Quantum Break Review | Digital trends

Digital trends:

Quantum Break is beautifully broken experiment in bringing TV and video games together

[G20WLY]

Holy crap! 4 out of 10?!

They even called it "broken", "boring" and said the shooting's "poor". That's got to be the lowest score yet. There's always going to be one low one, I guess.

You can't please everyone. Some will enjoy it and they can't take that away.

[Neonridr]

yep.. pretty sure there were a few bomb scores for games like The Order on PS4 as well. Hell I think even Until Dawn had one or two Black Sheep scores.

There's always someone out there claiming to be "different". But like you said, you can't please everyone.

[Rookie_Monster]

Funny, you metioned it, Digital Trends were also the one that gave the Order 1886 a 1/5 score.

Even if the order was mediocre in the eyes on many reviewers, 1/5 was staight trolling and baiting for hits.

One of the sites to avoid IMO.

[Neonridr]

@Rookie_Monster - such a strange coincidence huh? :P

[DLConspiracy]

@rookie

This site gave The Order a 1 out of 5?! That's not even opinion that's just BS. The game wasn't amazing but it's much better than that... I can't think of many games that deserve that low of a score.

Well expect any low score to be top news today on N4G. The usual suspects pretending to not be biased.

[SpeakTruthAlways]

@DLConspiracy

"Well expect any low score to be top news today on N4G."

Happens all the time with playstation exclusives too, not something that is exclusive to xbox games if that's what you are implying.

Case in point, this review:-

http://n4g.com/news/1674986...

[Neonridr]

@DLConspiracy - he was just bringing up that the same site that gave Quantum Break 4/10 also gave the Order 1/5 (2/10). So take their reviews with a grain of salt.

[sonarus]

1/5 might be harsh but considering the hype behind that game a 1/5 was justified as warning to stay away from the game. I paid only $20 for the order and it was still probably too much. The game was crap. People saying the game was okay that actually played it I honestly have a seriously hard time trusting your game judgement.
Maybe I have been spoiled by too many great games that I can't be bothered to waste my time playing weak crap. This game is probably another mediocre game with a harsh score due to crazy hype

[BossBattle]

The Order mostly had low scores. Quantum Break has mostly high scores. You got to look at the average. QB has a lot of 9 and 10 scores.

[dirkdady]

It seems to be holding s respectable 78 on metacriic with 68 reviews. It's not counting digital trends but not sure if it's enough to bring it down to 77.

[Germaximus]

The Order 1886 earned any 1's it received.

[DarXyde]

Germamimus,

The Order: 1886 did not deserve any 1/5 scores. That score should be reserved for broken, glitch ridden messes with no redeeming qualities. The visuals were phenomenal, the story wasn't bad at all, the controls were fine and worked well in combat, the frame rate was solid, and it didn't have any tearing that I ever saw. It's problems were that it's generic, the enemies were dumb, and it was short, asking for full retail price. That's it. Completely unwarranted hate score. I'd have understand a 6 or even a 4.

Quantum Break is just another victim of DT rating trends and an apparent interest in making the game seem unlikable. Aberrant scores like these are often willing trying to get hits and it completely destroys credibility...so I'm not going to click that.

[rainslacker]

@Rookie

Well...you could always look at the bright side. At least QB is twice as good as The Order.

Since I liked The Order, I'll probably like this game.:)

[Sheikh Yerbouti]

The Order was a 6/7 game. I think QB is could be about the same from what I'm reading. Not enough game for the money.

[garrettbobbyferguson]

@Darxyde

Are you the be all end all when it comes to what review scores a game should receive? If I disliked something enough you damn well better believe I'll give it a 1/10, whether or not it's a broken experience.

[DarXyde]

Garrettbobbyferguson,

Am I the end all be all? Not a chance, but that's why I wouldn't put any stock in those reviews.

I don't give two bones about how bad you think a game is. If it's polished, I believe the reviewer is either a hysterical fool with no business in trying to show impartial journalism or fishing for hits, perhaps both.

