Official Thread Quantum Break

There wasn't a hidden agenda with the original intent of this thread. Like so many debates these days, people take the most extreme stance on everything. QB was a surpringly solid game and the 60% ratings seem hard to justify from any standpoint. Even if this wasn't my genre and I hated sci-fi, I would've been able to objectively say there's a lot of high quality aspects to this game if my job was to evaluate games. If someone said this game was boring or didn't keep their interest, it would be a valid opinion. If my job is to rate games and I was playing a new game with some unique gameplay aspects, high production values and there was no game breaking issues with the controls, I can't figure out how that equals 60%...which means crap on every scale.

What am I trying to say? My original statement was simply a reaction. Beyond that there are plenty of topics it could lead into.

Saying that I question the review methods is not the same thing as saying I believe there's some giant grand conspiracy. Jeff G at Giant Bomb has never struck me as grossly anti-Xbox and I've read many of his reviews since the OG Xbox days. I think he's entertaining and offers good insight too. He does admit that he's fatigued by Microsoft's obsession with guns and cars and his sentiment isn't unique. That shouldn't stop him, Gamespot or anyone else from being professional and giving each developer a fair review regardless of who's publishing it and which platform it's on.

I do think many genres, developers, publishers are favorites and they get leeway and free passes. Others get no leeway. Do rooting interest play a part in that? I think so.

Some places are harsher than others though. Edge is notorious for giving out more low scores.
 
First, you don't know s*** about me. Second, it's not about contradicting opinions. I deal with those on the regular. I respect opinions that are not of my own.

My plight comes from EVERY Xbox thread with positive news turns into a Fuking spew spit with the comparisons, and someone bringa up Sony in some form or another. Anything Xbox gets down played. Concern trolling and MS bashing typically takes front row when it would be nice if JUST ONCE we can have a discussion where games or hardware we discuss wouldn't be overrun with insecure fanboy on the regular. What some of us would like here in Xbox threads, Sony fans enjoy on a much more consistent basis. I'm looking for some equality. That's it. Don't assume to know anything about me from my posts. lol. WTF?

ON TOPIC: Gonna play QB on hard mode this weekend. Haven't even touched that yet.

I don't need any s*** about you personally and I don't want to know you either. However I know plenty about your attitude on this forum. And that's all I need to know in this case. Anyway, I'll leave it there.
 
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Don't close it because of a few f***os. Those who loved the game should be able to come here and discuss it without being thrashed about it. Fuk that! Mods, do your job! Put an end to this bulls***. We have every right to have a positive and rational discussion.

EDIT: For those who didn't enjoy the game, perhaps go and make a thread about it. Leave this one be. Thanks.

I have a few thoughts:

1. The people that you are railing at (me and Yankee in particular) are not saying we didn't enjoy the game. At least, I'm not saying that, and I haven't noticed Yankee say that. As far as I can tell, we are just questioning the belief that there is a widespread bias among reviewers against Xbox games. I'm not sure why that is so upsetting.

2. We aren't in the business of policing people's opinions. People are free to say what they think or feel.

3. You said you wanted a "rational and positive discussion." That's fine. But I'd ask you to take a look at some of your contributions to this thread:

I read your post, genius. Did you? Clearly Remedy STRATEGICALLY created a game with a television show, you know, seeing as how they went live action and there's FOUR FUKING EPISODES, you knob.

And you see you in an Xbox thread with yet, more Sony fanboyism disguised as "friendly conversation." Color me shocked. Are you guys taking a class for this s***?

Honestly, this thread was for those who appreciated QB - enjoyed the game. Once again, insecure fanboys had to infect the thread. The Fuking s*** is tired as Fuk.

This is the same s*** that happens in any positive Xbox thread. Every time. Insecure Sony fanboys come in with the same old, tired bulls***, toss in a Sony game for comparison (which no one gives a s*** about. If they did, they'd be in a Sony thread) It's Fuking petty and it's super telling.

You should quit. You're embarrassing yourself. Mod.

We'll that's good to know. Perhaps I'll hop on over the the PS threads and share my opinions - seeing as how I can expect little to no recourse. Sweet!

You're all right by me Andy, I don't care what they say about you, bruh.

KVALLY, tell em what you said, yo..

First, you don't know s*** about me.

