Sooo.... trying to get back in the gaming groove lately. Bought Batman: AA, played it, loved it. I am also realizing the game has more replay than I thought; not just that it's just a blast to playthrough the story mode again, which it certainly is, but also the challenges. They force you to use every gadget and strategy available in the game, making you realize this game was created with alot of thought, and continues to impress me.
Anyway, having finished with Batman, I started looking at the Arcade on XBL. Everyone was raving about Shadow Complex. I read that it was a 2-D adventure in the spirit of Super Metroid/Castlevania: SOTN, and since those are two of my favorite games and I've loved the DS iterations of Castlevania (which are basically clones of SOTN), I figured it would be a sure thing. The game had a damn Metacritic score of damn near 90, there had to be something special about it.
Well, I'm disappointed to say that Shadow Complex is the type of game I played, and although I liked a bit, I kept waiting for some big surprise or something to happen that would really impress me. What it really is, in all reality, is a sub-par, but serviceable Metroid clone.
There was supposed to be a few pictures here, but Gamespot is being a pain in the *** right now. Try to update later.
The similarities to Metroid are that Shadow Complex features areas that cannot be accessed until certain weapons and gadgets are obtained, there is a grapple shot, and there are missiles. The map system is also identical. But Shadow Complex lacks the depth, variety, and compelling gameplay of even the better Metroid clones (like SOTN). There are basically 4 weapons.The character and plot are plain. And the gameis short. I took my time and messed around finding off-the-beaten path items and still finished the game in under 6 hours.
The game isn't bad, don't get me wrong. But it's not on the level with even the better Metroid clones.. Have fun and get it if you have some exrta MS points to spend and don't mind a short experience, but don't expect to be blown away by the second coming of a cIassic.