Tecmo is not known for its shooters, but the company is hoping that Quantum will get to change all that. Quantum is Tecmo's first third-person shooting game, and the alpha build I saw on the E3 showfloor seems to hold quite a bit of promise. Takine cues from Gears of War and Prince of Persia, Quantum should be an interesting game. I say "interesting" a lot in previews. It's difficult to come up with other "cautiously optimistic" words.
Anyway, hoof it to the jump and check out what I made of this interesting new game.
Quantum is set in an "art nouveau" world that is slowly being consumed by a dark and malevolent growth. A number of towers have sprouted from the ground, which are believed to hold some key to saving the world, and it falls to a warrior called Syd to make his way up one of them and free the planet. During the course of the game, he'll be joined by a female called Filena, and the two of them will partner up for most of the adventure.
Filena shares a notable similarity with Elika from Prince of Persia. However, Tecmo hopes to improve upon Elika by making Filena a far more useful partner than she ever was, with the player constantly teaming up with her to perform combo attacks on the enemy. While Syd predominantly uses guns to take on opponents, Filena gets up close and personal, and players will be able to chain attacks between both of the characters and basically control a two-person wrecking crew.
Another key feature in Quantum is the "shape-shifting battlefield." Bridges and pillars are constantly moving in the tower, creating some dynamic firefights. I got to see many pathways shifting around the arena, and Syd is able to take cover on them and shoot at enemies while speeding past. The effects are looking pretty incredible, and should provide many memorable setpieces if Tecmo exploits the gimmick to its fullest.
The gunplay is definitely inspired by Gears of War, and Tecmo isn't ashamed to admit it, basically shrugging and saying "if it works, it works." That's an attitude I can admire. I'll need to get the game in my hands to see just how well it does work, but if the team behind the game doesn't try and change too much stuff (see: Dark Sector) then it should come off excellently.
While players won't be able to pair up to take on the story mode, Tecmo has confirmed two forms of online multiplayer. Both a Team Battle and a Battle Royale will be available.
So far, this is looking like it could be great. Some hot setpieces, big boss battles, an evolved AI co-op mechanic and a three-way war between a hostile growth, a bunch of soldiers, and one musclebound meathead with his glowing girlfriend. That's a recipe for some solid gaming fun.
Jim Sterling serves as reviews editor for Destructoid.com, head of the Podtoid podcast, and produces a number of news stories, original features, one-of-a-kind videos. With his passionate argumentative style, controversial opinions, harsh delivery, and dedication to brutal honesty Sterling is a name that you can't help but recognize.
Likes
PS2, iPod Touch, Silent Hill 2, Metal Gear Solid, Dynasty Warriors 3
Meet the rest of the team
Ok I know the comparison has been made already, but this looks so heavily-Gears of War-ish, it's frankly kind of pathetic. Plus a lot of the environment looks annoyingly dark. With that said, I'm still intrigued by this mysterious tower that was shown at the end.
i own a ps3 so i'm happy to see game's in the style of gears coming to my console
like i think people who own a 360 are happy to see dante's inferno cause they can't play god of war...
Is it just me or is post-itagaki Tecmo seems to like kissing PS3's ass?
anyway it looks interesting but it i agree that it looks too much like a Gears re-skin down to the voice actor. I'm not sure what to think of this, it looks like mindless fun though
This game looked cool at first. But then I noticed all the gameplay environments look EXACTLY THE SAME. There is an underlying art applied to EVERYTHING. going to feel like im playing just one level in a game.
and the dialog... if they say "tower" one more time..... Some kittens are going to explode.
I'm willing to give it a shot. It looks like gears, but more tongue-in-cheek instead of ten shitloads hardass, brah. No game with a fastball special in it can take itself seriously, it just doesn't work.
SephirothX nailed it. If they can change the art style dramatically later on to make it a bit different from GoW, just may be this game might get a chance.
Destructoid is an open discussion community. You don't need to "audition" to post a comment - just speak your mind. We respect differing opinions on the site, so have at it. Be smart, funny, insightful, clueless, or cute -- but back it up with substance. Keep your cool, keep it fun. We only ask that you act respectfully and above all: don't be a troll and ruin it for everyone else. Don't bring down gamers or we'll, you know, gently shoot you in the face and stuff you into a flaming mailbox. Each comment is your opportuntity to make this community awesomer. Is that even a word?
Avoiding the banhammer only requires common sense: spamming, trolling, racism, NSFW stuff, and other forms of sucking will not be tolerated. If anyone is griefing please report abuse. Be good. Don't suck!
Contest:
2:14 PM on 06.05.2009
| 
like i think people who own a 360 are happy to see dante's inferno cause they can't play god of war...
thanks to exclusive game i now like ripp-off :)
It is a PS3 exclusive.
anyway it looks interesting but it i agree that it looks too much like a Gears re-skin down to the voice actor. I'm not sure what to think of this, it looks like mindless fun though
and the dialog... if they say "tower" one more time..... Some kittens are going to explode.
It was a pleasure meeting you yesterday at the demo.