Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Developer(s): Chair Entertainment, Epic Games
Player(s): Single Player
Genre: Action, Sidescroller
Release Date: August 19, 2009
Platform(s): Xbox Live Arcade
Rated: Teen
Price: 1200 Microsoft Points
Can you believe that Chair and Epic Games actually managed to create a 12 dollar arcade game for the 360 that could easily have passed as a full-priced title? Shadow Complex is a fine example of getting a big, big bang for your buck.
If you were a fan of classic adventure games like Super Metroid or the Castlevania: Symphony of the Night then you will have an utter blast with this game. The graphics are very well done and look just as good as any other game you’d play on the modern consoles yet it has been downgraded to a 2.5D playing field. This means that the gameplay is sidescrolling but the graphics are completely 3D rendered.
The story in Shadow Complex takes place during a backpacking trip where our protagonist Jason Flemming and his new girlfriend Claire come across some hidden caverns. Claire opts to explore the caves and is suddenly kidnapped by an unknown group of assailants, forcing Jason to navigate his way through the complex, find Claire and figure out who these people are and what they want.
Another thing that really makes Shadow Complex stand out from the rest of the games on the XBLA is that it lasts for quite a few hours and that is if you just dash through the story without collecting the hidden items and going off the beaten path. The game adds more replay value in trying to locate every hidden power-up in a way almost identical to how Metroid handled it’s power-up system.
Aside from the main story and hidden items the game also features a collection of challenge packs that will test your ability to play the game and how skillful you really are. These challenges include time trials, obstacle courses and a lot more.
The game also features a complete script written by comic book artist and Star Trek novelist Peter David complete with voice talent. Probably the most notable cast member would be the protagonist Jason who is played by Nolan North. For those of you who don’t know who Nolan North is, he is the man behind the voice of Nathan Drake in the highly successful Uncharted series.
The only really noticeable problems I saw were the occasional glitch that occurred at random but other then that the game is pretty much flawless. At only 1200 Microsoft Points this game is the definition of a steal. I highly doubt you will find any other game on the XBLA that features this much content with such a great presentation to boot.
Pros:
- Great sidescrolling gameplay
- A ton of content for a low price
- Great story and voice acting
Cons:
- Occasional glitches