Since we're talking about The Order in this case, I don't believe it was a great game. Could be improved. But a 1/5? Really? That's a score for an unplayable mess. Would they score a game as fun as The Order but with glitches similarly? Lower? Do they even go lower? That type of opinion in a published piece is absurd.

Sorry, but it is. You can disagree, but I strongly disagree with giving a game a bottom score if it's very playable. Sonic '06 is a 1/5 game. Ride to Hell: Retribution is a 1/5 game. They're broken messes that are pretty unplayable. The Order is not such a game and it's insulting to put it in the same space.

[starchild]

Reviews are opinions and I try to respect differences of opinion, but I still find it difficult to understand how somebody could give a 1/10 to The Order 1886 or a 4/10 to Quantum Break.

It's like how I generally respect that guys have different preferences in women, but if someone said something like "Emmy Rossum is ugly" it would leave me scratching my head. Maybe not your type, maybe not especially beautiful to you, but ugly?

While Quantum Break and The Order 1886 aren't perfect games I'm still scratching my head over these reviews from Digital Trends.

[DarXyde]

Starchild,

First, let me say that using Emmy Rossum as an example is a good one. She's adorable.

That aside, I share your perspective. Opinions are just that and I, like you, can genuinely respect that reviews are not at all objective. Not individually. That's why sites like Metacritic exist and can be resourceful: it's a collective of opinions outside of my own with people who have experience with the game. It holds some weight, but ultimately, it's like we the gamers are the twelfth juror and the review outlets are the 11 others. You'll have fair members who believe we can overlook shoplifting and call it a blemish on an otherwise good record and then you'll have the extremists who are calling to have the defendant's hands chopped off. Digital Trends is that extreme juror.

[G20WLY]

^Starchild, they gave The Order 2/10 not 1/10. They cite much of the same rationale for the low score too; lack of interaction.

Many liked the gamed despite this and it seems safe to say that if you like it, there's every chance you'll like Quantum Break. Who cares about the extreme reviews?

[Letthewookiewin]

Ya there is no way QB is a 4 out of 10. I haven't played it yet but I have witnessed a good amount of gameplay.

[BiggerBoss]

"I haven't played it yet"

[Letthewookiewin]

Your absolutely right. It's just I think anything below a 5/10 is glitchy and you will have a horrible time playing it.

[BlakHavoc]

Or maybe, just maybe, some people honestly didn't enjoy it. It's possible and there has been very mixed reviews on this game.

[WeAreLegion]

I agree with you, wookie. We've seen too much. We know it plays well. It has been streamed by several sites for hours at a time. It's not, in any way, a broken game. So, I don't know what's up with BlackHavoc, but the "maybe, just maybe" needs to stop. How fricking condescending is that?

[BlakHavoc]

@legion
Wth are you talking about, an opinion on this game is just that, an opinion. Clearly some ppl like it and others don't, just cause you like what you see means others are wrong to go against your own opinion? Get off your high horse and get over some of the review scores.

[IamTylerDurden1]

How can you say it doesn't deserve a 4/10 when you haven't played it?

[Hoffmann]

Even some of the reviewers that gave it a 8 or 9 mentioned that the shooting, the gameplay in general is not the best part of the game.

[ArchangelMike]

Yeah that's definately a "just for hits and giggles" score.
The problem with these types of sites though, is that they completely undermine the integrity of games journalism.

[MRMagoo123]

yeh but the paid ones that give 10 to every hyped game are fine /s

[suli12345]

i dont understand why people are actually disagreeing with your comment.

[Wallstreet37]

This isnt the first low score. I think Giant bomb and a few others also didnt like it.

[G20WLY]

You're right, I've seen three different reviewers give it 4 out of 10 and loads of other 6/10s. I reckon there are as many saying it's poor as are saying it's great now. Really polarizing.

