Shadow Complex
Explosive downloadable shooter pays homage to classic games.
Shadow Complex
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this game.
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.
Community Reviews
Fun, but cutscenes more graphic than gameplay
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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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
How does this game compare to the classic side-scrollers it attempts to emulate, such as Metroid?
What do you think of downloadable games versus disc copies inside a box? What are the advantages/disadvantages to downloadable games?
Game Details
- Platform: Xbox 360
- Available online?: Available online
- Publisher: Microsoft
- Release date: August 19, 2009
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- ESRB rating: T for Mild Language, Violence
- Last updated: August 31, 2016
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