History VideoGame / ShadowComplex

* SpiderTank

* UpdatedRelease: ''Shadow Complex Remastered'' gives the game a new coat of HD paint with new challenges added to the game.

Part of the ''Empire'' universe, by Creator/OrsonScottCard -- the Empire novel was actually written for this game, not the other way around. The game was heavily promoted and released to near-universal acclaim during Xbox Live Arcade's first "Summer of Arcade" event. The gameplay is essentially just like that of a refined ''VideoGame/SuperMetroid'': the protagonist, Jason, runs, guns and jumps around a 2D base, gaining equipment, items, and levels as he explores more and more of the place and unravels the sinister plot that is about to be put into action. It uses the [[GameEngine Unreal Engine 3]] and notably introduces "2.5D" elements smoothly into classic {{Metroidvania}} gameplay, such as allowing Jason to shoot enemies in the background of the stage.

* {{Metroidvania}}: ''Shadow Complex'' is an action-adventure involving running, platforming, action and frequent backtracking as new abilities allow access to earlier inaccessible areas. In fact, the game was heavily inspired by both SuperMetroid and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night; [[http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/4119/making_shadow_complex_donald_.php?page=3 the first month of development was spent just playing those games!]]

* VideoGameCrueltyPotential: The soldiers scream when you send them flying (whether by uppercutting them with the Omega Armor, blowing them up with missiles or grenades, dive-bombing them with the GroundPound, or plowing into them with the Friction Dampener), and there's an achievement for making a hundred of them scream.

* InternetBacklash: A minor one. Thanks to some anti-homosexual themes in ''Empire'', there was brief talk of a boycott of the game. It ultimately didn't matter since the story of the game and the book barely cross over.

* ATasteOfPower: The first segment gives you the second-best weapon and a mostly-complete suit of armor to play with before switching to Jason.

Part of the ''[[OrsonScottCardsEmpire Empire]]'' universe, by Creator/OrsonScottCard -- the Empire novel was actually written for this game, not the other way around. The game was heavily promoted and released to near-universal acclaim during Xbox Live Arcade's first "Summer of Arcade" event. The gameplay is essentially just like that of a refined ''VideoGame/SuperMetroid'': the protagonist, Jason, runs, guns and jumps around a 2D base, gaining equipment, items, and levels as he explores more and more of the place and unravels the sinister plot that is about to be put into action. It uses the [[GameEngine Unreal Engine 3]] and notably introduces "2.5D" elements smoothly into classic {{Metroidvania}} gameplay, such as allowing Jason to shoot enemies in the background of the stage.

* {{Metroidvania}}: ''Shadow Complex'' is an action-adventure involving running, platforming, action and frequent backtracking as new abilities allow access to earlier inaccessible areas.

* FlatCharacter: Name '''one''' notable thing about Jason.

* KillerApp: One of ''the'' major releases of the summer of 2009 for XboxLiveArcade.

* XMeetsY: The developers have outright stated that this game was born of their love for ''SuperMetroid'' and ''Franchise/GIJoe''.

A woman and the man interested in her go on a date that involves spelunking. You think this would be a fun little date, right?

Nope. The woman is captured by black ops troopers, and the man pursues her and her captors into an underground base, where a sinister organization called the Restoration is waiting to bring forth what it believes will be a new golden age for America and the world. Starting with only a pistol, a flashlight, and some climbing gear, the man begins to tear the base apart looking for a way out...

Part of the ''[[OrsonScottCardsEmpire Empire]]'' universe, by Creator/OrsonScottCard - the Empire novel was actually written for this game, not the other way around. Developed by Chair Entertainment in association with EpicGames, it was heavily promoted and released to near-universal acclaim on XboxLiveArcade. The gameplay is essentially just like that of a refined ''VideoGame/SuperMetroid'': the protagonist, Jason, runs around a 2D base, gaining equipment, items, and levels as he explores more and more of the place and unravels the sinister plot that is about to be put into action. It uses the [[GameEngine Unreal Engine 3]] and notably introduces "2.5D" elements smoothly into classic {{Metroidvania}} gameplay, such as allowing Jason to shoot enemies in the background of the stage.

