The Complex Thumbnail

The Complex similar games & best alternatives

The Complex

PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 • 2020

Related articles

Quick resume

After a major bio-weapon attack on London, two scientists find themselves in a locked-down laboratory with time, and air, running out. The Complex is an interactive sci-fi thriller movie where your decisions lead to one of eight suspenseful endings.

Global score

78/100

Genres

Adventure

Similar games

    Pros

    • Engaging narrative with multiple endings
    • High production values and acting
    • Ability to skip previously seen scenes
    • Meaningful choices affecting relationships
    • Accessible for fans of interactive movies

    Cons

    • Short overall playtime
    • Many choices have limited impact
    • Some plot and acting inconsistencies
    • Price considered high by some players
    • Lack of save flexibility and chapter selection

    Analysis

    Less representative of its motivational profile, with noticeable differences. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Expression, Fellowship, Cooperation, Competition. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Intimacy. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Creativity, Value.

    How to use the graph
    Similar games map

    Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Motivations” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

    • Larger dot with a light outline: the game you are viewing.
    • Colour: groups of games with comparable motivation patterns (statistical clusters).
    • Hover a dot to see the game name; click to open its page.
    • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

    Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers.

    Motivations

    • Autonomy
      3

      "Players make choices that influence the story and character relationships, providing a sense of control, though the overall plot remains mostly linear."

    • Competence
      1

      "The game involves making timed decisions and managing relationships, offering some challenge but no traditional skill tests or puzzles."

    • Competition
      -4

      "Focuses on personal story experience and replaying to discover different endings without competitive elements or leaderboards."

    • Continuation
      2

      "Players often replay to explore multiple endings and achievements, though the game is short and some find replaying tedious."

    • Cooperation
      -5

      "Single-player experience focused on individual decision making without cooperative or multiplayer features."

    • Creativity
      -3

      "Players choose from predefined options affecting the story but cannot create or modify content beyond branching choices."

    • Domination
      -5

      "No elements of exerting control or superiority over others; interactions are narrative-driven and personal."

    • Escapism
      4

      "Provides an immersive sci-fi thriller experience allowing players to escape real life through story and decision making."

    • Expectation
      -4

      "Players engage voluntarily for entertainment and personal interest, with no obligation or external pressure."

    • Experimenting
      3

      "Encourages trying different choices and exploring alternate endings, though within a limited narrative framework."

    • Exploration
      2

      "Players discover different story branches and endings, but the environment and scenes are mostly fixed and familiar."

    • Expression
      -4

      "Customization is limited to choice selection; no avatar personalization or cosmetic modifications."

    • Fantasy
      3

      "Set in a near-future sci-fi thriller context with fictional nanotechnology and dramatic plot elements."

    • Fellowship
      -4

      "Primarily a solo experience with minimal social interaction beyond optional shared viewing or discussion."

    • Growth
      1

      "Some learning about story consequences and character relationships, but limited skill or knowledge development."

    • Health
      -5

      "Sedentary gameplay typical of interactive movies with no physical activity or health-related engagement."

    • Idle
      -4

      "Requires focused attention during playthroughs; decisions are timed but can be paused."

    • Intimacy
      0

      "Some relationship tracking and character interaction, but no deep emotional or social bonding features."

    • Leadership
      -5

      "No leadership or group management elements; player controls only their own character's decisions."

    • Progression
      2

      "Progression is narrative-based through unlocking endings and achievements rather than items or upgrades."

    • Relaxation
      3

      "Generally a balanced experience with some tension from timed decisions but overall suitable for relaxed play."

    • Sensation
      2

      "Visual and auditory presentation is high quality and cinematic, providing sensory engagement."

    • Status
      -4

      "No social status or recognition systems; achievements are personal and not publicly ranked."

    • Story
      5

      "Strong narrative focus with multiple endings, character development, and branching plotlines."

    • Strategy
      1

      "Requires some quick decision making and consideration of relationships, but limited complex planning."

    • Thrill
      3

      "Tense and suspenseful moments with timed choices and dramatic story developments."

    • Value
      -2

      "Mixed opinions on price versus content length; some find it good value on sale but expensive at full price."

    • Violence
      1

      "Contains some violent scenes and choices leading to character deaths, but violence is not the main focus."

    • Survival
      2

      "Story involves avoiding threats and making decisions to survive, though gameplay lacks traditional survival mechanics."

    Where to buy

    Come talk about it on Discord!

    Last update: 29/04/2026