Shadow Complex -- Initial Impression.

Next up for me along with a return to regular updates is Shadow Complex for the Xbox 360. Shadow Complex is the final game of Microsoft's Summer of Arcade II and as such has a lot to live up to if you subscribe to the theory of saving the best for last. Shadow Complex is a predominantly 2D action game with 3D graphics that borrows heavily from the gameplay of Super Metroid and the aesthetics of Metal Gear Solid. The game was designed by Chair Entertainment with support from Epic Games and it uses the Unreal Engine. The game also comes with a degree of controversy as it has been written to some extent by Orsan Scott Card of Ender's Game fame. For some people he's a noted homophobe and religious zealot. I don't know what to make of the controversy as of yet. But I can say that Shadow Complex's initial couple of hours are great fun. And it really does owe everything to Super Metroid and Metal Gear Solid at this point. I'm a little iffy on the control so far though. It does have some instances where it fails. Normally in heavy combat. I've been pleasantly surprised by the level of the combat. And the situations are far more varied and interesting than I ever was expecting. So far Shadow Complex seems to be living up to the hype. Let's see if it can maintain its momentum...