Home Login Sign Up Forums News Articles Leaderboards Members Search
Welcome! Sign up to remove the advertisements.

Deadlight - XBLA Game Review

Game Review | March 23, 2013 1:31 am
By AJ

Mmm, Tequila.


I haven't written a game review in a while, mainly because I have not played anything I thought worthy of one... Until now. This quick review is about the XBLA game Deadlight. I'll give you a quick synopsis of the game's story before I get into the technical details. I didn't know what to expect from the title of the game, but it's basically about a zombie apocalypse. You play as one character working his way through towns, sewers, buildings and other little puzzles trying to find his group of friends. I'll try not to give anything away in this review, but I apologize if I do.

The gameplay would resemble Limbo, almost exactly. You can move left and right, jump and interact with certain objects throughout the different settings. It's not very hard, but there are certain parts that require some perfect timing and quick movements. Some of the controls are weird, but nothing an average gamer couldn't pick up within 10 to 15 minutes. Although, if you're very familiar with a certain game's controller layout, in tense moments you may find yourself hitting buttons that do almost the opposite of what you wanted and that's a bad thing when zombies are around...


Be prepared to die. A lot.


This game isn't about killing zombies, like most zombie related games - it's about surviving. If you find yourself up against more than one zombie, you're probably going to die. You have to be smart and lure them off ledges, trap them in certain ways or pick them off one at time from a distance. There are a variety of weapons as well (only 4 I believe, if I'm remembering correctly). I'll let you discover these for yourself, some are more fun than others.

The game's art style is also very Limbo-esque. When it's dark, it's very 2D. You can hardly see anything in the background or foreground as you can see in the picture below. Most of the game is set in darker environments, this makes the game a little more challenging (unless you change the brightness/gamma). When it's very dark it's hard to see certain enemies or find objects you need to interact with to move on, but it's a lot of fun!


The gloomy, zombie-ridden environment.


When you do get outside and it's day, the game completely changes. The 2D environment turns 3D, but you're still limited to the exact same movements as stated previously. There's great detail all over and it's just fantastic to be in a bright setting after being in the dark for so long, check out the shot below to see what I'm talking about. There's a few different spots in the game that have an excellent reoccurring theme completely different from day or night, play it to find out!


We're outside, yay! Let's explore a bit.


There are a bunch of collectibles, but with the guide in the next paragraph they are no problem at all. Even if you do happen to miss one, you should be able to reload the last checkpoint and get whatever it was with no problem. If for some reason you miss one so badly a simple checkpoint restart won't allow you to get it you can always get it from the main menu. The game is 3 Acts and then within the Acts it's broken down into chapters, so from the chapter select you'll be able to get anything without a problem.

The collectibles range from I.D.'s from people that were either killed or turned in to zombies, diary pages written by the character you play as (these provide an interesting backstory if you're into that sort of thing, character upgrades, or fun little mini-games you can play (most of the mini-games are tied to achievements). Check out the picture below for one of the handhelds found in the game.


One of the bonus mini-games! Some are pretty fun.


This game is strictly single player, however, there are leaderboards for playtime and percentage completed, but they're completed fucked over by cheating assholes. The game takes about 4 hours to collect everything and finish completely and all the achievements can be obtained very easily by following this guide. It's an excellent guide made by Tyger7 over at x360a.


Overall I'd give this game an 8 out of 10.


The good: The atmosphere of the game is incredible, the puzzles are fun and not too aggravating, and the achievements are very simple (with the guide). Throughout the entire game I only got stuck once. I was overanalyzing a certain part to progress, it was much simpler than what I thought had to be done. Also, it's got 400 gamerscore and 30 achievements.

The bad: There's almost 0 replay value, unless you're into glitched leaderboards, speedrunning games and collecting everything and it's priced a little high. I'd suggest waiting until it's at least 800 msp. But, it's a must buy for any completionist. I was lucky enough to get it for 800 msp, but I would've been much more satisfied with only spending 400 msp.

Thanks for reading and if you're still unsure on whether or not you'd enjoy the game, give the demo a try!


