XBLA Special

Shadow Complex is a 2D side-scroller developed by Chair Entertainment and produced by its parent company, EPIC Games. While the side-scrolling genre may sound a little bit antiquated, Shadow Complex promises to bring this old-school genre into the current generation.

The look of the game is very sleek, which is no surprise considering the game is built around the acclaimed Unreal Engine 3. Although the gameplay is relegated to two dimensions, the world in which the game takes place has plenty of depth and is fully fleshed out.

The game's story takes place in Orson Scott Card's alternate future story Empire. In this world, the US has fallen into a second civil war, with the battle lines falling between fanatical right wing and left wing organizations. The game's story takes place a little bit before the events of the book, and you play as a hapless hiker who mistakenly uncovers the plot to launch the country into civil war whilst trying to save his daughter from a bunch of domestic terrorists.

The story sounds intriguing enough, but the game's take on 2D side-scrolling is also very interesting as well. Instead of just running and jumping around, Shadow complex will emphasize stealth and controlled gunplay. The game will give you an impressive array of weaponry and 17 different power-ups, which will allow you to make the most of your in-game abilities.

Although Shadow Complex will be the last game featured in this year's Days of Arcade on Xbox LIVE, it certainly seems to be one of the most promising. With a killer story and some very interesting gameplay aspects, Shadow Complex is definitely one to look for before the summer draws to a close!

By Amanda L. Kondolojy
CCC Staff Contributor

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