The Complex
- March 31, 2020
- Good Gate Media
- 5h median play time
Get on Steam"The Complex" is a cinematic, interactive sci-fi thriller game where players' choices matter. As scientist Dr. Amy Tenant, navigate a genetic research facility amidst a dangerous leak, making moral decisions that impact the story's outcome. With full performance capture and a star-studded cast, this intense game offers gripping suspense and unpredictable consequences.
Mac OS
Nintendo Switch
PC
Playstation 4
Playstation 5
Steam Deck
Windows
Xbox One
PlayStation
Xbox
Reviews
- Engaging story with interesting plot twists and multiple endings.
- High production value with good acting and cinematography.
- The ability to skip previously viewed scenes enhances replayability.
- Choices often feel inconsequential, leading to a linear experience.
- Some characters lack depth and the writing can be cliché.
- The game is relatively short, taking only about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete.
- story562 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The story of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players finding it engaging and well-produced, featuring interesting characters and multiple endings that enhance replayability. However, many critiques highlight significant plot holes, illogical character actions, and a lack of meaningful choices that diminish the overall impact of the narrative. While some appreciate the cinematic quality and twists, others feel the story is ultimately predictable and lacks depth, making it feel more like a linear experience than a truly interactive one.
“The story is engaging, the puzzles are challenging, and the dialogue choices are interesting.”
“The complex is a gripping and atmospheric FMV game that seamlessly blends live-action footage with interactive storytelling.”
“The story was interesting and there were a couple of twists that caught me by surprise.”
“First of all, it is very short, and the story is quite dumb; events and character actions are illogical.”
“The plot is shallow and predictable, and the writing is absolutely ridiculous, making the story not make much sense.”
“The story is convoluted, and the only redeemable characters, in my opinion, are Amy and Rees, who happen to be the main characters with little to no support from the rest of the cast.”
- gameplay37 mentions
- 16 % positive mentions
- 70 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "The Complex" is primarily focused on making choices and experiencing their consequences, resembling an interactive movie rather than traditional gaming mechanics. While it offers a smooth experience with features like scene skipping and decision pausing, many players find the gameplay to be simplistic and lacking depth, leading to a short overall playtime that may not justify its price. Despite its intriguing setting and character relationships, the game is often criticized for its limited content and replayability.
“The gameplay is a mix of exploration, puzzles, and dialogue choices.”
“The gameplay mechanics of the complex are designed to keep you on the edge of your seat.”
“Gameplay-wise, they did great because they allowed you to skip scenes you already saw, and they also gave you the option to pause when there is a decision, which are two mandatory features to add in this genre.”
“Much like any other FMV, the gameplay is less centered around movement or gameplay as such, but rather on making choices and watching their consequences play out.”
“With this game's price, replayability, empty mechanics, and lack of content, there is absolutely no conceivable way I can see anyone even remotely considering recommending this game.”
“I'm upset that I'm watching a poorly made movie without gameplay.”
- replayability32 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is a mixed bag. While many players appreciate the presence of multiple endings (ranging from 8 to 9) and the ability to skip previously watched scenes, some feel that the differences between endings are minimal, limiting the incentive for multiple playthroughs. However, the engaging story and choices do provide a decent level of replay value for those interested in exploring different outcomes.
“There are 8 endings and you can skip scenes you've already watched, so it has good replay value.”
“The complex is an interactive movie/FMV game that's about 1.5 hours long, but due to the choices it gives and different outcomes, it has some replay value.”
“It's everything there: interesting story, decent cast and acting, branching storylines leading up to multiple endings for additional replay value, subtle but fitting soundtrack, the right kind of humor, high-quality footage and production value.”
“The acting and the story are pretty decent for this type of game, but pretty low replay value as most of the endings aren't that different from each other.”
“Overall a good game if you play through it once, the only replayability it has is maybe 1 or 2 playthroughs, taking that you skip 80% of the cutscenes you've already seen.”
“You're not going to get massive replay value after the first playthrough and subsequently unlocking all endings, but I thoroughly enjoyed my one evening with it.”
