Quantum Break
Quantum Break is a prime example of a game that takes chances and experiments with the medium. In a throwback to the full motion video sequences of the mid 90s, Quantum Break uses high quality live action cutscenes, or episodes, to tell an intriguing sci-fi story.
Players take control of Jack Joyce (played by Shawn Ashmore), a young man gifted with the ability to manipulate time, as he tries to repair his fractured timeline. Opposing him is another power imbued character, the villain Paul Serene, played by Aidan Gillen of Game of Thrones.
Choosing to use experienced actors enhances the narrative quality greatly; gone is the hilariously bad writing and dialogue typical of the early games that utilized FMV. Graphically, Quantum Break is quite impressive, and the facial motion capture technology on display believably transfers the actors into the game world, so transitions between episodes and gameplay are less jarring than they could have been.
The destructive environments and superpowers on display make Quantum Break’s combat beautiful to watch. Sure, the shooting mechanics are stilted and clumsy, but the time bending superpowers keep the firefights interesting. Whether you’re using them to zip around cover, shield yourself from bullets or stopping your enemies in their tracks entirely, Jack’s time powers offer plenty of fun tactical options in heat of battle.
A fun and interesting experience despite some of its missteps, Quantum Break is a welcome addition to the 2016 lineup.
