Shadow Complex

It’s hard to find an article or review on Shadow Complex that doesn’t mention Metroid or Castlevania.  And with good reason, it is a 2D side scrolling shooter. It’s retro gaming with a current generation makeover. Actually that’s understating it, this is not Metroid with a makeover, this is more than just mascara and blusher,  it’s a face-lift, full body wax and a snazzy new outfit!

Here comes the name dropping part, Shadow Complex is a joint offering from Chair Entertaiment and Epic Games. It’s set in The Empire Universe created by Chair, who, while developing the game, held off  any kind of storyline so that best selling author Orson Scott Card would be free to continue his work on the Empire novel. The game’s script was written by Peter David, one of the most popular comic book writers of all time giving Shadow Complex pretty impressive stats from the start.

You play as Jason Fleming. An unlikely hero/guy next door type.  When his girlfriend gets captured by a highly trained secret underground organization who are planning to overthrow the government, he wastes no time diving into the thick of things to rescue her.  You’re equipped with only a torch at first but it’s next to no time before you pick up a pistol and can begin tearing throught the enemy in search of Jason’s love interest, Claire. Of course, as you’d expect you’re not gonna be stuck with simple pistol forever and there are plenty of pick-ups and upgrades to help you along. Grenades and Assault Rifles are a given, health and armour, yeah of course, but you’ll also find an advanced armoured suit with a mask that lets you swim under water for an indefinite time, a nifty jetpack for double jumping, a very useful grappling hook and a rather fun gun that shoots vibrant blue foam that can mess up machines, encase the enemy and  be used to build bridges and steps upon hardening.

There’s quite a bit of backtracking involved in Shadow Complex, which really doesn’t feel like so much of a chore in this game. It’s still fun, the enemies respawn, so you’re not running through empty chambers with nothing to do. The map is very easy to read, even for me, (once I accept I’m lost and actually use it) By using your torch to highlight vents and other destructable obstacles you’ll know by colour coding what you need to use to get through for example, Orange means shoot it, Green means nade it. Simple but  clever. Meleeing an enemy is particularly satisfying as you’re rewarded with a quick 3D cut-scene of your beat down. Not quite as brutal as a Gears curb stomp animation but a more clean, efficient blow or grab. Another simple but very nice touch.