Shadow Complex (Review)

[Slidell]

SHADOW COMPLEX REVIEW

 

http://epicgames.com/images/shadowcomplex_logo_art.jpg

 

Scoring

 

Graphics: 5/5. When you look at Shadow Complex it's hard to believe it's an Arcade Game. The Unreal Engine works perfectly for this game, and makes it look spectacular. Easily the best looking XBLA Game out there.

 

Story: 3/5. Shadow Complex seems to have an interesting Back Story(There's a book that it's based off of.); at least according to the cutscenes; but they definitely don't explain it enough in game. That's something Chair should focus on for a sequel/new DLC.

 

Gameplay: 5/5. The blend of Side Scrolling Legends Metroid and Castlevania is absolutely brilliant. Shadow Complex runs smoothly, allowing a user to seamlessly switch from his fists to his guns. The platforming is also well done.

 

Value [Depth of the Game:] 5/5. Shadow Complex is easily the deepest XBLA Game out there. While it does end a little too soon, the game leaves you with tons of replayability, challenging Players to complete Training Ground Missions and to find Hidden Items.

 

Learning Curve: 3/5. (Moderate) The Learning Curve for this game is average. At first aiming can be frustrating but once you get that down there's nothing to really worry about.

 

Music: 4/5.I'm listing to the main menu music now,the only problem I have with it is that in the game the music isn't there enough,it's epic other than that.

(As you can tell if my only complaint is that there's to little.)

 

Quick summery,The puzzels are hard but never frustrating. Bosses range from huge ships,walker's remnant of Star Wars,Mechs,to guys in big battle suits,and even huge robot spiders and flying saw wheels.

 

Once you get the controls down you'll laugh in the face of the weaker enemy's,and at the end mechs won't even be to difficult.

 

So,if you have 1200 MS points,or 15 real human dollars,and consider yourself a gamer,you need this,if your not convinced get the free trial.

 

Weapon add on's range from missle launchers to a foam gun that can be used to stick enemy's in place or to create platforms.

 

Review

 

Shadow Complex, by Chair Entertainment, thrusts you straight into the shoes of Jason Flemming, a trained soldier who goes on a Hiking Trip with his girlfriend Clair. While exploring a Cave Claire is kidnapped and taken to a giant Mercenary Base, known as the "Shadow Complex," and it's Jason's obligation to save her.For the most part, Shadow Complex controls very well. It uses an innovative aiming reticule System never before seen in a Side Scrolling Shooter. Jason can shoot in all 360 degrees, instead of just forward and back, which allows you to get enemies at angles you can't reach. At times aiming can be frustrating, maybe a bit wonky, but as you level up you get a steadier grip with your gun, and of course you learn to aim better. The rest of the game flows well too. Jason can jump high, leap from wall to wall, climb over obstacles, and crawl through tight spaces. This enables players to maneuver their way through the Complex in many different ways. Players also have the ability to stealth kill enemies from behind and take them out in simulated fight scenes. A good punch to an enemies face is always satisfying, especially when they tumble off a ledge directly after.

 

This title also requires players to do a lot of exploring. Using Jason's platforming talents and his great offensive abilities, players will be able to find secret passageways in the Complex that lead to secret items, which can unlock you achievements, gamer pictures, new levels, and tons of other good stuff. Collecting items also boosts your Rank on the Campaign Leaderboard and adds more points to your total score. It is advised that you participate in as much exploration as possible. Not only is it fun, but it's also rewarding. Trying to find every single item in the game leads to tons of replay Value for Players.

 

To hone your skills, you can go to the Training Grounds. These challenging Simulations require Players to use their basic Shadow Complex skills to advance through certain obstacles. Doing it in a fast time is more rewarding, and will help your Leaderboard rank.

 

Shadow Complex sets itself up with a good backstory. The cutscenes explain a lot about the Base Jason is exploring and what the people who work there intend to do (something about forming an Empire and taking over the world.) However, the game doesn't tell enough of the actual story in-game. You spend a lot of time exploring the Complex, but during very little of that time do you discover more about the game's storyline.

 

Visually, Shadow Complex is a work of art. Using the acclaimed Unreal Engine to it's advantage, SC has managed to make itself the best looking Xbox Live Arcade Game out there. Sometimes when you play you find it hard to believe it's an Arcade Title, due to the brilliant 3d graphics. Chair made an excellent move by partnering up with Epic to deliver such a visually appealing game.

 

As stated far above, the Music in Shadow Complex, didn't capture my interest. There wasn't enough of it to remember, and in my opinion, it didn't make a big presence in the game. Maybe I was so entranced in solving puzzles that I forgot what I was listening too. All I know is that Shadow Complex's Score wasn't as memorable to me as I wished.

 

Overall, SC is a great sidescroller. Tons of great gunplay and fist fights, tied in with brilliant Puzzle Solving, Exploring and Platforming. The graphics are stunning and the game is rewarding, boasting plenty of replay value. If you fancy yourself a long lasting Arcade Title then SC is definitely worth the Purchase.