Why Deadlight Is Still One of the Best “Small” Apocalypse Games in 2025

What if survival didn’t mean fighting back—but simply staying alive?
In a world of massive open-world zombie games, Deadlight feels like a quiet echo from another era—a short, cinematic platformer about fear, solitude, and atmosphere.

Originally released in 2012 by Tequila Works and Microsoft Studios, Deadlight blends 2.5D side-scrolling with gritty, film noir visuals and minimalist storytelling. You play as Randall Wayne, a survivor navigating the ruins of 1980s Seattle after a zombie outbreak. It’s not about power—it's about endurance.

In this video, we revisit Deadlight in 2025 to see why this forgotten gem still holds up—especially on the Steam Deck. From its tight pacing to its haunting atmosphere, this game proves that not every apocalypse needs to be open world. Sometimes, all you need is a flashlight, a rooftop, and the will to survive.

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – What if survival wasn’t about fighting back?
00:45 – Deadlight’s premise and atmosphere
01:40 – Gameplay: movement, puzzles, and tension
03:00 – Combat and survival mechanics
04:10 – Visual style and cinematic flow
05:10 – How it compares to Limbo and Inside
06:00 – Steam Deck performance and portability
07:20 – Why Deadlight still holds up in 2025
08:10 – Final thoughts & next games to cover

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