14 DAY TRIAL // Remedy has been working on making the upcoming Quantum Break both a showcase for the kinds of video game experiences that the Xbox One can deliver and a satisfying third-person shooter that seamlessly integrates time-based mechanics, which means that the entire experience needs a solid Artificial Intelligence for enemies to challenge gamers.
The team tells Gamespot that it wants to keep the experience flowing at a good pace regardless of whether gamers use their time abilities or not, with plenty of background changes designed to show the effects each particular power has on the world.
Remedy states, "For instance an enemy's gun will fire slower and at a lower pitch, and their dialogue will stretch. Audio is a big part of the puzzle when communicating time manipulation, as it is so immediate and obvious if something sounds wrong or different. Music is also manipulated a lot based on the time scale of the game, especially during time powers."
The enemy Artificial Intelligence in Quantum Break was created from scratch, and the studio sought to make behavior as believable as possible, given that the Monarch Corporation is supposed to be a highly organized evil force with a clear plan for the future.
Searching and pattern evaluation are important for enemies because main character Jack can actually disappear when he manipulates time to gain a tactical advantage.
Remedy is also using clever level design and multiple entry points to make sure that more forces can enter an arena before a player has a chance to take them down by keeping time frozen while he attacks.
Quantum Break might spawn a new franchise
Microsoft has said that it has seen solid pre-orders for the game, which is the first big title of the year to arrive on the Xbox One, and that it might create a bigger franchise around the concept of time manipulation.
Quantum Break will be out on the Xbox One from Microsoft on April 5, and gamers can also get it on PCs that run Windows 10, where the graphics quality might be better than on the home console.
The game features four television style episodes that tell the story from the perspective of villain Serene and gamers who want to watch them will have to download or stream around 75 GB of data.
At the moment, gamers can also pick up an Xbox One for a limited time for 299 dollars or Euro price, with one of the bundles featuring Quantum Break as a bonus.