Metroid Database.com

I'll try to keep this relatively short, coming off of Cap's recent impressions.

Shadow Complex is the game you need to go buy RIGHT NOW. It is exactly what we wanted and expected in a 2.5D Metroid-esque game. Any fan of Metroid or post-SotN Castlevania will feel right at home.

While I was playing the short Xbox Live demo, I kept seeing things that I saw to be homages to Super Metroid. For example, when you walk into the compound for the first time, a security camera shines a red beam of light on you, to show that you've been spotted -- much like the way that eyeball shines light on you as soon as you get the Morph Ball in Super Metroid.

The map system seems to have taken a very big inspiration from Super's map. Not only is it located in the upper-right corner, it is made of squares displayed on a grid, connected by thicker lines on the edges that represent doors. The map also auto-fills in when your character passes by a map seen on the wall or a computer terminal in the environment, and draws a line showing you where you should go (but actually figuring how to get there isn't always easy). And saving -- when you go into certain rooms (marked with stars on the map) it auto-saves your progress. A very nice feature, indeed.

I actually enjoy the game's controls. Using the right stick to aim your weapon (which activates a laser sight to help you aim) is a brilliant, user-friendly experience. And it gives you true 360 degree aiming. I had always imagined a 2.5D Metroid game should play out the same way.

I think this is a very worthwhile game and you should DEFINITELY purchase it. For $15 it is a STEAL. While playing, I am constantly dreaming, wishing, thinking about how amazing it would have been if Nintendo ever made a 2.5D Metroid that looks and plays as well as this does. Here's hoping Other M will pay out in spades.

Chair Entertainment: you have just acquired a fan for life.

--Infinity's End