Did anyone buy Shadow Complex today?

[bobbynewmarkiii]

yeah, Rez is f'ing ace, but it just doesn't have the replayability to be all that... HD remix has all these xtra levels, but I just don't know (or can be bothered to find out) how to unlock them...

[MrPopo]

So I tried the demo and decided this isn't going to be a purchase.

First, completely superflous right stick. Really, you could have done the controls Super Metroid style. Triggers are aim up/down (both for aim up), jump on A, fire on X, reload on Y, B is run. Left bumper is flashlight, right bumper is reload. Down is crouch toggle (will go back to standing after up or jump. There, now I fixed your controls for you.

Second, fuck your crouch system. This is a goddamn platformer; we don't need to throw in a crouch system. And the enemies do so much damage that you almost feel forced to use the crouch system. I managed to dodge a couple and bumrush the rest, but it still felt idiotic that I was dying to 4-5 shots from my enemies, and they could aim. I don't mind enemies that take off a lot of health, as long as it's dodgeable.

Third, it feels like because of the flashlight the pickups won't be hard to get. The game is a little too free to reveal that there's actually passage between two rooms on the minimap. Leave the wall closed until we grenade it or something.

Fourth, don't talk to yourself. It works when you're a major badass who's facing down legions of aliens like in Duke 3D or Serious Sam. It doesn't work when you're a punkass crawling through a cave.

The worst part is I can feel the Metroid influence. It's just that they took that influence in the wrong direction.

[RadarScope1]

Second, fuck your crouch system. This is a goddamn platformer; we don't need to throw in a crouch system. And the enemies do so much damage that you almost feel forced to use the crouch system. I managed to dodge a couple and bumrush the rest, but it still felt idiotic that I was dying to 4-5 shots from my enemies, and they could aim. I don't mind enemies that take off a lot of health, as long as it's dodgeable.

I'm going to temper this by saying again that I haven't played it but...

... from what I heard on the Giant Bomb interview with Don Mustard, this is supposed to be something of a tactical action platformer, so I could see where the crouching and stealth would come in. I don't think it's supposed to have the exact same platforming feel of Castlevania and Metroid, despite the many other obvious influences.

[dsheinem]

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[dsheinem]

I posted this in the Whatever thread on the topic, but thought I'd repost it here as well...

Before buying, you should at least inform yourself about the boycott of the game that is going on. The game is based on the work of Orson Scott Card, a noted campaigner against same-sex marriage and gay rights in general. Some have chosen to not support anything affiliated with him, even if his percentage of the profits might be small.

Here's two excellent pieces on the issue:

http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_i ... tory=24627

http://gaygamer.net/2009/08/the_shadow_ ... ndrum.html


Also, there's this interesting little exploit:

Play the full version of Shadow Complex using just the demo:
1. Play through the trial until you fight the giant mechanical spider/crab boss.
2. While the boss is exploding, repeatedly press start until the pause menu comes up.
3. Once the pause menu is open, select Load Last Save.

You should now be in the room where you previously obtained the grenades. The boss will be dead and you will be able to continue through the rest of the game (without saving).

[MrPopo]

Second, fuck your crouch system. This is a goddamn platformer; we don't need to throw in a crouch system. And the enemies do so much damage that you almost feel forced to use the crouch system. I managed to dodge a couple and bumrush the rest, but it still felt idiotic that I was dying to 4-5 shots from my enemies, and they could aim. I don't mind enemies that take off a lot of health, as long as it's dodgeable.

I'm going to temper this by saying again that I haven't played it but...

... from what I heard on the Giant Bomb interview with Don Mustard, this is supposed to be something of a tactical action platformer, so I could see where the crouching and stealth would come in. I don't think it's supposed to have the exact same platforming feel of Castlevania and Metroid, despite the many other obvious influences.

Oh, I know why they did it. I heard the interviews where he mentioned that. But when I can jump as high as I am tall I don't want tactical shooting action. I want platforming shooting.

[Jrecee]

Also, there's this interesting little exploit:

Play the full version of Shadow Complex using just the demo:
1. Play through the trial until you fight the giant mechanical spider/crab boss.
2. While the boss is exploding, repeatedly press start until the pause menu comes up.
3. Once the pause menu is open, select Load Last Save.

You should now be in the room where you previously obtained the grenades. The boss will be dead and you will be able to continue through the rest of the game (without saving).

How long before they fix that I wonder. . .Welcome to the world of dlc where they can modify a game you've already downloaded!

[RadarScope1]

Oh, I know why they did it. I heard the interviews where he mentioned that. But when I can jump as high as I am tall I don't want tactical shooting action. I want platforming shooting.

Fair enough. It's all about feel with most 2D games.

On the boycott- I've been following the story pretty closely. It's interesting. Some people think it's dumb but it's a valid point for a lot of people. After reading about Orson Scott Card I can say I find the guy despicable but it won't keep me from buying the game. First of all, he's not highly involved in the development, and second, the story in no way preaches his ideology (from what I understand). Not purchasing SC won't necessarily do anything for civil rights, but purchasing it certainly will be a vote for more games in the Metroidvania vein. That's how I see it.

[dlmvii]

Oh, I know why they did it. I heard the interviews where he mentioned that. But when I can jump as high as I am tall I don't want tactical shooting action. I want platforming shooting.

Fair enough. It's all about feel with most 2D games.

On the boycott- I've been following the story pretty closely. It's interesting. Some people think it's dumb but it's a valid point for a lot of people. After reading about Orson Scott Card I can say I find the guy despicable but it won't keep me from buying the game. First of all, he's not highly involved in the development, and second, the story in no way preaches his ideology (from what I understand). Not purchasing SC won't necessarily do anything for civil rights, but purchasing it certainly will be a vote for more games in the Metroidvania vein. That's how I see it.

The writer of the game, Peter David, has traditionally been very "gay-friendly" and supported gay groups in the past. Should people take food off of his plate so they can also take it off of Card's? There are SO MANY people involved in this project, and Card is just a very small one. If I boycotted something because I didn't agree with some aspect of 1 person involved with it, I would probably not own anything. This is just like the ridiculous whole foods debate that's going on right now.

[RadarScope1]

Well I think the point a lot of people are making is that this isn't just anybody - he's one of the leaders of the National Organization for Marriage, which wields a lot of power and influence in restricting civil rights (from a particular POV, which I share). So it's not just that it's "one guy with an opinion." And Chair knew what this guy was about. I don't think it's ridiculous. I steadfastly believe that in a system where we are able to choose what we spend our money, we DO vote with our wallets in many ways.

BUT as I said, this won't keep me from buying the game. I believe the greater vote is a vote FOR more games like this.