Shadow Complex: XBLA Goodness

So the summer finally kicked in. I haven’t been gaming much, except for catching up on some games that I didn’t get a chance to finish. I’m chillin. Besides summer is usually a slow time for gaming, but not this one apparently. With Prototype, and Infamous (PS3) respectively being played, and purchased gamers are still on deck. You add in titles like Blaze Blue (2d fighter/Street Fighter type), and niche titles are sweet ac gaming at its finest. Yet there’s one title that I actually wish was out now cause it’s a true scorcher. Shadow Complex created by the folks at Chair Entertainment in association with Epic games, and famed designer Cliffy B.

What’s so special about Shadow Complex you ask? Well since this whole generation has been retro with damn near anything, and everything being a throw back; why not games? I’m not talking games that used to be out, I mean game play that made us want to sit home, and master them. Shadow Complex brings together ole school Metroid, Castlevania, and Contra game play into a nice wholesome next generation title. On its on merit is a memorable package. Except it doesn’t stop there…nope. The fine folks at Chair added in some 2.5 D gaming and the Unreal Engine 3. Exactly what is 2.5 D gaming? Well it’s when you have a game that is in 2 dimension with 3d elements. Example would be shooting into the background, but not being able to go into it.  What makes Shadow Complex even more sweet tea like is that it pushes old school gaming in a next generation way. Offering great exploration, weapon upgrades, cool level design, and thoughtful gaming where the player has to use their minds. It’s not all action ass busting goings on. In fact once you finish the game you are encouraged to go back in all souped up and try to finish it again.

Shadow Complex has great level design,  and character design which doesn’t make it a chore to play. This is an aspect that I think many people don’t understand, forgot about 2d games. If you don’t have a cool character, and level design worth it’s salt then these games get lost in the sauce. It’s why Sonic the Hedgehog became such an incredible mascot, and why Miyamoto’s Super Mario Bros games are still loved by many. It’s the secret sauce combination of tried and true with a splash of new that can give you reason to rejoice. Shadow Complex has that special sauce in spades. The game is set in modern day America where you are on a trip with your girl, and she goes missing. So like any good boyfriend Mr. Flemming the lead character goes to look for. As he enters a cave, and sees his girl manhandled by some guards in armor. He realizes something big is going on. How big? Let’s just say these guys work for a group that wants to take over America for a new union. Famed Sci-Fi writer Orson Scott Card, in conjunction with one of comic books most acclaimed writers Peter David (The Incredible Hulk, Supergirl, Aquaman, Spider-Man, Star Trek, and Wolverine) come together. The two fabricate what seems to be a timely modern day conspiracy game script. You can easily see this game becoming a franchise, and develop into other genres as well. First this one has to sell, and for 1200 MS points, or $15 bucks we are getting this game at a steal. Unfortunately the game is only available on Xbox Live Arcade and not PSN (Playstation Network). Chair and Epic didn’t give a reason as to why yet, but hopefully the big black box that is the PS3 won’t be left out for long.

The technology in Shadow Complex really shows that developers have been short changing us gamers. We are so seeped in 3d games that many haven’t stopped to think outside of the box, and return to our 16 bit roots. By Chair incorporating Unreal Engine 3 we get all the effects, visual dynamisism that brings Shadow Complex world to life. In fact the best part of this game to me is how it can inspire other developers, including indies to create in this genre. It’s not like we have lots of these 2.5 d titles around. Let alone games that have the potential to be great like Shadow Complex. For those that read my posts, and those that don’t I felt watching these two video walk-through’s will bring how special the game is to light.

In a sea of mediocrity across genres Shadow Complex comes at a time right before the fall that let’s us know that gaming is just not about the new, but can be reinterpretation of what has come before.  It can be fun too. We have a diverse gaming language, and library to dig into if developers explore. I believe Shadow Complex is that special game to open the doors. August 19th is just around the corner. Cool I’ll have my Bud Light Lime, bag of fun, and good food ready.

Chair Entertainment’s Shadow Complex Walk-through’s Video’s Part 1 & 2

Part 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0dr2r2P3bg

Part 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2U6ICTvl88