Every once in a while a game comes along that revolutionises gaming. A title of monumental proportions that changes how the latest technology is used, how developers approach making games and what we, the gamers, can expect in the future. Shadow Complex is one of those games, albeit on a slightly smaller scale. Developed by Chair Entertainment (with a little help from the gears’ heads at Epic Games), Shadow Complex is an Xbox Live Arcade (or XBLA) title that not only surpasses all of its downloadable peers, in terms of presentation and gameplay, but can hold its head high amongst many of the full price releases of this year.

Set within the explosive, espionage filled universe of author Orson Scott Cards’ novel “Empire” the game tells the story of Jason Flemming, an average Joe that stumbles upon a hidden paramilitary base whilst out hiking with love interest Claire. Cue gun fights; explosions; jetpacks and killer mechs along with the realisation that Jason (Is there only one name for super spies?) may not be that average after all.

So far so gaming blueprint, however, what makes Shadow Complex so unique is that instead of simply making a substandard FPS and relying on the games’ story to make it sell, Chair have designed the game in 2.5D. This means whilst gameplay feels like a traditional 2D side scroller, the environments are fully 3D, allowing enemies and puzzles to come from all angles. Don’t worry though, as one of the games’ most unique and useful features is the ability to aim at targets in the background using a handy auto aim. This feature allows the game to feel modern and accessible, while remaining true to the core values of the “Metroidvania” genre, of which it’s a part of.

The game plays out much like the lovechild of Metal Gear Solid and Castlevania. With the player exploring a familiar and ever expanding map system, defeating bosses, collecting items and gaining experience. Initially you start out with just a flashlight, but it’s not long before your packing state of the art armour and weapons, each with its own way of aiding game progression. Remember that irritating jump you couldn’t make? A jetpack will make that chasm seem like a crack in the pavement. An RPG style experience system which improves everything from stamina to precision also adds depth to the game.  Jason’s evolution from aroused hiker to Uber agent feels natural and creates a real sense of progression and achievement, as the game map is gradually explored.

Chair has catered for both hardcore fans of this genre and newbies alike. Those new to the genre can take advantage of the forgiving lower difficulty levels and useful hint system, whilst seasoned veterans can tackle the games unforgiving insane mode (a nod to bedfellow Gears of War), in an attempt to conquer the extensive leader board system, as I’m writing this an blistering thirty minute speed run of the game remains unbeaten.

The presentation in Shadow Complex is fantastic, displaying just what can be achieved with XBLA content. The Unreal engine has been used brilliantly to create diverse and great looking environments, while the cut scenes will make you forget you don’t have a disc in your Xbox. Every environment, from disused mines to secret labs, feels spot on and beautifully presented. The voice acting wouldn’t feel out of place in a full price game either, adding an extra layer of polish to an already gleaming title. Hopefully Shadow Complex will set a benchmark for XBLA in terms of presentation and developers will strive to match its high standard in the future.

Although Shadow Complex can’t be praised enough it’s not without its downsides. The auto aim feature can sometimes be difficult to use, which in a fire fight, can mean a quick death but the system does become easier to manage with experience and an improved targeting mechanic granted by the higher levels. The exploration within the game can sometimes become tedious, one error in map reading can result in a large amount of backtracking and it’s not always clear how to access a new area, which makes some parts of the game feel more like a chore than an adventure. Besides this, the only negative aspect of the game is its surprising lack of narrative, renowned comic writer Peter David was drafted in to write the games’ script, however the game features only a handful of major cut scenes and dialogue and it feels like Mr David wasn’t used to his full potential.

Overall Shadow Complex is quite simply an amazing game. No one expected such a groundbreaking title to be released on XBLA, but Chair has definitely delivered one .Not only has it pushed the boundaries of what can be achieved with the technology developers have at their disposal, but it’s a deep and rewarding experience that will keep gamers coming back time and time again. If you’re a casual gamer, or a hardcore joy-pad junkie, you owe it to yourself to download this game and play (what could possibly be) one of the greatest games of this year.

Overall rating: 9.5/10: Got an Xbox? Got a pulse? Get this game.