After Dusk (XBLIG): "A Pixelated Sci-fi/Horror Survival Platformer"

Nowadays you will notice a lot of copies when it comes to new games, or even movies. This was not the case with 'After Dusk'. I was greatly impressed by Rickettz Studio's (aka, Angel Of Osmond's) new XBLIG title 'After Dusk'. The gameplay which revolves around the absence/lack of light, is presented in a totally new way. I have never seen a platformer use the pixelated darkness the way Rickettz Studios has. The game's pixelated design also seems unique to other indie platformers I have reviewed. The story/plot of 'After Dusk' is epic, and not overwhelming. Rickettz Studios did an excellent job in every aspect of this game.

After Dusk follows a space salvager/captain named Jacob (or whatever name you choose), and his partner Claire as they investigate the strange happenings on the Century Space Station. I would say the game is a mixture of 'Doom', and 'Resident Evil' if I had to compare it to any game, or movie. Once Jacob is aboard the space station he realizes in more ways than one that he may have gotten himself into more trouble than he bargained for. As the game begins things begin falling apart for Captain Jacob as he finds himself stranded in the darkness of Century Space Station. Captain Jacob (The Gamer) must find out what is going on through terminal contact with Claire, and other civilians that are hidden throughout the space station's maze. Along the way you'll encounter strange creatures, and the former inhabitants of the Space Station Century. The only thing you have going for you are is a blaster/gun, and a limited supply of light that can be refueled. You'll also find power-ups, better weapons, and even upgrades. Utilizing your tools in an effective way will be your only hope for survivng this plague of darkness, and making it out of the dire situation you find yourself in.


Gameplay in 'After Dusk' is an entirely unique experience. You'll find that when you start a new game Jacob will be surrounded by darkness, except for the small amount of light directly around him. This pixelated darkness can be combated by finding switches/terminals that turn on lights for an area, or by collecting light power-ups. The terminals are also necessary for unlocking doors, and areas throughout the space station. You'll do a lot of backtracking through certain areas in order to progress further into the game. As you make your way through the different areas you will collect bolts that are used for armor upgrades, and credits (that look like IDs) which will allow you to purchase health, and ammo refills. There are save areas located throughout the game so you don't have to start from the beginning every time. Captain Jacob does have a limited amount of life in the game, so you'll find that killing enemies carefully is very necessary.

Controls in 'After Dusk' are kept rather simple, and compliment the game nicely. You can use the 'D.Pad', or 'Left Thumbstick' for movement. I actually found the 'D.Pad' to be a much better choice, and it also gave the game a more retro feel. The 'X' button in the game is used to fire your currently selected weapon. You can switch between weapons as you earn them using the 'Left/Right Bumper'. You'll find that the new weapons you obtain will have a limited amount of ammo that can be refilled a terminals with the red gun logo. Opening doors, or activating terminals throughout the game will require the use of the 'Y' button. The 'Y' button is also used for communication with other characters in the game. Since the game is a platformer jumping is also required. To jump you will use the 'A' button. In the game you can move the small amount of light surrounding Jacob to see areas hidden in darkness (Right Thumbstick). This is very helpful in areas where the light source is less. If you find yourself running out of light you can fire your weapons which will also give off a brief burst of light. I found this to be quite usefel towards the end of the game.

As I mentioned at the beginning of this review, 'After Dusk' is a totally unique experience with a very good plot. It even features a plot twist, and two different endings based on a decision you make at the end of the game. The game actually has decent replay value considering it contains unlockable medals, and a bonus when you start a 'new game' (depending on a choice you make). I really enjoyed playing through this game. I'm totally into the sci-fi/horror survival genre of games, and this game definitely delivers a quality experience in that area. The pixelated graphics give the game a cool retro feeling which you don't see often in this type of game. The game also features an amazing soundtrack that contains both eerie, and symphonic style music. I definitely love a game with a good soundtrack. I highly recommend this game to any horror/survival game fan out there. It's not often that you get to play something totally new in the horror/survival genre.