|
|
|
QUANTUM BREAK (XONE)
|
Publisher: Microsoft.
Developer: Remedy Entertainment. Released: April 2016. Genre: Third-person shoot 'em up. Other versions: PC. Posted 15th January 2021. By Shane Battams © 2021 |
|
As games lean further towards the realms of movie and television, Quantum Break represents what is perhaps the most direct merger of the two to date. Before nightmares of 90s interactive movies pollute your mind, this one has Remedy at the helm, a developer with a knack for storytelling and third-person shooters, both of which are prominent here. Along with power-fuelled combat, live-action episodes and narrative decisions fill the in-between. While some parts of the game are less polished than others, the overall package remains distinctive amongst its eighth-gen brethren.
Quantum Break focuses on time travel and the impact of its discovery. A failed experiment gives both Jack Joyce and Paul Serene Time powers, having drastically different effects on both. Paul Serene develops into the maniacal owner of Monarch Solutions, while Joyce seeks revenge on his former friend turned nemesis after losing a loved one. It’s an intriguing take on time travel, weaving its own sense of style and benefiting from an outstanding production. Featuring motion capture from the likes of Shawn Ashmore and Aidan Gillen, they give terrific performances which draw you into the story, whether it’s during live-action or in-game cutscenes. Some outstanding secondary characters, most notably Lance Reddick’s Martin Hatch.
Quantum Break focuses on time travel and the impact of its discovery. A failed experiment gives both Jack Joyce and Paul Serene Time powers, having drastically different effects on both. Paul Serene develops into the maniacal owner of Monarch Solutions, while Joyce seeks revenge on his former friend turned nemesis after losing a loved one. It’s an intriguing take on time travel, weaving its own sense of style and benefiting from an outstanding production. Featuring motion capture from the likes of Shawn Ashmore and Aidan Gillen, they give terrific performances which draw you into the story, whether it’s during live-action or in-game cutscenes. Some outstanding secondary characters, most notably Lance Reddick’s Martin Hatch.
Cinematic, story-driven action and time-bending action: Quantum Break is not afraid to try new approaches
Quantum Break is a melting pot of ideas. A majority of the game focuses on third-person shooting, with an integrated cover system which latches onto most objects in the environment without pressing a button. Guiding Joyce is mostly simple, though this free-form cover mechanic can lead to awkwardly getting stuck. Platforming also connects each area, as well as some mild puzzling usually involving time manipulation. Divided into several acts, each story-driven chapter contains a litany of collectables, ranging from informative documents to Quantum Ripples, which change certain moments in the story. Quantum Break keeps you playing for around 12 hours, and with the extras available, it’s quite long for a single-player only title.
The shooting works well enough, but it’s the time powers which make QB stand out. Slowly building into a set of around five or so powers, these can be further upgraded through collectable Chronon Sources. Stop shoots a zone which freezes enemies allowing you to unload bullets to explode, Dodge shifts you in a direction while allowing you a moment of slow-motion, and Shield creates a temporary barrier. While the shooting isn’t super potent, the powers make you feel like a superhero, as you chain powers together and zip around the environment. Enemy A.I. is pretty aggressive, opting you flank you sharpish, but you feel armed to deal with it. A plethora of regular firearms are available, including a potent shotgun that goes nicely with the dodge. Combat is usually very fun, and the plethora of powers add an immense amount of style to each encounter.
The shooting works well enough, but it’s the time powers which make QB stand out. Slowly building into a set of around five or so powers, these can be further upgraded through collectable Chronon Sources. Stop shoots a zone which freezes enemies allowing you to unload bullets to explode, Dodge shifts you in a direction while allowing you a moment of slow-motion, and Shield creates a temporary barrier. While the shooting isn’t super potent, the powers make you feel like a superhero, as you chain powers together and zip around the environment. Enemy A.I. is pretty aggressive, opting you flank you sharpish, but you feel armed to deal with it. A plethora of regular firearms are available, including a potent shotgun that goes nicely with the dodge. Combat is usually very fun, and the plethora of powers add an immense amount of style to each encounter.
FOCAL POINT: BINGE-WATCH
|
|
One of Quantum Break’s standout elements is its junctions and televised episodes. Between Acts are choices – made from Serene’s perspective – which alter the course of the game, such as the first one which decides the direction of Monarch. These not only change aspects of the game, such as who lives and dies, but also parts of the live-action segments. These are well-filmed, benefiting from great performances and tight pacing. Those weaned on Netflix may find it a touch predictable and simple by comparison, but it remains compelling. These elements help define Quantum Break’s twisty, warped time travel narrative. These can either be streamed or downloaded (though at a hefty 80GBs) and while they can be skipped, you’ll likely feel compelled to stick with it.
These choices do encourage repeat plays, though some of Quantum Break struggles under scrutiny. Some levels feel overly crowded and debilitating to your powers. But on the other hand, epic set-pieces stand out such as a fight taking place under a collapsing boat leaning back and forth due to a time glitch. There also is some repetition, as while varied enemy types are introduced including time-shifting guards immune to your powers and dampeners force you to improvise without powers, but a lot of goons go down without much of a fight even on Hard. In comparison, larger foes feel overpowered and prove the trickiest enemy to overcome. Despite these frustrations, Quantum Break mixes potent powers, a well-told story and plenty of interesting twists to keep you playing.
|
|
Remedy’s penchant for excellent presentation is evident here. While some bugs such as pop-in and stutters can mar the visuals, the game benefits from beautifully detailed environments, character models that benefit from motion-capture, stunning lighting and some seriously stylish time-warp effects. The sound is excellent too, as while sometimes the voice work borders on campy, it often conveys the story very well and is consistently toned, drawing you into the narrative. The music is superb, echoing the vibrating synth of classic sci-fi and, in a cool twist, often matches up with the use of Time powers. The effects are potent, adding impact to every attack. The game is just an audio-visual treat.
So, in the end, Quantum Break is an all-around success. Not every mechanic is flawless, and some parts of the experience don’t hold up under serious scrutiny, the inspired superpowers keep combat fun and Remedy’s consistent creativity keeps you playing. It’s a shame that this meld of television and gaming likely won’t be replicated again any time soon, but it works well here. If you are after a more distinctive action game, a new exclusive for your Xbox One, then this one will check all the boxes.
So, in the end, Quantum Break is an all-around success. Not every mechanic is flawless, and some parts of the experience don’t hold up under serious scrutiny, the inspired superpowers keep combat fun and Remedy’s consistent creativity keeps you playing. It’s a shame that this meld of television and gaming likely won’t be replicated again any time soon, but it works well here. If you are after a more distinctive action game, a new exclusive for your Xbox One, then this one will check all the boxes.
|
|
VERDICT
"While some parts don’t hold up under serious scrutiny, the inspired superpowers and Remedy’s consistent creativity keeps you playing, and the television/gaming crossover works well." OVERALL: 8/10 |