Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Shadow Complex sets a new bar for quality in an XBLA game.It's a side scrolling action game in the style of retro classics like Metroid and Castlevania, where exploration, hidden rooms, and power-ups all play large rolls as you progress through the game.But while the game is presented in 2 dimensions, the visuals are all beautifully rendered in 3D using the same Unreal engine seen in games like Mass Effect and Gears of War.The end result is a near perfect blend of both the old and new, and a game that feels both familiar and fresh at the same time.
Shadow Complex takes about 5-10 hours to complete, depending on how thorough you're going to be exploring the game and searching for power-ups, and is purely a single player experience.While I might usually find that a bit on the short side for a retail game, for a $15 arcade game it's just about right.Shadow Complex is easily one of my top 5 games on XBLA.I would recommend this game to just about anyone.
Update: After spending a bit more time in this game, I thought I'd expand a bit on my initial review.A lot of people have called this a "Metroid-vania" game, but really it's just Metroid.The game borrows heavily from Super Metroid, and there are more than a few weapons and power-ups that have direct analogs in the SNES classic.I don't really consider that a bad thing though.As the saying goes, if you're going to steal, steal from the best.And while Shadow Complex may not really expand on the formula laid out in Super Metroid, it refines it and polishes it to near perfection.Simply put, if you liked Super Metroid, you'll love Shadow Complex.
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Shadow ComplexProduct Description: From blockbuster developers Epic Games and Chair Entertainment comes the next evolution in Xbox LIVE Arcade games. Powered by the industry-leading Unreal Engine 3,
Shadow Complex is the height of single player old-school action side-scrolling design combined with the modern action of cutting-edge 3D gameplay. Originally only available only as a download through Xbox LIVE Arcade using Microsoft Points,
Shadow Complex can now be yours via online game code, which can instantly be redeemed by anyone. Players will still need both an Xbox 360 console connected to broadband Internet and an Xbox LIVE Silver or Gold account for game download and play.
Story Containing a story written by noted comic book author Peter David, and set in the world of well-known science fiction author, Orson Scott Card's novel, "Empire",
Shadow Complex is the story of Jason Fleming and his girlfriend Claire. While camping in the wilderness, Claire sets off to explore a nearby cavern and unwittingly stumbles upon a shocking surprise: an underground and heavily militarized base of a mysterious group known as the Progressive Restoration. Taken prisoner by representatives of the organization she is dragged into the bowls of a mountain, which soon incites the worried Jason to come searching for her. But what he finds is more than he ever could have bargained for. Facing a host of enemies utilizing advance technology, he uses his ever growing experience under pressure and every tool, weapon or gizmo that he possess or procures not only to find Claire, but also determine the truth behind the true aims of the Progressive Restoration.
Reveal the threat of the Progressive Restoration as Jason Fleming.
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Gameplay Gameplay in
Shadow Complex is centered around single playerexploration of, and combat throughout the Progressive Restoration'scomplex, and eventually into the larger world surrounding it. Playingas Jason Fleming, action unfolds primarily via a traditional side-scrollinggame mechanic, with environments, characters and action rendered ina mix of 2D and 3D, with camera angle changes adding extra perspectives.Filled with increasingly challenging, fast-paced combat players mustgather game-altering power-ups and accumulate an arsenal of futuristicweapons which are imperative to overcoming obstacles and thwartinglegions of enemies-both human and mech. The game world of
ShadowComplex contains a significant level of open-world characteristics,allowing players to explore and choose how they will solve the problemsand defeat enemies. Successes in these matters earns players experiencepoints which can be used to upgrade abilities, health, weapons, ammunitionand the game's powerful mechanized armor. The game also contains challengelevels, known as proving grounds, in which players take on specificchallenges using specific weapons and abilities. Success in challengesare ranked and viewable on leaderboards on Xbox LIVE, along with otherstats accumulated in the main campaign.
Key Game Features
Original Game - This completely original game features full 3D side-scrollingaction. The incredible Next-Gen graphics and robust physics combinewith an open, evolving world design mixed with an awesome, compellingaction-thriller story.
Powerups - Seek out 17 unique game altering powerups,with more than 100 additional items and modifiers to discoverand use.
Bad Guys - Fight against a large variety of enemies and experience massive, jaw-dropping boss battles.
Pick Up and Play - The super-tight controls are simple and intuitive, but also allow advanced players additional depth and precision.
Award Winning Talent - Developed by Chair Entertainment, creators of OXM's Downloadable Game of the Year, Undertow, and produced by Epic Games, creators of Gears of War.
Noted Scriptwriter - Shadow Complex features a script written by Peter David, one of the most popular comic book writers of all time. It's the first game to be set in the Chair's Empire universe and is based upon the best-selling novel by Orson Scott Card.
Gameplay Variety - Players experience superior gameplay variety via multiple difficulty settings, competitive leaderboards, challenge levels, clever achievements and bonus objectives.
Additional Screenshots:
3D action in a side-scroller.
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