 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Shadow Complex
- Xbox 360
- Price: $15.00
- Genre: Action/Adventure
Common Sense Media says
Explosive downloadable shooter pays homage to classic games.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this is a dowloadable shooter presented in a classic side-scrolling style, similar to classic games such as Metroid. Players assume the role of a hiker who must save his girlfriend and stop a mysterious military group from attacking San Francisco. Players use weapons such as handguns, machine guns, grenades and missiles. However, the game does not depict any graphic or gory images during attacks.
What's it about?
SHADOW COMPLEX follows two hikers, Jason and Claire, as they stumble upon a mysterious military base during a day trip. Claire wanders off and is eventually captured by soldiers of the base. As Jason, players must infiltrate the facility and rescue her. While exploring the base, using armor, weapons, and other gadgets to aid him, Jason learns the military group is planning an attack on San Francisco, which he attempts to thwart.
Is it any good?
The game is a wonderful combination of classic side-scrolling, exploration, and explosive action. The environment is huge, and littered with tons of hidden objects such as armor or weapon upgrades, giving players plenty of incentive to explore. Navigating is entertaining as well, as players must make huge leaps or traverse vents to find new rooms.
Combat is very gratifying, particularly once you maximize the weapon and armor upgrades that turn you into a super-powered hero. Although the game takes place on a two-dimensional plane, it delivers gorgeous 3D graphics. Plumes of smoke appear after explosions, while rooms inside the base boast intricate details. The game lasts roughly 6-7 hours, but players can also tackle the Proving Grounds, a series of timed challenges. Results are then posted to online leaderboards highlighting the best scores and times. Overall, Shadow Complex is arguably one of Xbox Live's best downloadable games.
Online interaction: Online interaction is limited to leaderboards players can view to compare their scores and times in campaign mode against other players around the world.
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How does this game compare to the classic side-scrollers it attempts to emulate, such as Metroid?
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Parent of 7 year old
August 20, 2009
AGE
Fun, but cutscenes more graphic than gameplay
I have not yet completed the game, but I did want to clarify the rating above.
***SPOILER ALERT****
In the middle of the game, there is a cutscene in which Jason rescues Claire from a captor. He enters the room, shoots the captor in the head - blood is visible. This scene was more graphic than the actual gameplay.
What other families should know:
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| Platforms: | Xbox 360 |
| Available online? | Available online |
| Genre: | Action/Adventure |
| Developer: | Microsoft |
| Release date: | August 19, 2009 |
| Price: | $15.00 |
| ESRB rating: | T for Mild Language, Violence (Xbox 360) |
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