Shadow Complex Remastered

1. Madbeast8

   Aug 22, 2016

   10

   A solid argument could be made for this being the greatest game in the Metroidvania genre, depending of course on your personal tastes.
   
   AllA solid argument could be made for this being the greatest game in the Metroidvania genre, depending of course on your personal tastes.
   
   All of the necessary elements exist for this to fit the mold: procedural advancement via upgrades/abilities, immersive side-scrolling experience, and rewarding exploration. What sets this game apart from its predecessors, however, is how well it improved upon some key elements of the experience. The in-game map might be the best that I have ever seen in a game of this genre, being detailed enough to be usable without spoiling the "right answer" when searching for those hard-to-reach secrets. The environment is not only gorgeous, but also immersive in what could really be termed 2.5D. And finally, the added abilities (especially the foam) bring to bear interesting and unique ways to access previously inaccessible areas of the game.
   
   With all of the right notes struck on this one and a fun combat system based on precision with solid controls, this is a MUST PLAY game if you have any love for the Metroidvania genre!… Expand

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2. PaladinX360

   May 13, 2016

   9

   The most modern of Metroidvanias is one of the best Metroidvanias. I can only hope the sequel isn't too far off in the future. The hd updateThe most modern of Metroidvanias is one of the best Metroidvanias. I can only hope the sequel isn't too far off in the future. The hd update helps an already fairly good looking game. Although it's showing it's age a bit graphically,… Expand

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4. stellarnomad

   May 15, 2016

   9

   I usually like to breakdown a game's components for those that like a reasoned, meaty look at a possible purchase, but there's really no needI usually like to breakdown a game's components for those that like a reasoned, meaty look at a possible purchase, but there's really no need here.
   
   This game sits in a class I like to refer to as "palate cleansers"; that is, games that you play between the big budget titles or as a break from said titles. The story is irrelevant, kicking you into the action almost immediately, and driving you forward on a wave of perfectly tuned levelling and item unlocks. The game looks great, functioning on a 2D plane juxtaposed against 3d backdrops -- enemy placement taking advantage of this throughout.
   
   For the collectors, there is every reason to return to previous areas to access previously blocked sections once you collect the appropriate device, and achieving 100% almost feels like a requirement rather than a possibility due to its inviting fluidity. It really moves; perfect speed run material, that effortlessly combines platforming and gunplay on the fly without taking a breath. Weapon handling is accurate, even when lining up headshots or popping off grenades. Rounding out the experience are some interesting boss battles that usually rely on specific equipment for you to succeed.
   
   It's worth mentioning a varied amount of challenges available from the main menu that can be accessed from the beginning, and usually challenge certain skills for better medals. Short and sweet.
   
   If you missed this first time around and this sits in your wheelhouse, then buy, play and enjoy.… Expand

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5. Tomle1202

   Jun 20, 2016

   8

   Shadow Complex Remastered is fun, entertaining and complex during the four-hour long journey, yet its graphics offer too few changes that canShadow Complex Remastered is fun, entertaining and complex during the four-hour long journey, yet its graphics offer too few changes that can be called significant over the original version.… Expand

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6. HaloFever

   Aug 28, 2017

   8

   Shadow Complex Remastered brought a unique sense of fun to "metroidvania" style games. I liked its use of familiar military game style weaponsShadow Complex Remastered brought a unique sense of fun to "metroidvania" style games. I liked its use of familiar military game style weapons and abilities. Metroid was great but smashing an orange blob thing is not as satisfying as punching an insurrectionist off a cliff.
   
   Coming off 2014's Strider, I wonder what was remastered in this release. I missed this game on Xbox 360 despite all the good press it received. Now I feel like I did because the game looks like an Xbox 360 release. Textures are muddy and colors are heavily drawn from the brown palette overused in the early days of the Xbox 360. Although the gameplay holds up well, and I wonder if my tempered reaction to this game in this review is a result of the last gen graphics.
   
   Shadow Complex has a rough story told through its bewildered protagonist. The enemies also give you story through their conversations. The little asides while traversing the complex bring more personality into this game than any "metroidvania" game I've played since Dust: An Elysian Tale. The entire game is fairly short, and I am thankful for the respite from this generation's rinse and repeat slogs. In my playthrough, I unlocked 65% of items. If my stack of unplayed games were smaller, I might go back and collect these to see what they do. As it stands, it feels good to complete the game and stop the bad guys without too much busy work.… Expand

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7. Chris-Krollz

   Jan 10, 2017

   8

   Very very enjoyable platform game with great gun mechanics and exploration of the map. The story is totally ireelevant as well as the voiceVery very enjoyable platform game with great gun mechanics and exploration of the map. The story is totally ireelevant as well as the voice acting you are here to kick butts, big mechs, get a nice badass armor and that's it. It's an amazing game to get especially if you get a discount.
   
   I didn't play the non remastered version so I can't say if there was a graphic bump but quite frankly who cares if you have not played it and you've always had a soft spot for old school platform/shooting games go for it it's instant classic !… Expand

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8. AJY84

   Aug 5, 2017

   6

   At its core, Shadow Complex is a Metroid inspired game that has its own unique style to it. The storyline is meh, but in a game like this,At its core, Shadow Complex is a Metroid inspired game that has its own unique style to it. The storyline is meh, but in a game like this, it's the gameplay you're after. It hits a lot of high notes for me, but the one thing that drags down the score is the control. Aiming can be a pain; especially if you leave auto-aim turned on. The real control flaw though lies in the wall jumping. When you're in a vent, you can stick to the walls like Spiderman. Outside of the vents though is a very different story. More often than not he will refuse to do the wall climbing maneuver at all, just sliding back down to the ground as if such an ability isn't even doable. The jet boost pack you get also hinders wall climbing greatly in the most ridiculous way possible; if you jump off a wall and turn back to face it, your JBP will make you fly AWAY from the wall. If you're not trying to get 100% on the items and/or map, it's an enjoyable game. Sadly the Remastered part only applies to the graphics. Had they fine tuned the controls to work better, I would've easily given it a 8 or 9.… Expand

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