- music25 mentions
- 24 % positive mentions
- 64 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising its ability to fit the mood and enhance the emotional experience, while others criticize issues like poor audio mixing, abrupt fade-outs, and a lack of independent volume control. While some players found the soundtrack engaging and well-suited to the narrative, others felt it detracted from the overall experience due to technical flaws. Overall, the music is described as decent but inconsistent, with moments of both high quality and significant shortcomings.
“The production, acting, and music are all well done plus the story is engaging and entertaining.”
“The music fits the mood.”
“The music was fantastic and captures the mood, being emotional, quirky and driving all in the right spots.”
“Weird cuts and the music fading in and out is not helping.”
“I wasn't able to alter the volume of the music independently of the speech, so using a poor-quality set of headphones I could barely make out the speech over the music.”
“However, one glaring issue is the music, which seems to be hard-embedded into the videos themselves, and this creates situations of both abrupt fade outs of the score and moments that last longer than they should where I've made a plot decision but the lead character (supposedly an expert research scientist) stands in place looking indecisive, often spoiling the drama of the moment.”
- graphics23 mentions
- 48 % positive mentions
- 39 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with many praising the stunning visuals, immersive cinematography, and smooth performance even on lower-end hardware. While some users highlight the game's captivating and cinematic quality, others criticize certain aspects, describing them as outdated or reminiscent of lower-quality productions. Overall, the graphics are generally regarded as impressive, though there are calls for improvements in specific effects.
“With its captivating performances, immersive visuals, and morally complex choices, it offers an experience that blurs the lines between gaming and cinema.”
“It is technically excellent, with smooth cut scenes and gorgeous visuals.”
“The visuals, cinematography and direction are all top-notch - far above any other interactive game I've seen.”
“Sure it could use better graphic effects.”
“The graphics are absolutely horrible.”
“They remind me of B-movie graphics from the 1980s.”
- optimization15 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed feedback, with some users reporting that it forced their PCs to run at nearly 100% capacity, despite having capable hardware. While the performances and narrative are generally praised, the technical demands may detract from the overall experience for some players.
“So I was surprised at the end when the game evaluated my performance, gave me a rating, and while not giving anything away showed me how much I didn't get to see.”
“If you enjoy tier 3 crafting, this game isn't for you, but if you want to sit back and enjoy a great narrative and great performances, definitely pick this up if you like the FMV genre.”
“Optimization - it forced my PC to run at nearly 100%, although it shouldn't need to do that (Ryzen 2700X, Vega 64, 16 GB).”
“The main actress lacks dramatic performance; she is like a robot, showing no emotion.”
“So I was surprised at the end when the game evaluated my performance, gave me a rating, and while not giving anything away, showed me how much I didn't get to see.”
- humor13 mentions
- 92 % positive mentions
- -15 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is described as a mix of cheesy and lighthearted moments, often stemming from plot holes and exaggerated character behaviors. While some players appreciate the comedic elements and find certain characters, like Reese, genuinely funny, others criticize the humor for being poorly executed and inconsistent, with jokes that fall flat in serious situations. Overall, the humor adds a casual and entertaining layer to the gameplay, making it enjoyable despite its flaws.
“Sure they are cheesy and full of plot holes, bad acting, and lacking in special effects... but that makes them funny and lighthearted, casual and easy to play with minimal effort.”
“It was a good, funny little game that you can play and dive your teeth into.”
“At the end, it gives you some stats and your personality traits (which I found super funny and loved it).”
“Every character is an idiot. The lead male of the game has dumb jokes that are not funny, and in the middle of a life-or-death scenario, everyone is fairly casual and jokey with each other.”
“The humor falls flat, relying on tired clichés and predictable punchlines that fail to elicit any genuine laughter.”
“Attempts at humor feel forced and out of place, making it hard to take the story seriously when the characters are cracking jokes at the worst possible moments.”
- emotional11 mentions
- 91 % positive mentions
- -18 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is polarizing; while some players praise its immersive storytelling, impactful characters, and evocative music that create a deeply emotional experience, others criticize the characters' poor decision-making and lack of intellectual depth. Overall, the game is noted for its emotional weight and the tough choices it presents, though some find it emotionally flat or lacking in scientific realism.