Why does that always happen - all the good scores come out, followed by the bad scores?

Well those that don't like it all seem to agree on the reasons why. Seems odd that some other reviewers apparently aren't seeing the same thing. :/

[Wallstreet37]

G2Owly....

Its the way gaming is. Trust me even reviewers are fans and fanboys too and also ppls opinions vary, its life. Some reviewers might put a higher stock in presentation and gameplay which will give you the 9's and 10's, others put more stock in the story, longevity, etc which will give you the polarizing 40's, 60's and 70's. Overall its at 78 for now so it seems to be a good game.

[frostypants]

Yikes. The "TV" portion I was always skeptical of...but the gameplay has always looked interesting. Hopefully this is just an outlier.

[Bobafret]

I find that among some critics, be it gaming or otherwise, there seems to be a silent competition for who can write the most scathing reviews. I believe some of them are too jaded to truthfully critique anything through their generally hateful, grumpy lens.

[Artemidorus]

Xflop One is done. This game in my opinion is the only one worth looking at it's now available on PC and getting low scores.

[trooper_]

Holy mother of ouch.

[IamTylerDurden1]

Giant Bomb gave it a 4/10 as well. So did a few others.

Many are saying it's far too easy, cliche, poor cover mechanics, horrid live action combo, very short, and it only has 1 ending so nothing you do matters.

[Muzikguy]

Wow these review scores are insane. Many low scores for a game that's been hyped as much for the X1. It feels like karma in a way, it really does. So many talk about PS4 exclusives disappointing. It happens here too, as we can see

[XanderZane]

We pretty much know these guys don't know how to review a game. Their reputation speaks for itself. I'd rather read reviews from Game Informer, IGN, OXM or GamingAge. I'm not even going to read DigitalTrends' review.

[Relientk77]

I feel like Digital Trends didn't like it

[MasterCornholio]

One thing is to not like the game another thing is to claim that it's broken.

Quantum Break isn't a broken game.

[SmielmaN]

I think the "broken" part is the story telling, according to this reviewer.

[thekhurg]

Giant bomb gave it the same score too.

[Dario_DC]

Broken is a 1 or a 2, not a 4... Seriously it goes from 1 to 10 (1 to 100), people need to realise that, thankfully, some sites still use the whole scale!
A 5 is average in case you're wondering, so it makes QB a below average game in the reviewer's opinion.

[Goldby]

@Dairo_DC

Broken games aren't 1 or 2 out of 10 or 100. Broken games are broken games, and should not be released.

also a perfect gameisn't a 10/10 or 100/100 as a perfect game for me may not be a perfect game for you.

We need to get rid of the scale all together, and actually read the substance behind the review, explaining its pros and cons, and based on the review and if you align with their views of what is fun for games, should help you make informed purchases.

While there will always be a "standard" for what a video game should be, we really have no outline on what that standard is. Is a standard game full full of glitches like Bethesda Games, or repeating old formulas like past Assassin's Creed Games. Is a Standard game a generic story with no actual substance to it like Cod Games?

[MasterCornholio]

Yikes seems a bit to low to me.

Does anyone know if this review will be included in Metacritic?

[Rute]

Yes. Their profile at Metacritic: http://www.metacritic.com/p...

[MasterCornholio]

Thanks.

But hopefully when this review is included it won't be enough to bring the score down.

[DLConspiracy]

I want to know what this guy thinks a 10 is. Would love to know that.

[MRMagoo123]

a perfect game as a 10 out of 10 would suggest I suspect. maybe these guys like some other very rare sites actually use all 10 points instead of 7 to 10.

[DLConspiracy]

@magoo

Of course but if it's gonna be below 50% the game ought to suck badly. Not a game you look forward to a sequel from or enjoy finishing. That makes no sense in this review.

This seems like a reviewer to steer clear from in the future..

[Hoffmann]

There are a good couple scores around 5 or less for the game now, seems it is very polarizing.

