Shadow Complex is a side-scrolling action-adventure set in the world of author Orson Scott Card's novel Empire. During a day of cave exploration, protagonist Jason Fleming and his girlfriend Claire unwittingly stumble upon the underground headquarters of a radical group known as the Progressive Restoration. The group captures Claire, so gamers must help Jason explore the compound and fight back in any way he can. Though players begin with a mere flashlight, there are 17 unique power-ups to collect and more than 100 additional items, with each new power-up opening a previously inaccessible area. The action is designed to be fast-paced, punctuated with extended boss battles, and though Shadow Complex is primarily a 2D game, enemies attack from both the foreground and the background, giving the environments a 3D feel. ~ Christopher Brown, All Game Guide