(Source: Guide - x360a. Screenshots - Google.)
Rating: 8.0 of 10
Reviewed: Deadlight
Keywords: Deadlight, Deadlight XBLA, Game Review, Review; review

Options:
Archived: Article Discussion: Deadlight - XBLA Game Review

Posted Under: Articles
Re: Deadlight - XBLA Game Review
Xbox America Staff
Xbox America Staff

This is a staff member of Xbox America

Xbox America Friend
Xbox America Friend

This user has donated $1+ to Xbox America.

Xbox America Sponsor
Xbox America Sponsor

This user has donated $15+ to Xbox America.

Xbox America Benefactor
Xbox America Benefactor

This user has donated $50+ to Xbox America.

Burnt Waffle
Burnt Waffle

This user has achieved a gamerscore of 25,000 or higher.

Bronze Waffle
Bronze Waffle

This user has achieved a gamerscore of 50,000 or higher.

Silver Waffle
Silver Waffle

This user has achieved a gamerscore of 100,000 or higher.

Golden Waffle
Golden Waffle

This user has achieved a gamerscore of 150,000 or higher.

1,000 Posts
1,000 Posts

This user has written over 1,000 posts. Rock on!

Community Spotlight
Community Spotlight

This Xbox America member has been featured in the Monthly Community Spotlight.

360Voice Group
360Voice Group

This user is a member of Xbox America's group on 360Voice.com.

Waffle Philanthropist
Waffle Philanthropist

This user has donated three or more games to the Waffle Order thread.

Barterer
Barterer

This user has completed 3 or more game trades and is in good trading standing.

Ron Burgundy
Ron Burgundy

This user has written 10+ published Xbox America news articles.

Discussion Sparker
Discussion Sparker

This user created a thread which attracted 150 or more replies.

Brain Stormer
Brain Stormer

This user thought of an idea for a new site feature which was later implemented.

Marketer
Marketer

This user has referred five users to Xbox America.

Master Marketer
Master Marketer

This user has referred ten users to Xbox America.

Representin'
Representin'

This user has given Xbox America some love in his Xbox Live motto.

It Defines Me
It Defines Me

This user mentioned Xbox America in his Xbox Live biography.

Sociable
Sociable

This user introduced himself or herself in the Introduce Yourself forum.

Googler
Googler

This user used the Xbox America search bar.

Gamercard Lover
Gamercard Lover

This user has posted one of his or her official Xbox America gamercards on another website.

Community Player
Community Player

This gamer participated in Xbox America's Xbox.com Community Playdate.

Beta Tester
Beta Tester

This user has participated in a Xbox America beta test.

This sounds way better than I was thinking. I grabbed the demo when it first came out but forgot about it.

The visual style is great and the handheld minigames look awesome! Going to try ASAP.
Re: Deadlight - XBLA Game Review
Burnt Waffle
Burnt Waffle

This user has achieved a gamerscore of 25,000 or higher.

Bronze Waffle
Bronze Waffle

This user has achieved a gamerscore of 50,000 or higher.

Silver Waffle
Silver Waffle

This user has achieved a gamerscore of 100,000 or higher.

Golden Waffle
Golden Waffle

This user has achieved a gamerscore of 150,000 or higher.

1,000 Posts
1,000 Posts

This user has written over 1,000 posts. Rock on!

Community Spotlight
Community Spotlight

This Xbox America member has been featured in the Monthly Community Spotlight.

Sociable
Sociable

This user introduced himself or herself in the Introduce Yourself forum.

Googler
Googler

This user used the Xbox America search bar.

Wow. That gas station scene looks straight out of Alan Wake.

I salute you, sir. That was an excellent review and I am sold. I will promptly be purchasing this game as soon as my Internet service resumes. And I might even do it before then, I just really hate offline achievements.
Re: Deadlight - XBLA Game Review
Competition Pro
Competition Pro

This user has won three or more gamerscore competitions.

Xbox America Staff
Xbox America Staff

This is a staff member of Xbox America

Xbox America Friend
Xbox America Friend

This user has donated $1+ to Xbox America.

Xbox America Sponsor
Xbox America Sponsor

This user has donated $15+ to Xbox America.

Xbox America Benefactor
Xbox America Benefactor

This user has donated $50+ to Xbox America.

Burnt Waffle
Burnt Waffle

This user has achieved a gamerscore of 25,000 or higher.

