Excited doesn't quite cover it.
Anyway, this post concerns the two games I've recently been playing thanks to this "More with Gold" offer that Microsoft has going. They are Deadlight by Tequila Works and Dust: an Elysian Tail created almost solely by Dean Dodrill. Both are 2D platformers but otherwise couldn't be more different. Aside from the fact that they are both fun and both several years old. (These reviews of mine are out of date, but I get the feeling that like me, many of you might have missed these gems as well)
Let's begin with Deadlight. This 2D survival platformer is set in a post-apocalyptic Seattle. Shadows (read: zombies) run amok in this grizzly setting and constantly chase after you as you jump, leap, grab, and puzzle your way from one dazzling level to the next. Tequila Works definitely went the realistic route with their artwork which makes clambering over damaged vehicles, through eerily empty houses, or crumbling buildings all the more exciting.
The story suits the setting and is not one for the kiddos. Art stills with limited animation serve as the primary method of filling in the gaps between levels and they range from the brutal to the downright depressing. If you are a fan of The Walking Dead or post-apocalyptic zombie tales in general then you will not be disappointed. This game tends to focus not just on telling a gruesome story but in detailing how someone might survive under these conditions. I found the level of detail to be slightly wanting overall but far more than I would have expected from a 2D platformer.
But is it fun? A capital YES is there. Admittedly, it did take me a little time to become accustomed to the controls but once I did, I was jumping across rooftops, shooting the heads off of Shadows, and smashing through doors like a pro. I did find myself occasionally frustrated when trying to stand underneath a ledge or object and jumping up to grab it. It seems you have to be standing in the exact right spot or you might end up leaping from your position of safety or even further out of position. Those moments were scarce however and I found the entire experience to be enjoyable on the 360's controller.
Do not expect the puzzles themselves to be all that difficult. That said, there are definitely some moments that take quite a bit of trial an error. I died quite a few times in areas where you have to execute a string of maneuvers in order to effectively dodge the shadows, escape an environmental condition, and move on to the next area all at once. Thankfully this game comes with an excellent auto-save system that seems to know where the difficult moments will be. I rarely lost any significant gameplay due to a poorly timed jump or getting overwhelmed by Shadows.
Overall, this is a solid game. Its shooter elements are fun once you become accustomed to the control scheme but its strength is in the sometimes frantic platforming elements that can be tricky but rewarding to complete. If you missed this game, the time to rectify that mistake is now. You won't be disappointed.
Dust: an Elysian Tail is an entirely different can of beans.
The biggest similarity between these two games is that there is more to them than meets the eye. You would expect either to be a fun but relatively straightforward experience. This is not the case. Particularly with Dust. This game has RPG elements including a leveling system, extensive (for the genre, anyway) conversation options with certain NPC's, and long, full levels that require multiple trips to experience everything they have to offer. Couple that depth with an easy to pickup and incredibly fun and remarkably responsive combat system and you can be certain that you'll have plenty of hours of fun with this title. Also, it is beautiful.
The story is solid and definitely more than I expected. A lot more. There are moments of levity between Dust and his little flying companion but they are smothered by the deep story concepts of the central lot that deal with identity, death, war, and societal concerns. It is difficult for me to believe that aside from the music and a trace element here or there, this game was designed and created by one man. There is just so much to it and the combat really is as fun as I'm trying to explain.
You build up combos by hitting enemies - which happens incredibly fast if you use the whirling special attacks in unison with your companion's magic - and lose the combo bonus if you get hit by enemies. It sounds simple and plays simple but that in no way takes away from the fun. In fact, even as a gamer who plays more the story than the gameplay usually, I found the high-flying combat to be a welcome contrast to the at times pensive dialog and deep plot elements.
As a platformer, it is pretty straightforward. You have to jump just right from one spot to the next or hop down from one ledge to another but there is nothing special here. Really, the environment is best served as a tool to use in combat to help you gather up your foes and achieve higher combos to increase your XP and gold rewards.
Again, if you missed this one like you might have missed Dead Light then stop reading my blog and go play it. By no means will it be the best game you've ever played but you should find it a satisfying and even rewarding experience.
With that, I have more games to play and I'm sure you do as well. Still, if you find the time, please subscribe to my blog here for industry updates, game reviews, and posts about Bio's Remnant Gaming as we finally start to get our games out there. You can also find me at twitter @MAWeeden and can drop me a line at the_last_penfighter@hotmail.com
~Matt
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