Quantum Break

"Quantum Break" stands out as a bold experiment in gaming, blending traditional gameplay with an interactive TV show to deliver a narrative experience like no other. This game isn't just about shooting; it's about weaving a compelling story around the complex theme of time travel.

The narrative is where "Quantum Break" truly shines. The time travel mechanics are well thought out, providing a refreshing take on the genre with its closed loop theory. Characters like Beth Wilder add a human element to the sci-fi, making you care about their fates amidst the chaos. The live-action segments, although a bit of a mixed bag, give the characters a tangible presence, enhancing the emotional investment in the story.

While the combat might not push the envelope in terms of innovation or difficulty, it's satisfying once you master the unique time manipulation abilities. This isn't your typical run-and-gun; it's about strategy, timing, and making the most of your powers in creative ways. The environmental storytelling through collectibles and detailed world-building is top-notch, rewarding those who delve deeper into the lore.

Visually, "Quantum Break" is a treat. The game's art direction captures the essence of a world where time is literally breaking apart, with environments that feel both futuristic and hauntingly present. The integration of live-action scenes might not always blend seamlessly, but they contribute to the game's unique aesthetic.

This game deserves credit for its ambition. Trying to merge gameplay with episodic television was a gamble, but it resulted in a memorable experience. It's not perfect, but it's a pioneering effort in interactive storytelling that should be celebrated for what it achieves rather than where it falls short.

The player's choices, although they don't drastically alter the game's path, still offer an engaging layer of interaction. It's fun to see how your decisions can slightly shift the narrative or the live-action episodes, encouraging multiple playthroughs to explore different outcomes.

"Quantum Break" is a testament to Remedy's storytelling prowess. For those who love a good sci-fi yarn with characters that stick with you, this game is a must-play. If you're a fan of Remedy or just enjoy a well-crafted story with a dash of innovation, "Quantum Break" won't disappoint.

Remedy's Max Payne games are still a high point for the genre and they have been on a slight decline ever since. Quantum Break is better than Alan Wake's: American Nightmare but they again put production values over everything else. I would have preferred less motion blur during the calmer segments and a reduced grain filer but the audiovisual quality of the game can't be denied. The same goes for most of the set-pieces but the game reuses a lot of locations and thus feels a bit "small". The shooting and enemy variety could have been better as i was just going through the motions despite finishing the game on hard. The game ultimately stands and fall with the narrative / presentation and it is as expensive as it is forgettable. I had fun following along but predicted every plot point and don't expect to remember much, despite the high amount of flavor text. The branching paths have no real effect on the game and the packed in 4 TV episodes left me cold for the most part. The .hack series did the same trick over a decade ago with the slightly forgettable companion OVAs but these at least had production values. I can 100% recommend the game for the spectacle of it all but hope for less formula and tighter gameplay for the developer's next offering. 7,5/10

The fictional Riverpoint University in the United States is conducting research into the possibility of time travel. During one of the experiments, an accident occurs, causing a series of inexplicable oddities as the world around us begins to slowly and gradually disintegrate. In addition, three scientists: Jack Joyce, Beth Wilder and Paul Serene, are endowed with supernatural abilities that allow them to control space-time. While the two of them strongly believe in the possibility of fixing the world, Serene, convinced of the inevitability of the impending catastrophe, tries to use the damaged spacetime and Jack's abilities to fulfill his own goals.

The story of Quantum Break is very similar to the television series. The events depicted in the game are supported by live movie scenes with real actors. While the game follows the actions of good heroes like Jack and Beth, the movie scenes focus exclusively on the game's main villain Paul Serene and his company Monarch. Thanks to this way of narration, we learn many aspects of the same story, shown from two different points of view during the game. In addition, both in the game and in the movie scenes, we, the players, have to make important decisions that will be reflected in the subsequent flow of the game.

Quantum Break is, first of all, a dynamic third-person action game where, besides shooting, the important thing is to pass the next levels and use your abilities not only to fight, but also to repair the world. This aspect of the gameplay is significantly diversified thanks to the constant change of our environment after the damage of space-time, numerous anomalies in which objects, structures or buildings disappear or crumble before our eyes. This means that during the game we don't just follow the predetermined path and sometimes we may have to look for alternative solutions and paths to the destination.

Traveling and fighting in an ever-changing environment is accelerated thanks to supernatural abilities resulting from the failed scientific experiment. During the game, for example, we can speed up or slow down the passage of time, or create a special protective shield around Jack. While each of the abilities in question are important to use together constantly during the fight against various enemies and obstacles, the key to success is to use them judiciously in battles, as your powers need a certain amount of time to regenerate. The whole process requires not only great skill, but also the ability to tactically plan your movement.

Quantum Break's graphics are of high quality for its time. They were also developed using an engine called Northlight, which allows for realistic rendering of facial expressions. In addition, the authors took care not to distract us with an overly complex interface during the game. The interface is extremely minimalistic, with only a few icons indicating the powers available. Quantum Break also features more or less well-known actors from the world of cinema. The cast includes Shawn Ashmore, Aidan Gillen and Dominic Monaghan. Quantum Break offers 13 hours of gameplay.

I recommend this game but not as your first Remedy experience. Start with Max Payne and then take it from there. You 'll see that by the end you 'll need to play Quantum Break!

As a game though (besides some extraordinary set pieces) it's pretty average and the story won't blow your mind. The strongest part of the game (for my money) are Acts 4 & 5.

As for the TV show parts of the game, I liked that they did it, but they were just mediocre and dragged the story a bit.

7/10.

You can tell how hard the developers were working to make this an intensely story rich game. A lot of effort was put into the look, sound, level design and lots of top notch voice acting. I have never seen a game with a tv show embedded in it like this one.

BUT....

Where Alan Wake succeeds I feel like this game fails. They took the same cludgy controls from Alan Wake and copied them into this game. I found myself at times trying to keep my character from getting to close to an edge and falling or not quite being able to jump up to a ledge because I was slightly misaligned to it. Where I could overlook this in Alan Wake for some reason I couldn't in this game, maybe because it was like Alan Wake was your first chance learn from those mistakes.

Don't get me wrong, Alan Wake is one of my all time favorite games and this one is definitely on my to replay again down the road. I just wish the game mechanics matched the ambition of the storytelling.