Bronze Waffle
Bronze Waffle

This user has achieved a gamerscore of 50,000 or higher.

Silver Waffle
Silver Waffle

This user has achieved a gamerscore of 100,000 or higher.

Golden Waffle
Golden Waffle

This user has achieved a gamerscore of 150,000 or higher.

3 Year Login Streak
3 Year Login Streak

This user has logged in to Xbox America every day for the past three years.

1,000 Posts
1,000 Posts

This user has written over 1,000 posts. Rock on!

Head of State
Head of State

This user has one of the highest gamerscores in his or her region.

Community Spotlight
Community Spotlight

This Xbox America member has been featured in the Monthly Community Spotlight.

360Voice Group
360Voice Group

This user is a member of Xbox America's group on 360Voice.com.

Waffle Philanthropist
Waffle Philanthropist

This user has donated three or more games to the Waffle Order thread.

Barterer
Barterer

This user has completed 3 or more game trades and is in good trading standing.

Ron Burgundy
Ron Burgundy

This user has written 10+ published Xbox America news articles.

Discussion Sparker
Discussion Sparker

This user created a thread which attracted 150 or more replies.

Brain Stormer
Brain Stormer

This user thought of an idea for a new site feature which was later implemented.

Marketer
Marketer

This user has referred five users to Xbox America.

Representin'
Representin'

This user has given Xbox America some love in his Xbox Live motto.

It Defines Me
It Defines Me

This user mentioned Xbox America in his Xbox Live biography.

Sociable
Sociable

This user introduced himself or herself in the Introduce Yourself forum.

Googler
Googler

This user used the Xbox America search bar.

Gamercard Lover
Gamercard Lover

This user has posted one of his or her official Xbox America gamercards on another website.

It really is a well put together, fun game. The story was even pretty decent to go along with it.

I picked it up for 600 points (way back when) and definitely don't regret it. Nice review AJ.
Re: Deadlight - XBLA Game Review
Xbox America Friend
Xbox America Friend

This user has donated $1+ to Xbox America.

Xbox America Sponsor
Xbox America Sponsor

This user has donated $15+ to Xbox America.

Xbox America Benefactor
Xbox America Benefactor

This user has donated $50+ to Xbox America.

Burnt Waffle
Burnt Waffle

This user has achieved a gamerscore of 25,000 or higher.

Bronze Waffle
Bronze Waffle

This user has achieved a gamerscore of 50,000 or higher.

Silver Waffle
Silver Waffle

This user has achieved a gamerscore of 100,000 or higher.

Golden Waffle
Golden Waffle

This user has achieved a gamerscore of 150,000 or higher.

3 Year Login Streak
3 Year Login Streak

This user has logged in to Xbox America every day for the past three years.

1,000 Posts
1,000 Posts

This user has written over 1,000 posts. Rock on!

Head of State
Head of State

This user has one of the highest gamerscores in his or her region.

360Voice Group
360Voice Group

This user is a member of Xbox America's group on 360Voice.com.

Discussion Sparker
Discussion Sparker

This user created a thread which attracted 150 or more replies.

Marketer
Marketer

This user has referred five users to Xbox America.

Master Marketer
Master Marketer

This user has referred ten users to Xbox America.

Sociable
Sociable

This user introduced himself or herself in the Introduce Yourself forum.

Googler
Googler

This user used the Xbox America search bar.

Gamercard Lover
Gamercard Lover

This user has posted one of his or her official Xbox America gamercards on another website.

Reminds me that I need to go back and finish it
Re: Deadlight - XBLA Game Review
Competition Pro
Competition Pro

This user has won three or more gamerscore competitions.

Xbox America Staff
Xbox America Staff

This is a staff member of Xbox America

Xbox America Friend
Xbox America Friend

This user has donated $1+ to Xbox America.

Xbox America Sponsor
Xbox America Sponsor

This user has donated $15+ to Xbox America.

Xbox America Benefactor
Xbox America Benefactor

This user has donated $50+ to Xbox America.

Burnt Waffle
Burnt Waffle

This user has achieved a gamerscore of 25,000 or higher.

Bronze Waffle
Bronze Waffle

This user has achieved a gamerscore of 50,000 or higher.

