Quantum Conundrum
| Quantum Conundrum | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Airtight Games |
| Publisher(s) | Square Enix |
| Designer(s) | Kim Swift |
| Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 |
| Release | Microsoft Windows June 21, 2012[1] PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 July 11, 2012 [2] |
| Genre(s) | First-person action game |
| Mode(s) | |
Quantum Conundrum is a first-person action video game by Airtight Games and published by Square Enix.[3] It is designed by Kim Swift, who formerly worked at Valve as a lead designer on the critically acclaimed Portal. The game was released on Microsoft Windows via Steam (software) on June 21, 2012, and is scheduled for release on July 11, 2012 on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.
Plot
The plot stars a quiet 12-year-old boy as its main protagonist. One day, he visits the mansion laboratory belonging to his uncle, an eccentric scientist and inventor named Professor Fitz Quadwrangle (voiced by John De Lancie).[4] Shortly after his arrival, an explosion occurs as a result of a failed experiment, causing the professor to disappear. The boy then discovers a special glove with the power to change dimensions, which he decides to use to find out what happened to his uncle.[5]
Gameplay
Quantum Conundrum is viewed from the first-person perspective and emphasizes contained puzzle elements. The objective is to explore Professor Quadwrangle's manor, solving puzzles and challenges in order to progress from room to room.
The primary game mechanism is the Interdimensional Shift Device (shortened to ISD) - at the press of a button, the player can switch into one of four different dimensions. To do this, they must first locate special batteries and place them into colored receptacles, which subsequently creates a dimensional rift.[5] The geometry of the normal environment is retained when switching dimensions, but changes are made to the aesthetics, and the physics and properties of objects are altered significantly. One of the dimensional options is the "fluffy dimension". When swapped to this, the environment takes on a bright white, softened look. This causes objects to become 10 times lighter in weight, allowing the player to interact with them in ways that would not be possible in the default dimension. The other dimensions slow down time to a twentieth of its ordinary speed, make objects become 10 times heavier in weight, and reverse the direction of gravity.[5]
Development
Late in 2009, some time during the development of Portal 2, co-creator Kim Swift left Valve to pursue opportunities elsewhere. Developer Airtight Games later announced that they had hired on Swift as a project lead, which they stated was a part of their strategy to produce innovative games with a broader audience.[6]
In August 2011, Square Enix made comments teasing the imminent announcement of a new project at Airtight Games, with Kim Swift as creative director. This project, titled Quantum Conundrum, was officially unveiled at PAX Prime 2011. During the expo, Swift told the press that her ideas for the game originated from a visit to a local bakery.[7] She said that, like with her previous games, she wanted to create something accessible to a wide market, but with enough challenge to satisfy more experienced players.[5]
Reception
IGN gave Quantum Conundrum an 8 out of 10 praising the clever puzzles but criticizing the lack-luster environment and the game's ending.
References
- ^ "Square's E3 2012 line-up is heavy on core and iOS titles". Retrieved May 30, 2012.
- ^ http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-06-21-quantum-conundrum-gets-psn-xbla-release-dates
- ^ Dutton, Fred. "Square announces Quantum Conundrum". Eurogamer.
- ^ Gilbert, Ben (2012-04-04). "Quantum Conundrum gets an extra Q". Joystiq. Retrieved 2012-06-21.
- ^ a b c d Tong, Sophia. "PAX 2011: Quantum Conundrum Exclusive Preview - First Look". GameSpot.
- ^ Remo, Chris. "Portal Designer Kim Swift Leaves Valve for Dark Void Dev". Gamasutra.
- ^ Kietzmann, Ludwig. "Quantum Conundrum is Portal lead Kim Swift's new downloadable game". Joystiq.