Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet Review for Xbox 360

System: Xbox 360
Dev: Fuelcell Games/ Shadow Planet Productions
Pub: Microsoft
Release: August 3, 2011
Players: 1
Screen Resolution: 480p-1080p	Mild Fantasy Violence

The only downside is that those who are very skilled will probably be able to blast through this game in three or four hours. Though some exploration is necessary, you can complete the game without trying to unlock all of the tools, upgrades, or artifacts, and just floating from boss fight to boss fight can make this a very quick game experience. If you try to collect and unlock everything, the time jumps to seven or eight hours, which is respectable for a Live Arcade title. However, once you've unlocked everything, there isn't much else to do in Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet, which certainly hinders its replayability.

Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet Screenshot

Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet is a game with a simple premise: purge the planet of evil. But evil in this game takes such a beautiful form that it's almost a shame to vanquish it. Still, the gameplay works so well and the puzzle elements of the game are so sublime that you'll get over it quickly. The only real issues that hold Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet back from being one of the best downloadable games of the season are its short playtime and its shooter/puzzle identity crisis.

If there was just a bit more content in the game, and if the focus was more on solving puzzles, I have no doubt that this would be a huge hit. However, as it is, Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet is a great game, even if it is slightly flawed. And in a summer that has been sparse with games, this may very well make this title worth your time and money. It certainly is a nice diversion, and if nothing else, this is one "twisted" game that won't appall or frustrate you. Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet is about style first, followed by substance, and if you want something a little different than the other titles out there, this game fits the bill nicely.

By Amanda L. Kondolojy
CCC Senior Contributing Writer

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.2

Graphics
Visuals are breathtaking and give this quirky little title most of its charm.

3.0

Control
Controls are simple in the beginning, but the game's reliance on twitch mechanics in its second half is detrimental.

3.4

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
The minimalistic soundtrack is very effective.

3.5

Play Value
The game isn't terribly long, but if you are trying to find and unlock all of the tools and go for 100% map completion, you can extend the experience to 6-8 hours

3.6

Overall Rating - Good
Not an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend
0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	3.5 - 3.9 = Good	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair	4.0 - 4.4 = Great	5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

This side-scrolling, 2-D, action-adventure game takes players on a journey through the curious Shadow Planet worlds, unique environments filled with twisted life, surreal ecologies, hostile creatures, and environmental hazards.

Players explore the depths of several interconnected themed areas, fighting swarms of enemies, battling bosses, solving mind-bending puzzles, and acquiring power-ups to unlock new parts of the map.

Solve complex puzzles and upgrade your ship with alien technology as you fight to save your home world!