It's short, but it's also only $15 and is easily available to anyone with an {{Xbox 360}} and an Internet connection.

-->'''Jason''': Oh, ''crap, crap, crapcrapcrap!'' * runs like hell*

* DramaticIrony: Jason runs into a TortureTechnician who tells him "You don't ''look'' like a killer" in an attempt to psych him out. (By this point in the game, the player has probably killed a few dozen Restoration goons, and a tank or two.) Jason simply shoots the guy in the head from point blank range.
* ElaborateUndergroundBase: The entire game takes place in one.
* EnemyChatter: You can overhear mooks talk about this-and-that as you sneak around the base, sometimes about trivialities, sometimes about their plans for the U.S.
* {{Expy}}: Thanks to Nolan North's distinctive voice as well as being highly competent in a bad situation while using sarcasm as a coping mechanism, Jason Fleming is what happens when [[{{VideoGame/Uncharted}} Nathan Drake]] gives up treasure hunting for a steady girlfriend.
* FacelessGoons: The Restoration's entire membership all seem to enjoy wearing helmets that don't even possess a ''visor''. Glowing lights on the side of the masks seem to indicate cameras of some sort. Interestingly, the hero can become faceless should he pick up the breathing mask and/or the fusion helmet!
** The {{Mooks}} don't even take their helmets off when they are sitting down to eat in the mess hall!

* FanNickname: The BigBad evil guy is nicknamed "[[Franchise/GIJoe Cobra Commander]]" by the fans. And the developers.

* FollowTheLeader: The developers have eagerly admitted that they based the gameplay off {{Metroidvania}} styles. Everyone has noticed - and it's been unanimously been declared an excellent game.

* GambitRoulette: Jason taking down the complex was all planned, and encouraged during the process, by [[spoiler: Claire]].
* GrapplingHookPistol: Called the [[Franchise/TheLegendOfZelda hookshot]].
* GroinAttack: Once you get the Omega Armor, this is the default melee attack - the player can send enemies flying hundreds of feet away with a simple punch to the groin.
* HumongousMecha: Several of the bosses.

* KillHimAlready: Subverted:
-->'''Jason''': ''[runs into room, points gun at Claire's torturer]'' Let her go!\\
'''[[TortureTechnician Mr. Sweet]]:''': Welcome. ''[slowly advances, knife in hand]'' You don't look like a killer to me...\\
'''Jason''': ''[shoots him without a word]''
* KillerApp: One of ''the'' major releases of summer 2009 for Xbox Live Arcade.
* LostForever: The [[InfinityPlusOneSword Inertial Element]] is the only powerup that you can render completely un-collectible.
* MacrossMissileMassacre: [[spoiler:The final boss will counter with one whenever you hit it.]]

* MegatonPunch: Taken to new heights of literalness once you get the Power Armor.

* {{Metroidvania}}: A pitch-perfect example of one.

** Though to be honest, by the time you have access to the shortcut, you probably have the [[spoiler:Friction Dampner]], making the minecart kind of pointless.

** [[spoiler:Status Update: Single!]]

* [[spoiler:OutrunTheFireball]]: Courtesy of [[BigBad Lucius]].

* PointOfNoReturn: When [[spoiler:Lucius explodes the central control room]], you can no longer access a certain area without starting the final battle.
* PoweredArmor: You eventually come across the Omega Armor. It is deeply entertaining to use, especially when fully assembled.
** Several {{Heavily Armored Mook}}s have powered armor as well, though they are [[MightyGlacier much bulkier and more encumbering]].
* RailingKill: You get an achievement for doing it 100 times!

* SceneryPorn: Go to the surface, and pick pretty much any location.
* SequenceBreaking: The Foam allows this, with proper use. In fact, the game seems designed around encouraging sequence breaks, [[{{Metroidvania}} which is appropriate]].
* ShoutOut: To ''VideoGame/{{Metroid}}'' of course, although the grappling hook pistol is called the [[Franchise/TheLegendOfZelda hookshot...]] The developers also mention ''Franchise/GIJoe'' as an inspiration.
** The third {{spider tank}} boss fight is an homage to the fight at the end of ''Franchise/GhostInTheShell''. The design of the tanks themselves are pretty blatantly modeled after the [=GitS=] tank, as well.
** I see where your name comes from, [[Franchise/TheBourneSeries Jason]] [[IanFLeming Fleming]]!
** One of the Master Achievements is called Jason Bailey, a reference to ''VideoGame/{{Metroid}}'''s Justin Bailey password.

