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 old-school side-scrolling design combined with modern, cutting-edge gameplay.

In Shadow Complex, gameplay is centered on exploration and fast-paced combat as you gather game-altering power-ups and an arsenal of futuristic weapons to overcome obstacles, thwart legions of enemies, and delve into a mysterious open game world. The original single-player adventure is set in a compelling universe based upon the best-selling novel, Empire, by Orson Scott Card.


Gameplay

The gameplay of Shadow Complex mirrors one of the best classic games Super Metroid and it also adds much to the table by adding some 3D action to the already great 2.5D action. You run your character side to side like most 2D platform games, but all of the levels and the characters are made in 3D. You can fire from side to side but also away from your character to hit targets with your various weapons.

You start the game out playing an agent with fully powered armor and loaded to bear with weapons but that only lasts a few minutes while the games story unfolds and you learn some key details. After that you meet two of the key characters you will play and deal with. Starting out with a flash light and soon finding a backpack you will begin to explore the complex. Soon finding weapons like a pistol you will sneak and fight your way through hallways, rooms and vents trying to survive.

There are doors and vent covers which can only be opened by certain weapons such as guns, foam, missiles and the like. You will find these all over the place and as you play the game you will find many doors and vents you cannot open. Do not worry about the need to back track all of the time as you will come across these several times as you travel all over the complex during your normal missions.

There are several nice gameplay elements such as hanging off of ledges and firing your weapon, the use of the flashlight to tell what weapon will damage or blow open doors and vents, sneaking around if you want or just go in guns blazing and many weapons from rockets, grenades, rifles and pistols.


Graphics and Audio

Graphically this is one awesome looking downloadable game which utilizes the latest Unreal Engine to power it. The water, lighting, animation and well everything else is done very well with no frame rate drops or texture seams. Beyond some clipping issues during a couple of the early cut-scenes there is really not much to complain about graphically.

Audio wise, the game shines with some strong voice acting which is well written. All of the sound effects and music are also top notch and add much to the game. While the overall audio is not the best we have heard for a downloadable arcade title it is very impressive.


Value

If you play the game and strive to hit the 100 percent mark for collections, weapons, armor and everything else you will put in a lot of time, certainly 10 hours or more depending on your skill level, but you can beat the game on easy in around 4 hours but it is always fun to go off and search for what you missed and to continue exploring the map.


Bottom Line

While the classic Metroid gameplay might not appeal to a few gamers, this new 2.5D graphic twist with some excellent new gameplay choices we have an instant classic. If the 1200 MS point price scares you or even turns you off don’t let it, this is worth every penny and more.