[Neonridr]

nope. Polarizing would be 50% of the reviews are bad, not some here and there.

47/62 reviews (75%) are positive (which means a score of 75% and above). That is not polarizing.

[Manic2014]

it's about 5 or 6 bad reviews against 40+ great scores. Far from polarizing to be honest.

[starchild]

The majority of reviews have been very positive.

[Rute]

They gave the same score to Assassin's Creed Unity.

[Pancit_Canton]

Which is pretty generous IMO

[Hoffmann]

Which is fair I think. The game was broken at launch when they reviewed it and broken games should get broken scores.

[Neonridr]

did you feel the same way about Driveclub when it launched? Or were you defending it saying it wasn't ready to be reviewed?

[Hoffmann]

It deserved the bad reviews for its broken online modes of course too.

I think reviews should be updated though if the bugs are fixed and a game gets a lot upgrades like in the case of DriveClub

[Imalwaysright]

"think reviews should be updated though if the bugs are fixed and a game gets a lot upgrades like in the case of DriveClub"

That's an invitation for devs and publishers to release broken and incomplete games on the market.

[IamTylerDurden1]

Neonridr

Driveclub ran quite well when it launched, it wasn't broken, the mp servers were. The game mechanically ran well, it's just that the servers didn't work.

I'm glad you mentioned Driveclub, bc i think any responsible journalist should update their review of Driveclub to reflect how dramatically it has changed. Evo put more work into Driveclub than many subscription MMOs do. It's undoubtedly deserving of a 90 metacritic score in its current state.

[starchild]

Well Unity ran fine for me from the day it came out. It had some bugginess, but most of that was fixed by patches. I did not experience a broken game. No crashes, nothing close to game-breaking.

[Free_Fro]

talk about exaggerating :)

-
xo

[Omarja85]

Ouch!

[Pancit_Canton]

Sounds about right. I've always thought the game looks boring and repetitive. The super power bs looks lame to tell a pretty good story line from it.

[Bass_fisherman]

Dont hate on the game because you dont have a xbox cmon on now

[WeAreLegion]

Bit of a troll review, I think. There's nothing broken here. It plays well.

The same site that gave The Order a 20. Again, the game was not, in any way, broken. It's okay if you thought it was too cinematic, but it was a very well made game.

At what point does Metacritic reevaluate a site?

[G20WLY]

"At what point does Metacritic reevaluate a site?"

When Metacritic stops receiving their money, I'd assume...it's been an issue long before now.

This guy seems to be saying the story doesn't work due to the transition from gameplay to TV show. Maybe he means the pacing? Even then, he says the gunplay is poor too? O_0

[WeAreLegion]

Yeah. Weird. I don't believe it for a second.

[Wallstreet37]

I have seen several reviews knock the story saying it isnt good so i think its safe to say the story is lacking.

[starchild]

It's safe to say? How do you come to that conclusion? I guess you missed the majority of positive reviews, most of which praised the storytelling, the pacing, acting, etc. But it doesn't surprise me to see some of you latching onto a few of the lowest scores and acting like they're the gospel truth.

[BlakHavoc]

You're unreal, a site gives a review that you don't agree with (although you haven't even played the game) and their somehow trolling?...lemme guess, the reviews that gave this game a 10/10 aren't on your radar for fanboy bias. Fanboys of all sorts are either trashing this game on articles like this or their claiming how all sites that reviewed this game badly are trolling...smh.

[SpeakTruthAlways]

Agreed with the boring gameplay part, definitely not interested to buy for full price for my pc especially after many reviewers have complained about lack of content.

[thekhurg]

I'm holding off for the $19 version sometime next year.

[SpeakTruthAlways]

Not a bad idea to delay purchase till next year, many great games coming this year so you won't be missing much.

[Bass_fisherman]

you can always play the max payne games its pretty much the same thing when it comes about gameplay

[GoodnessGreatness]

Lol, I thought this was supposed to be a glorified Infamous Second Son?