* TenSecondFlashlight: Well, more like Two Minute Flashlight, but this is one of Jason's most valuable tools, as it will highlight destructible walls in the proper [[ColorCodedForYourConvenience colors]].

* WellDoneSonGuy: Jason.

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<<|ActionAdventure|>>

* TheUnfought: [[spoiler: Lucius spends the entire climax standing in his observation tower while the player fights the final boss. He's shot in the head in a cutscene.]]

* TheUnfought: [[spoiler: Lucius spends the entire climax standing in his observation tower while the player fights the final boss. He's shot in the head in a cutscene.]]

Part of the ''[[OrsonScottCardsEmpire Empire]]'' universe, by Creator/OrsonScottCard - the Empire novel was actually written for this game, not the other way around. Developed by Chair Entertainment in association with EpicGames, it was heavily promoted and released to near-universal acclaim on XboxLiveArcade. The gameplay is essentially just like that of a refined ''Super VideoGame/{{Metroid}}'': the protagonist, Jason, runs around a 2D base, gaining equipment, items, and levels as he explores more and more of the place and unravels the sinister plot that is about to be put into action. It uses the [[GameEngine Unreal Engine 3]] and notably introduces "2.5D" elements smoothly into classic {{Metroidvania}} gameplay, such as allowing Jason to shoot enemies in the background of the stage.

* XMeetsY: The developers have outright stated that this game was born of their love for ''Super Metroid'' and ''Franchise/GIJoe''.

* FollowTheLeader: The developers have eagerly admitted that they based the gameplay off {{Metroidvania}} styles. Everyone has noticed - and it's been pretty unanimously been declared an excellent game.

** And one foam pack. Less important, but still annoying.

* MinimalistRun: The game acknowledges two different levels of this challenge - there is an Achievement for finishing the game with 13% or fewer items, and a 'Master Challenge' for only collecting four percent - which doesn't include ''a gun''.
** Actually, the basic pistol is included in the 4%, as its required to advance (and presumably, to use the sub-weapons). [[spoiler:However, if you've found all of the gold bars, you'll have access to the gold weapons, which don't count against you. So you can grab the best gun in the game, skip the pistol, grab the 3 sub-weapons, and an additional pickup along the way to complete the challenge.]]

* TheUnfought: [[spoiler: Lucius spends the entire climax standing in his observation tower while the player fights the final boss. He gets shot in the head in a cutscene.]]

* WasItAllALie: [[spoiler:Jason asks this almost verbatim of Claire, when she tells him that she was using him as cover to get into the [[TitleDrop Shadow Complex]]]].

* XanatosRoulette: Jason taking down the complex was all planned, and encouraged during the process, by [[spoiler: Claire]].

** Several HeavilyArmoredMook have powered armor as well, though they are [[MightyGlacier much bulkier and more encumbering]].

* FacelessGoons: The Progressive Restoration's entire membership all seem to enjoy wearing helmets that don't even possess a ''visor''. Glowing lights on the side of the masks seem to indicate cameras of some sort. Interestingly, the hero can become faceless should he pick up the breathing mask and/or the fusion helmet!

Part of the ''[[OrsonScottCardsEmpire Empire]]'' universe, by OrsonScottCard - the Empire novel was actually written for this game, not the other way around. Developed by Chair Entertainment in association with EpicGames, it was heavily promoted and released to near-universal acclaim on XboxLiveArcade. The gameplay is essentially just like that of a refined ''Super VideoGame/{{Metroid}}'': the protagonist, Jason, runs around a 2D base, gaining equipment, items, and levels as he explores more and more of the place and unravels the sinister plot that is about to be put into action. It uses the [[GameEngine Unreal Engine 3]] and notably introduces "2.5D" elements smoothly into classic {{Metroidvania}} gameplay, such as allowing Jason to shoot enemies in the background of the stage.

