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Shadow Complex

May 03, 2016 10 years ago
Type Base game 2009 Genres AdventurePlatformPuzzleShooter Companies Microsoft Game Studios · Publisher · ChAIR Entertainment Group · Developer · Epic Games · Publisher Follow Log in to follow

Shadow Complex is presented in 2.5D format; the game world is fully three-dimensional, but the player can only move in two dimensions, simulating the environment of a classic side-scrolling video game. Enemies can, however, move in any direction, and auto-aim is utilized to allow the player to fire at nearby enemies or objects both inside and outside of the 2D plane. The player can use the right control stick to aim with a laser sight. Gameplay in Shadow Complex was inspired by Super Metroid and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. The gameplay takes many cues from Metroid: the player can move freely throughout the expansive game world, defeating enemies with a variety of weapons, and as they overcome challenges, they gain new abilities and weapons which allow them to reach new areas. The game rewards the player with experience points as they complete objectives and defeat enemies. The player can gain experience levels, each level boosting basic attributes of the character. These experience levels grant the player skills such as improved gunfire precision or damage resistance. Special rewards such as revealing the full map and unlimited special ammo are granted at specific levels. When the player starts a new game, they will lose all the weapons and items that they have acquired, but will keep the character's experience level and any benefits they have already received from that experience. In addition to the main campaign, a number of challenge levels, called "Proving Grounds", are available, generally requiring the player to make it to the exit of a room using a limited set of items and health. Players are ranked based on time of completion and any scoring objectives when they complete the level. Scores and other statistics from the main campaign and the training group are tracked via online leaderboards. A remastered version and port was announced during the 215 Game Awards, to be released for PS4, Xbox One, PC.

What it’s like

Shadow Complex delivers a potent, nostalgic homage to the golden age of Metroidvania games, reimagined through a modern 2.5D lens. The core experience is defined by seamless exploration and fluid combat within an expansive, non-linear world where every new ability unlocks previously inaccessible regions. Gameplay centers on fast-paced run-and-gun mechanics enhanced by auto-aim, allowing players to engage enemies in three-dimensional space while maintaining the tight control of a side-scroller. Progression is deeply satisfying, rewarding curiosity with a robust arsenal of futuristic weapons and character upgrades that fundamentally alter how you interact with the environment. The structure encourages sequence breaking and speedrunning, supported by challenging 'Proving Grounds' that test mastery over time. While the narrative serves primarily as a vehicle for action, the atmosphere is bolstered by polished visuals and a cohesive sci-fi aesthetic, creating an adrenaline-fueled adventure that prioritizes mechanical purity and exploration over complex storytelling.

Strong in Exploration / WorldGameplay / MechanicsProgression / ReplayabilityCombatPacingPolish / PerformanceVisuals / Art

Keep in mind The narrative is generic and functional, offering little depth beyond setting up the action; players seeking rich lore or emotional engagement will find it lacking. · Character development is minimal, with protagonists serving more as avatars for gameplay than fully realized personalities.

AI-generated from catalog data, informed by reviews from gamesradar.com, ign.com, metacritic.com, reddit.com, en.wikipedia.org.

Screenshots

Releases

PlatformRegionTypeDate
Xbox 360 Worldwide Full release Aug 19, 200917 years ago
PC (Microsoft Windows) Worldwide Full release Dec 03, 201511 years ago
Xbox One Worldwide Full release Mar 16, 201610 years ago
PlayStation 4 Worldwide Full release May 03, 201610 years ago

Reviews

85Critics · 4 85Players · 54

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