Summary
- Release Year: 2009
- Genres: Adventure, Platform, Puzzle, Shooter
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One
- Developers: ChAIR Entertainment Group, Epic Games
- Publishers: Epic Games, Microsoft Game Studios
Shadow Complex: A Metroidvania Masterpiece
Released in 2009, Shadow Complex is a Metroidvania video game developed by Chair Entertainment and published by Microsoft Game Studios. The game is presented in 2.5D format, with the game world rendered in full 3D but the player only able to move in two dimensions, simulating the environment of a classic side-scrolling video game. Enemies, however, can 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.
Shadow Complex was inspired by Super Metroid and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, and 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.
Shadow Complex was a critical and commercial success, praised for its visuals, gameplay, and level design. The game was nominated for several awards, including Game of the Year at the 2009 Spike Video Game Awards.
Gameplay
Shadow Complex is a Metroidvania game, meaning that it combines elements of action, adventure, and exploration. The player controls Jason Flemming, a former soldier who is investigating a mysterious underground facility. Jason must use his weapons and abilities to defeat enemies, solve puzzles, and overcome environmental hazards.
The game world is interconnected and non-linear, and the player is free to explore it at their own pace. As the player progresses, they will gain new abilities and weapons that allow them to reach new areas. The game also features a number of hidden secrets and optional areas.
Combat
Jason is armed with a variety of weapons, including a pistol, shotgun, assault rifle, and rocket launcher. He can also use melee attacks and grenades. Jason can aim his weapons using the right control stick, and auto-aim is available to help him target enemies.
Enemies in Shadow Complex come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some enemies are weak to certain types of weapons, so the player must use strategy to defeat them. The game also features a number of boss battles, which require the player to use all of their skills and abilities to succeed.
Abilities
In addition to his weapons, Jason also has a number of special abilities. These abilities include:
- Wall jump: Jason can jump off of walls to reach higher areas.
- Double jump: Jason can perform a double jump to reach even higher areas.
- Grapple hook: Jason can use a grapple hook to swing across gaps and climb walls.
- Cloaking device: Jason can use a cloaking device to become invisible to enemies.
Jason gains new abilities as he progresses through the game. These abilities allow him to reach new areas and defeat new enemies.
Level design
The level design in Shadow Complex is excellent. The game world is interconnected and non-linear, and there are always multiple paths to take. The levels are also filled with secrets and hidden areas, which encourage the player to explore every nook and cranny.
The game’s visuals are also top-notch. The 2.5D graphics are beautiful, and the game world is full of detail. The character models are also well-animated, and the game runs smoothly even on older hardware.
Overall
Shadow Complex is a fantastic Metroidvania game that combines the best elements of Super Metroid and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. The game’s visuals are beautiful, the gameplay is tight, and the level design is top-notch. A must-play for fans of the genre.
Score: 9/10
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
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