Part of the ''[[OrsonScottCardsEmpire Empire]]'' universe, by OrsonScottCard - the Empire novel was actually written for this game, not the other way around. Developed by Chair Entertainment in association with EpicGames, it was heavily promoted and released to near-universal acclaim on XboxLiveArcade. The gameplay is essentially just like that of a refined ''Super {{Metroid}}'': the protagonist, Jason, runs around a 2D base, gaining equipment, items, and levels as he explores more and more of the place and unravels the sinister plot that is about to be put into action. It uses the [[GameEngine Unreal Engine 3]] and notably introduces "2.5D" elements smoothly into classic {{Metroidvania}} gameplay, such as allowing Jason to shoot enemies in the background of the stage.

* ATasteOfPower: The first segment gives you the second-best weapon and a mostly-complete suit of armor to play with before switching to Jason.
* BagOfSpilling: Justified. The few skills you start the game with are lost due to the player characters' death. The rest of the game is played using a different character.

* {{Expy}}: Thanks to Nolan North's distinctive voice as well as being highly competent in a bad situation while using sarcasm as a coping mechanism, Jason Fleming is what happens when [[UnchartedDrakesFortune Nathan Drake]] gives up treasure hunting for a steady girlfriend.
* FacelessGoons: The Progressive Restoration's entire membership all seem to enjoy wearing helmets that don't even possess a ''[[FridgeLogic visor]]''. Glowing lights on the side of the masks seem to indicate cameras of some sort. Interestingly, the hero can become faceless should he pick up the breathing mask and/or the fusion helmet!

* FanNickname: The BigBad evil guy is nicknamed "[[GIJoe Cobra Commander]]" by the fans. And the developers.

** He's voiced by NolanNorth?
** He's no one. And everyone.

* KillerApp: One of ''the'' major releases of summer 2009 for Xbox Live Arcade.

* ShoutOut: To ''{{Metroid}}'' of course, although the grappling hook pistol is called the [[Franchise/TheLegendOfZelda hookshot...]] The developers also mention ''GIJoe'' as an inspiration.
** The third {{spider tank}} boss fight is an homage to the fight at the end of ''GhostInTheShell''. The design of the tanks themselves are pretty blatantly modeled after the [=GitS=] tank, as well.
** I see where your name comes from, [[TheBourneSeries Jason]] [[JamesBond Fleming]]!
** One of the Master Achievements is called Jason Bailey, a reference to {{Metroid}}'s Justin Bailey password.

* SuperSpeed: About halfway through the game you are given Friction Dampeners that triple your speed. A few of the more interesting power-up placements involve solving a few logic puzzles that can only be solved with the gravity-busting properties of the boots. Sadly, you cannot [[{{Metroid}} shinespark]], but you can use a later triple-jump ability to abuse the boots' charge-up time.

* TheOtherRainforest: The setting of the game.

* XMeetsY: The developers have outright stated that this game was born of their love for ''Super Metroid'' and ''GIJoe''.

** The third spider tank boss fight is an homage to the fight at the end of ''GhostInTheShell''. The design of the tanks themselves are pretty blatantly modeled after the [=GitS=] tank, as well.

It's short, but it's also only $15 and is easily available to anyone with an {{Xbox 360}} and an Internet connection. With 50 experience levels, 100 items to collect, and an intriguing story interwoven with compelling gameplay, $15 is quite a steal for one of the best games of the XboxLiveArcade platform.

* ShoutOut: To ''{{Metroid}}'' of course, although the grappling hook pistol is called the [[franchise/TheLegendOfZelda hookshot...]] The developers also mention ''GIJoe'' as an inspiration.

* GrapplingHookPistol: Called the [[TheLegendOfZelda hookshot]].

* ShoutOut: To ''{{Metroid}}'' of course, although the grappling hook pistol is called the [[TheLegendOfZelda hookshot...]] The developers also mention ''GIJoe'' as an inspiration.