Shadow Complex Critic Reviews

Shadow Complex is an incredibly well-made game that finally grabs the "Metroidvania" subgenre and drags it into the modern era instead of relegating it to a land of remakes or portable games.

It's a must-play game for anyone who loves the reward-based exploration and side-scrolling action of the side-scrollers of old.

Saying that Shadow Complex is a triumph of Live Arcade almost sounds insulting. It’s one of the best games in the 360 library. The gameplay is tuned tighter than a Maserati, and Jason’s flowing movements nearly make the Prince of Persia seem crippled.

Shadow Complex is an amazing game, and the 15 bucks this will be the best buy you do this year. Chair has a bright future ahead of them and after seeing what they could do with this game I can't wait to see what they could create if they were given the chance to make a big AAA title.

Despite the short-but-sweet nature of the game, it actually delivers more value than a significant portion of full retail-priced Xbox 360 games. Shadow Complex is a game that is incredibly simple and straight-forward in the most intuitive and imaginative way possible.

An incredibly solid game that could fetch $30-40 as a retail copy.

Also of note is the game’s wicked cool take on stat and achievement tracking. Things like how many enemies you’ve performed a melee attack on or mini spider bots you’ve kicked are tracked, and you’re shown updates as they happen.

Good omen have been more than confirmed, this is a Metroid-like game which will please those looking for alternative action formulas, and it makes its job very well.

Shadow Complex completely revolutionizes the console's downloadable market by setting a new standard for quality that is second to none. Simply put, it is the best original game you can currently buy on XBLA.

Its stellar design, eye-popping presentation, addictive gameplay and, of course, that very reasonable price tag, make it an easy purchasing decision for anyone looking for an endlessly engaging experience—you might find yourself playing start to finish in a single sitting.

It may seem like the average price of games on the XBLA is increasing without any correlation to quality, but rest assured, Shadow Complex is worth every Microsoft point you pay.

What’s ultimately important for Shadow Complex, is that it is completely unimportant how people got the game. It could be download, it could be retail, who gives a you know what. What matters is that it is great, truly great even. One of the best new games you’re going to play on your Xbox 360 this year, hands down.

One of the best games yet in 2009. And I'm not just talking about the Xbox Live Arcade. The classic, exploration-heavy gameplay is a winner.

If you are a fan of Action games you should buy Shadow Complex, If you aren't... you should buy it too.

Offers a perfect blend of retro gameplay and modern design sensibilities. Xbox Live Arcade games don’t come much better than this!

One of the best games on Live Arcade, capable of rivaling even many of the retail games out there. A great level design keeps the gameplay interesting and entertaining from start to finish, together with great visuals and very high overall production quality. Definitely a must buy.

While the narrative could’ve used better pacing – and more antagonists to boot – Chair Entertainment did an overall great job at retaining the interest all throughout the storyline.

All in all, Shadow Complex is a finely-crafted game that is sure to please anyone with a fondness for the older Metroids or the newer side-scrolling Castlevanias as this offers up a similar experience, with some of its own touches that help it stand out from the rest.

At 1200 Microsoft Points (around $15), Shadow Complex is one of the most fulfilling, robust packages the Xbox Live Arcade has to offer, which is a steal for a game that could have easily been released at retail.

The four years Shadow Complex spent in development was well worth the effort. Shadow Complex is absolutely amazing and shouldn’t be disregarded because it’s only available for download.