Shadow Complex

Shadow Complex

Out now on Xbox LIVE, Shadow Complex is not just one of the shiniest stars in Microsoft’s ‘Summer of Arcade’ constellation but is also, as far as we know, the only 2D platform/exploration game to be powered by the Unreal 3 engine. It’s an auspicious starting point before we even get to the gameplay...

Fortunately Epic Games’ downloadable adventure never fails to live up to its promise, oozing quality from the outset. Some backstory first, though, and when Jason Fleming bravely steps out in search of his kidnapped girlfriend Claire he stumbles upon a massive subterranean military facility and a secret plot to seize North America. Thus begins a sizeable journey that simultaneously takes in the expansive and labyrinthine corridors of the ‘Shadow Complex’ and charts Fleming’s growth from boy-next-door to gun-toting hero with a very itchy finger on the trigger.

How this all plays out rather put us in mind of the original Metroid series from Nintendo’s good old days. That’s thanks to a pleasing combination of the side-scrolling action (excepting a few brief excursions into 3D), the compelling need to explore every nook and cranny of the Complex and the way that specific weapons are required to open particular doors - shine Fleming's torch on a door or blockage to determine which to use.

The mechanics of gameplay are similarly unfussy, with most actions sensibly mapped, no tricky joypad routines to master and several abilities seemingly lifted right out of the old-school platform gaming handbook (our hero’s high-velocity dash and Mario-esque stomp, for instance). Moreover, the way that Shadow Complex is structured, revealing itself piece by piece and Fleming’s weapons/abilities in a similar fashion, is at once warmly familiar and very satisfying. Let’s just say that gamers of a certain vintage will feel right at home.

Downsides are thankfully few and are easily forgivable. Enemy grunts are all of a piece, the militaristic backdrops can get a bit gloomy, The dialogue is unfalteringly cheesy, Fleming’s auto-aim can lead to a few unintentionally entertaining moments and the visuals, for all their Unreal Engine power, look like they’ve come from a different generation of hardware. Maybe you’ll be given to wonder whether Shadow Complex’s obvious inspirations are utilised out of expediency rather than being a loving tribute too.

But then, with a restorative shake of a head, you’ll come to your senses and wake up to a game that is both excellent to play throughout and that does much to revive a near-dead videogaming genre. Full marks to Epic for having the marbles to bring Shadow Complex to market in these 3D-obsessed days, and to you for showing excellent and downloading it. It’s certainly 1200 of the wisest MS Points you’ll spend this summer.

5 out of 5