Silver Waffle
Silver Waffle

This user has achieved a gamerscore of 100,000 or higher.

Golden Waffle
Golden Waffle

This user has achieved a gamerscore of 150,000 or higher.

3 Year Login Streak
3 Year Login Streak

This user has logged in to Xbox America every day for the past three years.

1,000 Posts
1,000 Posts

This user has written over 1,000 posts. Rock on!

Head of State
Head of State

This user has one of the highest gamerscores in his or her region.

Community Spotlight
Community Spotlight

This Xbox America member has been featured in the Monthly Community Spotlight.

360Voice Group
360Voice Group

This user is a member of Xbox America's group on 360Voice.com.

Waffle Philanthropist
Waffle Philanthropist

This user has donated three or more games to the Waffle Order thread.

Barterer
Barterer

This user has completed 3 or more game trades and is in good trading standing.

Ron Burgundy
Ron Burgundy

This user has written 10+ published Xbox America news articles.

Discussion Sparker
Discussion Sparker

This user created a thread which attracted 150 or more replies.

Brain Stormer
Brain Stormer

This user thought of an idea for a new site feature which was later implemented.

Marketer
Marketer

This user has referred five users to Xbox America.

Representin'
Representin'

This user has given Xbox America some love in his Xbox Live motto.

It Defines Me
It Defines Me

This user mentioned Xbox America in his Xbox Live biography.

Sociable
Sociable

This user introduced himself or herself in the Introduce Yourself forum.

Googler
Googler

This user used the Xbox America search bar.

Gamercard Lover
Gamercard Lover

This user has posted one of his or her official Xbox America gamercards on another website.

Thread necro.....

Deadlight is on sale until April 8 for 600 MSP. In case anyone was interested. To me definitely worth that price (I already have it).
Re: Deadlight - XBLA Game Review
Competition Pro
Competition Pro

This user has won three or more gamerscore competitions.

Xbox America Staff
Xbox America Staff

This is a staff member of Xbox America

Xbox America Friend
Xbox America Friend

This user has donated $1+ to Xbox America.

Burnt Waffle
Burnt Waffle

This user has achieved a gamerscore of 25,000 or higher.

Bronze Waffle
Bronze Waffle

This user has achieved a gamerscore of 50,000 or higher.

Silver Waffle
Silver Waffle

This user has achieved a gamerscore of 100,000 or higher.

Golden Waffle
Golden Waffle

This user has achieved a gamerscore of 150,000 or higher.

3 Year Login Streak
3 Year Login Streak

This user has logged in to Xbox America every day for the past three years.

1,000 Posts
1,000 Posts

This user has written over 1,000 posts. Rock on!

Community Spotlight
Community Spotlight

This Xbox America member has been featured in the Monthly Community Spotlight.

360Voice Group
360Voice Group

This user is a member of Xbox America's group on 360Voice.com.

Waffle Philanthropist
Waffle Philanthropist

This user has donated three or more games to the Waffle Order thread.

Barterer
Barterer

This user has completed 3 or more game trades and is in good trading standing.

Ron Burgundy
Ron Burgundy

This user has written 10+ published Xbox America news articles.

Discussion Sparker
Discussion Sparker

This user created a thread which attracted 150 or more replies.

Brain Stormer
Brain Stormer

This user thought of an idea for a new site feature which was later implemented.

Marketer
Marketer

This user has referred five users to Xbox America.

Master Marketer
Master Marketer

This user has referred ten users to Xbox America.

Sociable
Sociable

This user introduced himself or herself in the Introduce Yourself forum.

Googler
Googler

This user used the Xbox America search bar.

Gamercard Lover
Gamercard Lover

This user has posted one of his or her official Xbox America gamercards on another website.

Community Player
Community Player

This gamer participated in Xbox America's Xbox.com Community Playdate.

Miscellaneous Service
Miscellaneous Service

This user has performed some sort of miscellaneous service for Xbox America that deserves to be recognized.

Wow, 600 is a steal!
1 17155
This thread has been archived. When a thread has been inactive for an extended period of time, it becomes "archived." These threads may be viewed but may not receive new posts. If you have something to post relevant to the topic, try searching for a more recent thread or create a new thread.