“The cinematic production values are evident in every frame, immersing you in a world that is both visually stunning and emotionally charged.”
“11/10 absolutely recommend this game, but go into it being aware that it is an emotionally heavy game, and you will have to make incredibly tough choices.”
“Twisting and engaging plot that delivers suspense and emotional impact, as well as memorable and impactful characters (special mention to Rees!).”
“The story was incredibly boring and failed to evoke any emotional response.”
“I found the narrative to be dull, lacking the depth needed to connect with the characters.”
“The emotional impact was nonexistent; I felt detached from the entire experience.”
- atmosphere10 mentions
- 80 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in the game is generally praised for its gripping and immersive qualities, particularly in its effective use of live-action footage and sound design, which enhance the storytelling experience. However, some players criticize certain titles for lacking depth and coherence, leading to a diminished atmosphere that fails to engage. Overall, when executed well, the atmosphere contributes significantly to the game's appeal, making it a standout in the FMV genre.
“The complex is a gripping and atmospheric FMV (full motion video) game that seamlessly blends live-action footage with interactive storytelling.”
“If you're seeking an atmospheric and engaging journey filled with steamy suspense and thought-provoking decision-making, then The Complex is a must-play.”
“The story is interesting and has a wonderful sci-fi atmosphere.”
“I couldn't take this game seriously because of the ruined atmosphere, infinitely boring and absurd storytelling, illogical characters, and bad VFX. It doesn't even have a chance to be bad enough to be entertaining, because the game is absolutely empty and featureless.”
“I think this is partly to allow for scenes to be ambiguous so that you don't end up with the wrong atmosphere given a set of choices.”
- grinding7 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 86 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be time-consuming and often tedious, particularly when it involves repetitive tasks and minimal rewards, such as collecting similar items or scenes. Many reviewers noted that while the game offers multiple endings and scenes, the necessity to replay content for slight variations can lead to frustration and a sense of monotony, especially after the initial playthrough. Overall, grinding is seen as a significant commitment that may detract from the enjoyment of the game.
“I was in the mood to play a video game, but I wasn't in the mood to play a game where I had to invest a lot of time learning the controls, grinding, listening to bratty players get mouthy to players who wanted to try out multiplayer, or requiring weeks to earn upgraded armor named rusted weak chestpiece scraps -2.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“And a good part of that 4 hours was grinding to see the last remaining scenes, the last 5 which I gave up on, on account of these scenes will have made barely any difference.”
- character development4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
Overall, reviews indicate that character development in the game is lacking, with many players expressing a desire for more depth and growth due to the game's short duration. Critics note that the limited time frame hinders meaningful character arcs, resulting in a disjointed experience with numerous plot holes.
“My only complaint is that the game is too short; I wish there had been more character development and world-building.”
“There's no character development.”
“There wasn't much character development, but I guess you really can't develop a character that much in 90 minutes.”
“Plot holes are at every corner and character development is all over the place.”
- stability3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -67 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
User experiences with stability are mixed; some report significant issues such as being unable to launch the game and encountering a black screen despite troubleshooting efforts. Conversely, others have had smooth gameplay without glitches or crashes, indicating that stability may vary depending on specific setups or configurations.
“The game runs incredibly smoothly, with no frame drops or stability issues, even during intense action sequences.”
“I've experienced zero crashes since I started playing, which is a huge plus for my overall enjoyment.”
“Can't launch it, tried the troubleshooting steps but didn't help; all I get is a black screen.”
“For starters, I played this game on the NVIDIA 465.89 driver with no glitches or crashes.”
“This movie is spectacular; I got the glitches ending and am very happy I didn't get 'the promise', as the promise ending would have just been a happy end, whereas glitches legit leave you thinking about the thriller even more.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy is perceived as a blatant cash grab, indicating that the game prioritizes profit over player experience.
“This game feels like a clear cash grab.”
“The monetization strategy is overly aggressive and detracts from the overall experience.”
“It's frustrating how much they push for in-game purchases at every turn.”
