Shadow Complex has been on the lips of every gaming media outlet known to man.  So, quite naturally it is on ours as well.  I’m am still jonsing to pick up the controller again and run amuck within the complex.  I’ve already made it quite obvious that more of these types of games should make their way to XBLA and PSN.  So here’s what I’ve thought on the latest gem from this emerging trend.

Presentation-8.5

Chair, the developers behind Shadow Complex, showed that they were taking great strides to truly craft a game that sucks the player into the world.  Cut scenes were well designed and not to over the top, and they were quite exquisite to look at.  At times I completely forgot that I was playing an arcade title.  Another struck of genius, the scripted events that would play out while you were trapped underneath a floor board, or stuck in the next room.  The way that more of the story unfolded while you were sneaking above guards head lends itself to Bioshockess (Boo-yah! made up word on display) radio tapes.   It managed to keep me engaged in the story without interrupting the flow of what I was doing; it also gave me the sense that I was eavesdropping to garner the secrets for a covert operation.  While I enjoyed the cut scenes, I wanted more of the scripted events to play out while I made my way through the complex.

Gameplay-9.5

Now this is nostalgia!  If Super Metroid, Castlevania, Mega Man, and other old school adventure games where exploration was pivotal, came together to make a baby;  Shadow Complex would be the son that grew up and made them all proud to call their own.  The 2d platforming with the twist of having enemies to shoot at in a 3D background kept the game fresh.  And the different amount of ways to take an enemy out keeps you thinking of new and sometimes comical ways to get the job done.

Lasting Appeal – 9.0

While it’s heavily encouraged to be the fastest to beat this well crafted game, does not make this a short romp at all.  Seriously skilled gamers will find it a joy to get some of the speed based achievements while casual players will enjoy exploring every nook and cranny to get to all the goodies.  Plus with the Proving Grounds challenges, the persistent in campaign leader board will keep every player coming back for more.

9 out of 10

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