Shadow Complex

 Xbox 360
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 222 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 192 out of 222
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 222
  3. Negative: 12 out of 222

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  1. HagenM
    Aug 19, 2009
    6
    Why is this game getting so much praise when it has so many problems that hold it so far back and nearly break it all together? Too many off-screen enemies are around to kill you in 2 seconds if you're not clairvoyant enough to tell they're in an area. The entire 2.5D perspective if broken, aiming at the enemies in the background is a game of chance. The levels are bland and Why is this game getting so much praise when it has so many problems that hold it so far back and nearly break it all together? Too many off-screen enemies are around to kill you in 2 seconds if you're not clairvoyant enough to tell they're in an area. The entire 2.5D perspective if broken, aiming at the enemies in the background is a game of chance. The levels are bland and poorly designed and do nothing to make me want to explore them. The only true redeeming quality of this game is the story. This game is definitely not worth 1200 msp. Which hurts for me to say as I was very hyped for this game. Such a disappointment. This game is border-line mediocre.… Expand
  2. JamesA
    Aug 20, 2009
    7
    This game is a lot of fun, anyone who loved Super Metroid will definitely love this one. Yes, it is essentially the same game, but I'm not saying that as a bad thing; there's nothing wrong with emulating success. The gameplay is fun, the level design is brilliant, all around a solid experience. Except-- I gave it a 7 because SC is just too buggy to get better than that. I This game is a lot of fun, anyone who loved Super Metroid will definitely love this one. Yes, it is essentially the same game, but I'm not saying that as a bad thing; there's nothing wrong with emulating success. The gameplay is fun, the level design is brilliant, all around a solid experience. Except-- I gave it a 7 because SC is just too buggy to get better than that. I can't believe the reviewers are ignoring this stuff. The AIs sometimes don't react when you walk right in front of them or start shooting, so you can just pick off or melee everyone in a room. The animations pop like crazy. You're constantly clipping through geometry. The ragdolls jitter and dance on the ground. The worst part is that the game chugs. A LOT. Especially during cutscenes. A game like this should run at 60 fps with no framerate issues, this one chugs and its running at 30. That's unacceptable. All that said though, I can get over the flaws and enjoy a fun experience. There are just too many flaws to warrant a very high rating.… Expand
  3. MalharD
    Sep 4, 2009
    5
    Shadow Complex is an amazing game that I played on my Xbox. The graphics of this game is quite stunning and exciting as well but in simple terms and slightly in 2d version in comparison. According to this review, http://forums.techarena.in/reviews/1237906.htm , can this game be played on xbox live.
  4. ShaunM
    Oct 13, 2009
    7
    Shadow Complex is a nice attempt to bring the 'metroidvania' genre to the current generation but it lacks the depth that most of those games had. Maybe if Shadow Complex was larger, more complicated and challenging then it might have stood up as a spiritual successor to Super Metroid. Get it if you liked those games but don't get your hopes up too high.
  5. SAKY
    Aug 26, 2009
    6
    A Visual update to Super Metroid. If you are a fan of genre SC will not disappoint. Sure, many things could have been done better such as enemy and environment variety, AI, and engine performance but this is XBLA. Considering the medium all the above are done well enough for $15. Sure, it's depth is nowhere near that of recent Castlevania games, and really it's no more A Visual update to Super Metroid. If you are a fan of genre SC will not disappoint. Sure, many things could have been done better such as enemy and environment variety, AI, and engine performance but this is XBLA. Considering the medium all the above are done well enough for $15. Sure, it's depth is nowhere near that of recent Castlevania games, and really it's no more innovative than Super Metroid, but it's great to see the genre cross over to the realm of 3D graphics. Hell it's good to see any new software in the form of a side scrolling adventure let alone a new IP with a good story. BTW, Epic, Claire's face, terrible @AU C: C'mon don't be like that, 6 more points if it's on PS3? Also, M$ didn't make this, Epic did.… Expand
  6. AnonymousMC
    Sep 14, 2009
    5
    Its an 'okay' game, nothing more nothing less. The story is so stupid I found myself skipping most of the cut-scenes in the game - it, instead of immersing you in the action, felt so poorly executed it was almost embarrassing to compliment the gameplay. Talking of gameplay it isnt revolutionary; its a 2d side scrolling action game in 3d... if that makes sense. Personally IIts an 'okay' game, nothing more nothing less. The story is so stupid I found myself skipping most of the cut-scenes in the game - it, instead of immersing you in the action, felt so poorly executed it was almost embarrassing to compliment the gameplay. Talking of gameplay it isnt revolutionary; its a 2d side scrolling action game in 3d... if that makes sense. Personally I thought it was a waste of money, others will disagree but thats my honest opinion... the hype train revolves around Epic Games, and coming from them Shadow Complex is in my mind the company's first and hopefully last abomination. Do your self a favour and buy a XBLA game like Braid instead.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

12
#12 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2009
19
#19 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2009
16
#16 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2009

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
88

Generally favorable reviews - based on 73 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 71 out of 73
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 73
  3. Negative: 0 out of 73
  1. Eurogamer Italy
    80
    A perfect working mix between fights and exploration: high rhythm, never boring. You're going to feel pure fun as if you're back again playing coin-up, being stuck with your pad, achievement after achievement, enjoying it for hours. Nothing more to ask from a game such this.
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  2. Computer and Video Games
    90
    A stunningly-executed, modern-day Super Metroid.
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  3. Eurogamer
    90
    It's a game that will delight gamers old enough to recognise the classics it celebrates, while captivating those oblivious to its inspirations.
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