Shadow Complex

Shadow Complex sets a new bar for downloadable titles

An XBLA title that has a shot at Game of the Year

While most XBLA titles are good fun and an amusing way to spend time with friends, Shadow Complex takes the fun and turns it up to eleven. This self admitted Metroid clone (an achievement is named after the famous Metroid cheat). Rather than mimicing the tried and true Metroid formula entirely, Shadow Complex introduces a unique 2.5 dimension aspect. While movement is kept as 2D sidescrolling, enemies exist in 3D and you must shoot back into the level to take out some enemies.

The most innovative part of this system is the combat. While I was never bored with either GBA Metroid, normal enemies usually felt like obstructions in the way of finding new items and fighting bosses. With Shadow Complex, the gunfights are action packed and I find myself looking forward to the next confrontation.

While the games storytelling is definitely lacking, this can be overlooked, as it is rare you get an action title that has a compelling story. One of the main reasons it is easy to overlook this one shortcoming is the fact that the game is only 15 dollars, 1200 Microsoft Points. For such a low cost, this game is phenomenal and currently has my vote for game of the year. While I predict ODST or Modern Warfare 2 to win, Shadow Complex, a mere XBLA title, is putting up one helluva fight for the that coveted annual prize.