Horror | Developer: Tequila Works | Release Date: 2012
Published by Microsoft Studios and Deep Silver, and released for Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. The game tells the story of Randall Wayne, a former park ranger who sets out to find his family in the aftermath of a zombie apocalypse.
Campaign:
Set in a devastated Seattle during 1986, Deadlight tells the story of Randall Wayne, a former park ranger on a desperate quest to reunite with his family in the wake of a zombie apocalypse. Traversing a hauntingly quiet city now overrun by the infected—referred to as “shadows”—Randall must navigate not only the hordes of undead but also a human threat in the form of the ruthless vigilante group known as The New Law.
What makes the campaign compelling isn’t just the danger, but the psychological unraveling of Randall himself. As he ventures deeper into the ruins of Seattle, flashbacks and memories begin to surface—hinting that not all is as it seems. Randall is a likable and sympathetic protagonist, and his gradual loss of certainty about his own past adds depth to an already interesting story. Supporting characters like Ben, Stella, and The Rat help flesh out the world, each adding moments of warmth or tension.
That said, the campaign is extremely linear. Despite the fascinating level design—abandoned streets, crumbling buildings, flooded sewers—there’s no real exploration or branching paths, and the lack of alternate routes or choices limits both replayability and immersion. While collectibles like diary entries, ID cards, and retro handheld minigames give some incentive to look around, the campaign would have truly thrived with more diverse routes and solutions.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Gameplay:
At its core, Deadlight is a cinematic 2.5D platformer with a strong emphasis on survival and traversal. Randall is well-equipped for movement—he can sprint, jump, climb, roll, push and pull objects, and navigate dangerous terrain with precision. The platforming is fluid, responsive, and often intense, especially when paired with the game's environmental hazards.
Combat exists, but it's designed to feel desperate and risky. You’ll find melee weapons and firearms throughout your journey, but stealth and speed are usually smarter than trying to go toe-to-toe with the shadows. Your stamina meter governs how long you can fight, hang, or sprint, and when it’s gone, you’re vulnerable. Add to that a limited health system (boosted only by finding rare upgrades or medkits), and suddenly every shadow encounter becomes a potential death sentence. Fighting more than a few at once? You’re probably going to die.
The game also includes simple environmental puzzles, but these usually have only one solution. Unfortunately, much like the campaign, the gameplay lacks variation in approach—you’re often funneled down a single path with a singular solution to each problem. The danger and death traps help keep the tension high, and dying feels like a lesson learned rather than a setback, but giving players multiple ways to navigate or solve puzzles would’ve elevated the gameplay even further. Still, for what it sets out to do—blend tension, action, and atmosphere—it nails the execution.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Production:
Visually, Deadlight is a grim and moody masterpiece. Bathed in shadows and silhouetted characters, the game leans hard into a minimalist style that still manages to convey incredible detail. From ruined homes to flooded sewers and crumbling overpasses, every backdrop helps tell the story of a world that’s lost. The silhouette aesthetic is striking—it may not be for everyone, but it enhances the atmosphere and focuses your attention on the environment.
The sound design is equally impressive. Creaking floors, distant screams, and the moans of the shadows build tension constantly. Voice acting is solid across the board, especially Stephen Hughes, who delivers a grounded and believable performance as Randall Wayne. The music is sparse but effective—ambient tones swell during key moments, helping to sell the emotional weight of Randall’s journey.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Final Verdict:
Deadlight may not offer much in terms of exploration or replayability, but what it does offer is a tight, atmospheric, and emotionally engaging experience. Its story is intriguing, its visuals are stunning, and its gameplay balances platforming, puzzle-solving, and danger in a way that keeps you constantly on edge. A few more choices or paths would have pushed it even higher, but what’s here is still excellent. Deadlight gets 4 out of 5
Comments
Post a Comment