[StormLegend]

WOW! that's the lowest score i've seen yet.

[Hoffmann]

Giantbomb gave it a 4/10 as well a bit earlier today

[Angerfist]

I really don't get the inclusion of the real live TV show either. But even tho I didn't play it this game can be nowhere near a 4/10. Seems to me more like a hitpiece.

[frostypants]

Yeah, the "TV show" part reminds me of the first CD-ROM multimedia games from the 1990s. Not sure what the hell they were thinking. But the gameplay looks fun.

[Angerfist]

I saw some Gameplay and the graphics alone keep it out of the low ratings - and yes a good comparisons - those old CD Games.

[cfc83]

All or most sci-fi storylines are broken. Not really a basis to be that critical.

[G20WLY]

I think what this guy is saying is broken is the way it flits between actual gameplay and 22 minute TV episodes, rather than the story itself is bad. At least I hope that's what he's saying...

Nobody would expect a sci-fi story to be believable, as that would ruin the fun of sci-fi!

[Brisco]

Clearly way to low score. Purely biased media.

[BlakHavoc]

Let's not be hypocritical, we say this about GB and DT but when this game gets a 10/10 it must be spot on?...ppl need to give critics a break just cause they don't like a game, it's their opinion man.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

Look I get someone may not have liked a game. But giving a 4/10 or lower score conveys a game that is basically broken and doesn't work. These jokers gave The Order 1886 a 2/10 in Metacritic as well. I feel like these guys punish games they don't enjoy and not just review them on with an objective eye.

[joeorc]

@Dlacy13g + 4h ago
[Look I get someone may not have liked a game. But giving a 4/10 or lower score conveys a game that is basically broken and doesn't work. These jokers gave The Order 1886 a 2/10 in Metacritic as well. I feel like these guys punish games they don't enjoy and not just review them on with an objective eye]

Exactly, I mean its one thing to say you did not like the game for what ever reason, bit to point to a game as "broken" is kind of a real stretch. When there has been no real large number of Users saying such.

Many user reviews on Meta those that have honestly commented on the game as they have been playing , has stated aside from some parts in the gun play they really did not like, say the game plays fine .

So I tend to look at that as just the opinion of the reviewer having their own standards on what a game is broken or not..the big point is if QB was really broken..what would be a good playing game for this reviewer Be?

[Phunkydiabetic1]

A 4/10 doesnt convey a broken game. The main xbox exclusive this year is mediocre. Time to get over it man.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

Nothing to get over... I just take exception to reviewers who seem to be punitive with their reviews. Btw...this is not the main xbox exclusive this year.

[Tsunade]

Looks like it has received a lot of mixed reviews.

[DigitalRaptor]

Indeed.

A shame, but I called it. If I wanted TV episodes, I'd watch TV. If I wanted "old school" gameplay A.K.A. outdated mechanics, I could easily go back and play Max Payne. No incoming GOTY awards for this one.

[lastking95]

I'll see on the 5th but 4/10? Sure. At least it's not as bad as the 2/10 forza h2 review lol i still can't get over that. He deserved to go to jail. Anywho i expected a review or 2 like this.

[Bass_fisherman]

Its clear that reviewing games its an easy job

[Phunkydiabetic1]

He deserved to go to jail because he didnt like a game on your beloved xbox? Are you serious right now?

[lastking95]

I'm not even a big racing fan (anymore) but giving forza h2 2/10 is pure BS. Has nothing to do with xbox if someone gave gtaV 2/10 or any game that are no way in hell 2/10 such ratings I'll say the same. I'm not saying he had to like simply because i thought it was good but anything lower than 4/10 for such quality and gameplay is trolling.

I can't think of a racer off the top of my head that deserve 2/10 not even non racing games that features a racing gametype/add on (such as mortal kombat Armageddon, gta or Halo)

[CaitSith]

Greatest lineup in Xbox history.

