Shadow Complex review (Xbox 360) By Sayed Islam Published: 09/30/09 PrintEmail
When Shadow Complex was initially announced, its inspiration was clearly the Metriod franchise from the Nintendo and Super Nintendo days. This is a two dimensional platform game that is just simply not seen everyday. The storyline revolves around a protagonist known as Jason Flemming, and unsurprisingly his girlfriend gets captured. Redundant as the narrative may seem, it takes a backseat to the real meat and potatoes: the gameplay.
The gameplay boils down into three aspects: exploration, combat, and retrieving. Flemming’s most useful tool (other that his wits) is his trusty flashlight. Speaking of your flashlight, you can utilize the flashlight to illuminate key parts of the environment. If you ever are completely unsure about what to do next, then turn on the flashlight to see a feasible passageway nearby. If you are ever lost, then just follow the blue line on the map to guide you. What is particularly special about Shadow Complex is that there are multiple ways to get from one location to the next. Since the game never coerces you into playing in one specific way, it offers plenty of reasons to go back and play through it again. The one caveat to this is the fact you will be playing in three dimensions in some situational settings, and it can be cumbersome attacking those enemies who are in a different plane. There is a prototypical assortment of weapons from grenades to machineguns; nevertheless, the most eccentric might be the foam gun. The foam gun is a bizarre yet resourceful weapon because it works in two distinct ways. For example, the foam gun shoots out a stream of blue ammunition that can potentially be used to create platforms to walk or run on. Furthermore, the foam gun can be fired to freeze adversaries dead in their tracks. One quick hint is to freeze a foe and then unleash grenades for an instant kill. To go along with the single player story campaign, there is a mini game dubbed the title Proving Grounds. In addition, the Proving Grounds section teaches you the basics with its tutorial and prepares you for various situations. It also works like a mode that enables you to complete various mission challenges. Moreover, there are also some leaderboards to accentuate the scores of the highest players.
There are a few flaws with the visuals, but they are astonishing for the most part. Clipping becomes a problem when traversing through certain environments.
Without question, the audio is a big plus of the game. From the voice acting to the sound effects, it is a treat to hear. When those grenades explode, you can sense the satisfaction as your opponents crumble before your eyes.
Overall, Shadow Complex is joy to play. Looking at its unique blend of exploration and combat, Shadow Complex is a game that is entertaining with its shadowy complexity.
Art Direction 9 There are a few flaws with the visuals, but they are astonishing for the most part. Clipping becomes a problem when traversing through certain environments. Audio 10 Without question, the audio is a big plus of the game. From the voice acting to the sound effects, it is a treat to hear. When those grenades explode, you can sense the satisfaction as your opponents crumble before your eyes. Gameplay 9 Shadow Complex is joy to play. Looking at its unique blend of exploration and combat, Shadow Complex is a game that is entertaining with its shadowy complexity. Presentation 8 It would have been interesting to witness a better story, but it was a solid attempt to create something enjoyable. Replay value 10 Between the leaderboards and the mini games, there is so much to do in Shadow Complex that it is unreal. Final verdict 9.1 out 10
When Shadow Complex was initially announced, its inspiration was clearly the Metriod franchise from the Nintendo and Super Nintendo days. This is a two dimensional platform game that is just simply not seen everyday. The storyline revolves around a protagonist known as Jason Flemming, and unsurprisingly his girlfriend gets captured. Redundant as the narrative may seem, it takes a backseat to the real meat and potatoes: the gameplay.
