DEADLIGHT, the upcoming Xbox LIVE Arcade title from developer Tequila Works, sees protagonist Randall Wayne desperate to both survive the zombie apocalypse and find his missing family. The game combines entertaining gameplay and dreary art design that seems inspired by fantastic releases such as LIMBO, with true survival horror elements that challenge you to narrowly escape every encounter with the undead (with limited health, weapons and ammunition to assist you in combat). Supported by a great storyline full of diverse characters, strong voice acting and an excellent score, DEADLIGHT is the best Summer of Arcade title this year.

Randall Wayne is a lone survivor, crossing 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 tremendously isolated feeling as you progress, with only zombies to keep you company. The few survivors you do meet may make you wish you hadn't crossed paths, since many don't get along with strangers. DEADLIGHT will not only test your gaming prowess, but you'll really begin questioning moral decisions as you make your way and eventually find out how this whole mess got started, and just what happened to Randall's family.

The 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 play 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 face them head-on. It's a fun concept that never gets too repetitive and makes DEADLIGHT one of the more unique titles available on Xbox LIVE Arcade.

One thing you'll quickly learn, is DEADLIGHT’s controls aren't as responsive as other titles. It takes some time getting used to, but 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 presented. This isn't a happy world, and the developer wants you to be afraid. DEADLIGHT is told through reading Randall Wayne's journal and watching comic scenes play out before your eyes. This style works well, and the game's soundtrack brings the total package together to create a fully immersive experience.

DEADLIGHT is an excellent play, and well worth the 1200 Microsoft Points it will cost to download. Few games deliver such a fun experience, and despite its relatively short length and sometimes awkward controls, you'll love it. It combines addictive platforming and survival horror elements with a riveting narrative that few Xbox LIVE Arcade titles have produced. DEADLIGHT doesn't produce so many action packed sequences, as it does dramatic situations you’ll 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 out exclusively for Xbox LIVE Arcade on August 1, 2012 and can be purchased for 1200 Microsoft Points. For more, head to its official site.

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