[Bass_fisherman]

This better be a crappy review from a crappy website, Remedy games hasnt done a bad game that i remember (even tough max payne 2 got bad reviews and i loved that game!)

[itsmebryan]

It's funny that the few low score have the most comments. While the 9s and 10 have only 1 or 2 comments. I guess people just love the negitive. I can't wait to play Tuesday.

[rainslacker]

Well...There's like 50 reviews posted up all at once on N4G. Obviously people are going to be drawn to the negative reviews. It gives some people a reason to "rub it in" on the game not being great, while others get the chance to defend it and call out fan boys.

Pretty typical really...even if the reviews are spread out over a few days.

I'm personally staying away from the 10/10 reviews. Even seeing all the previews, I can tell it's not a perfect game, but still have my hopes up that it will be a game worth playing. With the numerous positive reviews which I've read so far that seem fair, I'll probably not regret purchasing it.

[starchild]

People keep saying this kind of thing as if it makes all the trolling ok. It's not ok. It's shameful. This comment section is an embarrassment.

[rainslacker]

I don't think it makes it OK, but realistically, when you see 10 reviews all in a row that are between 8-10, and then you have a few which stand out between 4-6, people are obviously going to want to see what the lower one's are about.

[kenwonobi]

Broken and boring. Lol. Ouch. Welp back to dreaming of virtual reality and Uncharted.

[S2Killinit]

I saw that, those are some harsh Pros and Cons in the article.

[d4v0333]

Looks like these guys don't enjoy games at all. I am sure this game does not deserve 4/10.

[ziggurcat]

There is no way in hell that this game is a 4/10... Silly review is silly.

[monreader]

From what I have seen of this game, no way in hell does it deserve a 4/10. It is a game that does not interest me much but come on, a 4. To score a game a 4/10 to me means a broken shitty game. This looks far from that.

[Destiny1080]

this game makes RAMBO The Vidoegame seem like the best game ever made

[Father__Merrin]

this game will bomb for sure, shame really

[phantomxll]

Cant wait to play. Just a few more days!!!

[Gaming4Life1981]

Going by people in here, everyone has played the game to know if it's fun or not. The game is getting great reviews and a couple of bad ones from sites that most on here don't respect and hate. Why does any care about these sites opinion now?

[MagicBeanz]

I feel sorry for xbone fans at this point, I know they have to try and defend this, and they will, but its just really kind of sad at this point. This game was supposed to be xbones big thing and it clearly looks to have failed.

[DivineAssault]

I dont have xb1 but i dont believe its a 4.. That would have to mean its close to unplayable..

[Nilla_Nate]

I hear the games broken...haha get it...Quantum BREAK!!!!!

[Germany7]

Reported! /s

[Petebloodyonion]

I don't have a problem with low score as long as they are justifiable!

Here the only gaming related comment of the review

"The game follows a rigid act-based structure. First, you control Jack through a multi-part chapter.
For better or worse, Jack’s time control abilities are the only novel component of what is an otherwise rote and, frankly, unrefined cover-based shooter. Jack moves from arena to arena taking down waves of Monarch paramilitary soldiers. Given the hundreds of shooters that have been released, its shocking how unsatisfying the gunplay is in this game. The aim is sluggish, and the enemies are exceedingly spongey. Luckily for players, these issues are negated by Jack’s powers, which make even overwhelming numbers of enemies manageable. Between the aforementioned shield, which can stop an infinite number of bullets, and the ability to slow time directly after a “time dash,” experienced shooter fans will be able to waltz through most fights picking off enemies one by one"

and that's it!

in the whole review that is the only aspect of the review talking about the game.

so what's the fuss?

well the reviewer didn't like that collectible could reveal key element of the story cause it would have been better to collect 100 dog tags.

and the rest (about 3 quarter or the review) was about how he didn't like the cinema story and why: cause it's complicated, cause your missing key element if you skip them, cause if you only watch the movie you don't get whole story

So honestly this review is a joke!