Deadlight is a 2012 sidescrolling cinematic platforming survival horror video game developed by Tequila Works, published by Microsoft Studios and Deep Silver, released for Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Microsoft Windows.  When a zombie apocalypse hits Seattle, Washington, a man named Randal Wayne searches for his wife and child amongst the chaos.

Campaign:  Set in Seattle in 1986, 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. Wayne must attempt to traverse Seattle to get to the “safe zone”, where he believes his family will be waiting. On the way however, he must avoid both zombie hordes, and a group of vigilantes known as the “New Law”. As he travels across the city, he begins to question his memory of the events during the early stages of the outbreak.  Wayne is a pretty likable character and someone you can definitely root for.  The story gradually unfolds about his past through memory flashbacks.  The story is pretty interesting and it does have its share of twist and turns.  I do like the characters such as Ben, Stella, and the Rat.  The campaign is pretty damn linear and it sucks that despite the interesting level designs there are no branching paths. (4 out of 5)

Gameplay: The gameplay is solid in terms of platforming and combat is fluid enough to be fun.  The controls are good with Wayne being able to sprint, crouch, roll, jump, climb, hang, push and pull certain objects. Wayne has a health gauge that can be replenished using first aid kits and a stamina meter that refills over time.  Sprinting, melee combat, and hanging from objects depletes the stamina meter.  Both the health gauge and stamina meter can be increased by power ups.  There are some puzzle solving bits during the platforming but they’re pretty simple.  Combat is good but its better to use stealth and speed to avoid the infected as the player can die in a couple of hits.  The zombies or “shadows” are all a threat.  If you’re being overrun by three or four you can kiss your ass goodbye.  The environment reminded me that it was as big a threat with all the times I witnessed my character fall to their death, get crushed, impaled, electrocuted, or even gunned down by a helicopter. Weapons can be acquired throughout gameplay progression and for varying effects. (5 out of 5)

Graphics: Visually a dark and grim yet well detailed game.  The level designs are to be commended and the backdrops do a fantastic job of conveying the aftermath of a viral outbreak.  Another interesting bit is that the player and other characters are bathed in silhouettes.  Some might find this a bad thing but I personally think its great as it emphasizes the level design and unique look. (5 out of 5)

Score/Music: The voice performances are solid. Stephen Hughes was great as the main protagonist, Randal Wayne.  The music and sound design are great, featuring a good production value. (3 out of 5)

Replay Value: One of the biggest pitfalls of the gameplay is the replayability.  The level designs are great but lack exploration or multiple paths.  If we’re traveling through a building there should be several ways of getting out.  Even when it comes to the puzzles and situations there is only one way to approach or complete the situation.  The game would’ve benefited greatly had there been three or four solutions for each problem or branching paths for every area which could’ve introduced more characters.  There are a good bit of hidden collectible items; entries from the player’s diary, personal belongings from other people, identification cards, and even three fully playable 80s-style handheld video games. (3 out of 5)

The Verdict:  In the end, Deadlight is a pretty good damn game.  It manages to tell a good story while being unique in its style and presentation.  A lack of exploration and replayability hold this game back.  However, it does feature great gameplay, a good story, good sound direction, and fantastic graphics.  Deadlight gets 4 out of 5.