The original Shadow Complex is a 2.5D platform-adventure game that became an Xbox 360 cult classic thanks to its fast-paced, exploration-heavy gameplay. Now, the title has received the remaster treatment, which gives the beloved game updated graphics, new hard-hitting contextual melee attacks, and Master Challenges. The PC game's plot and voice acting don't quite match the rest of the stellar package, but if you can overlook those ills, you'll find an excellent title that's well worth the $14.99 price. I reviewed Shadow Complex Remastered on PC, but it's also available on PlayStation 4£306.98 at Amazon UK and Xbox One£299.99 at Amazon UK.

Lame Plot, Great Action
Shadow Complex Remastered follows Jason Flemming and his girlfriend Claire, who stumble upon a massive underground complex while rock climbing. After Claire's captured and mistaken for a spy, Jason makes it his mission to find Claire and discover the kidnapping faction's villainous motivations. The Peter David–penned story is lackluster, and the voice acting drags it down even further. In fact, after playing the game for a couple hours, I found myself caring less about the characters after each cut scene. Thankfully, Shadow Complex Remastered's gameplay more than makes up for its poorly executed narrative.

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As is typical of a Metroidvania-style platformer, Shadow Complex Remastered tasks you with exploring the vast enemy complex, discovering new weapons and equipment, and backtracking to use those items in previously inaccessible areas. You have a map at your disposal and a hub in certain sectors to keep it updated. Despite sharing several core similarities with other Metroidvania-style titles, Shadow Complex Remastered boasts two unique gameplay elements: One is its 2.5D approach to gameplay, which lets you shoot enemies in the background; the other is your character's nimbleness on the ground and in the air.

Aiming and shooting with a mouse or a controller's right analog stick (as opposed to shooting with the trigger buttons in most shooters) makes combat reminiscent of old run-and-gun games like Contra or Metal Slug 3SEE IT. On the topic of combat, Shadow Complex Remastered has melee attacks, too, which is unusual for the genre. Melee attacks change according to your activity. If you're running or dropping from above, your attack will be a swift punch combo or a flying kick, respectively. If you're hanging from a ledge, you'll grab an enemy's foot and pull the foe to his death. Melee attacks are a good way to keep surrounding enemies from noticing your presence and firing their weapons. Plus, it's just fun as hell. Moreover, discovering different scenarios to catch baddies off guard becomes addicting.

Baddies & Weaponry
Guns and other weapons can be used to blast open doors or structures that impede your progress. These structures are distinguished by color when your flashlight shines on them and can only be damaged if the appropriate weapon is in your possession and fired. For example, guns destroy orange objects and grenades dispatch green blockades. These weapons are found as your explore the complex.