Quantum Conundrum Review (PC)

Image comment: Quantum Conundrum review on PC Image credits: Square Enix

Quantum Conundrum by Airtight Games

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The good: +Unique concept +Lots of humor +Puzzle variety The bad: -Some physics glitches -Some puzzles are a bit too complex -A very high reliance on split-second reactions Final score: 8 / 10 Controller support: Yes

System requirements: Minimum: OS:Windows 7 SP1 Processor:Intel Core 2 Duo 2.2 Ghz / AMD Athlon x2 64 3800+ Memory:2 GB RAM Graphics:GeForce 8800 GT 512 MB / ATI Radeon HD 2900 512 MB Hard Drive:1.75 GB HD space Sound:DirectX9 compatible sound card Recommended: OS:Windows 7 SP1 Processor:Intel Core 2 Duo 3 GHz E8400 Memory:2 GB RAM Graphics:nVidia GeForce 9500 GT / ATI Radeon HD 2900 Hard Drive:1.75 GB HD space Sound:DirectX9 compatible sound card

Getting a first-person puzzle platformer right is a hard thing to do and, given the fact that Valve has already achieved so much with its Portal series, many companies have given up on trying to break into the genre.

Fortunately, Airtight Games and Kim Swift, one of Portal 1’s co-creators, have tried to compete with Valve’s behemoth by launching Quantum Conundrum.

While there are plenty of resemblances between the two games, the new title tries quite a few new things, including a heavier emphasis on objects and physics.

Does Quantum Conundrum reach the end of the test course or should it still work on its timing? Let’s find out.

Use your IDD glove ...	... to solve all sorts of puzzles

Story

In terms of story structure and delivery, Quantum Conundrum borrows heavily from Portal. You’re a silent protagonist – a 10-year-old kid, who is guided by the voice of his scientist uncle, Professor Fitz Quadwrangle, through a series of chambers in the Quadwrangle Manor.

The story retains a tongue-in-cheek style and, while it doesn’t really nail the flawless humor from Portal games, it manages to impress through its own little aspects, including the absolutely hilarious messages you see when you die. These highlight some of the things you won’t be able to do because you’re dead, from riding a bicycle to complaining about young people, and much more.

The pacing is a bit off, as things get quite serious towards the end in an abrupt way, but Quantum Conundrum’s plot will certainly keep you intrigued, as will the different stories narrated by the good professor.

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Gameplay

Just like Portal had the portal gun, Quantum Conundrum has the IDE (Interdimensional Shift Device), a glove-like accessory that allows the player to freely switch between the regular dimension and four different ones.

These range from the Fluffy dimension, where objects are extremely easy and can be picked up with no effort, to the Heavy dimension, which makes them extremely heavy and indestructible, to the Time dimension, where everything slows down, to the Gravity one, where everything gently floats to the ceiling.

You aren’t introduced to all of these dimensions at once, however, as the game paces things by forcing the player to explore different wings of the mansion. Generally, you’re first treated to a couple of rooms where you have no control on when the dimensional shift happens, you can then freely shift between dimensions, and afterwards, you must combine shifts you’ve already unlocked.

This keeps the game’s mechanics from overwhelming players but, even if you’re introduced to them gradually, they still feel a bit complex once you start solving puzzles that require you to use all of the dimensions.

Level design is pretty good, but many rooms tend to look the same, especially in the first few segments of the game, so you’ll soon get tired of seeing them every single time.

Puzzle design is quite good as well, but the difficulty curve jumps a bit during certain stages that feel a little bit too complex for their own good. Split-second reactions are pretty much mandatory, especially once you start operating with the Time dimension and you should always look to use all objects, even if the physics mechanics may feel a bit clunky in certain cases.

Most Portal veterans might not encounter that many problematic areas but, to those new to the genre or to first-person platforming, some areas can seem unbeatable. Your uncle does offer some tips from time to time, although they’re not that helpful.

Use different objects ...	... in different kinds of ways

Graphics and Sound

Quantum Conundrum is a good-looking game that adopts cartoonish graphics. Sadly, the level design tends to re-use many art assets, which can get tiring after a while, even if the good old Professor makes fun of it. Paintings are spread all around the Quadwrangle Manor and, as a special trick, they change depending on what dimension you’re currently in.

In terms of sound, the game is quite good, with a soundtrack that complements the action and doesn’t disturb you from the puzzle-solving process. Professor Quadwrangle is voiced by John De Lancie and manages to impress by nailing almost all of his lines, although there are a few jokes that feel a bit tired.
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Conclusion

Quantum Conundrum is a fun game that will no doubt be enjoyed by Portal fans and those who like to solve puzzles. While it’s not quite up to par when compared to Valve’s stunning series, it delivers a fresh experience that requires keen skills.

Some rooms may feel a bit complex and the physics system does have a few quirks but, overall, it’s an enjoyable experience.