My plight comes from EVERY Xbox thread with positive news turns into a Fuking spew spit with the comparisons, and someone bringa up Sony in some form or another. Anything Xbox gets down played. Concern trolling and MS bashing typically takes front row when it would be nice if JUST ONCE we can have a discussion where games or hardware we discuss wouldn't be overrun with insecure fanboy on the regular.

Now, I ask you, does that sound like "rational and positive discussion"? To me, it sounds like an angry, emotional tirade. You're lashing out and blaming other people; you're using lots of demeaning, insulting language; it's full of negativity and accusations. It's not rational or positive; it's just an angry, belittling, accusatory rant.

So, if you want "rational and positive" discussions, maybe take a look at what you're bringing to the table? You can't call for "rational and positive discussions," and then repeatedly go on angry, emotional, blaming tirades.

Now, I can predict your response: "I can't help it. It's the insecure Sony fanboys' fault." (Please surprise me.)
 
Why so serious?

Do you wanna know how I got these scars?

One random person on a forum questions the credibility of reviews and everyone goes crazy.
 
I don't think anyone thinks the negative reviews are widespread or a conspiracy. Just certain sites seem to be not in love with Microsoft's efforts. Except for the Forzas and Ori. As pointed out over and over.

I don't think Microsoft games have been reviewed as harshly as Sony's games have been put on a pedestal.

I remember reading the Abzu review (PS exclusive at the time) from some site and actually laughing out loud. The wording was so over the top flowery that it sounded like he was describing Heaven, not a game.
 
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I don't think anyone thinks the negative reviews are widespread or a conspiracy. Just certain sites seem to be not in love with Microsoft's efforts. Except for the Forzas and Ori. As pointed out over and over.

You don't think some people believe there is a widespread bias among game reviewers against MS?

I don't think Microsoft games have been reviewed as harshly as Sony's games have been put on a pedestal.

I remember reading the Abzu review (PS exclusive at the time) from some site and actually laughing out loud. The wording was so over the top flowery that it sounded like he was describing Heaven, not a game.

Abzu PS4 metacritic = 78 (hardly a pedestal, in fact almost identical to the QB score)

Abzu Xbox metacritic = 83 (significantly higher than the PS4 score)

Selective attention and memory. Not blaming you, just pointing out an instance of confirmatory bias. We all tend to focus on and remember instances of things that support our pre-conceived beliefs, and don't pay attention to, and forget, stuff that runs counter. Myself included.

p.s. My apologies for mention of PS4 and one of its (former) games. Just responding to Dno.
 
You don't think some people believe there is a widespread bias among game reviewers against MS?



Abzu PS4 metacritic = 78 (hardly a pedestal, in fact almost identical to the QB score)

Abzu Xbox metacritic = 83 (significantly higher than the PS4 score)

Selective attention and memory. Not blaming you, just pointing out an instance of confirmatory bias. We all tend to focus on and remember instances of things that support our pre-conceived beliefs, and don't pay attention to, and forget, stuff that runs counter. Myself included.

p.s. My apologies for mention of PS4 and one of its (former) games. Just responding to Dno.

Well that was just one example. A poor one I guess.

Some believe that Conspiracy. I just don't think anyone on here thinks that it's widespread. I may be wrong.
 
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I just don't think anyone on here thinks that it's widespread. I may be wrong.

I've gotten the impression that at least a handful of people believe there is a widespread bias against the Xbox in gaming journalism, and that includes game reviewers.

I don't think it's worth debating, though. People believe what they believe. I was just expressing my skepticism about it.
 
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No surprise for me. Remedy make solid games but this is their weakest in terms of replay value due to all the forced walking sections.

Still solid and I hope MS give the IP another shot.
 
No surprise for me. Remedy make solid games but this is their weakest in terms of replay value due to all the forced walking sections.

Still solid and I hope MS give the IP another shot.
The action and gunplay i found really enjoyable, and the production was stellar, but the marriage between the gameplay and story telling felt disjointed.

It was like, here's the gun bit, here's the bit where you can find some emails, and here's the tv bit.

Choosing to have full episodes acted out forced it to extent, but the actionless parts made it more pronounced.
 
I've gotten the impression that at least a handful of people believe there is a widespread bias against the Xbox in gaming journalism, and that includes game reviewers.

I don't think it's worth debating, though. People believe what they believe. I was just expressing my skepticism about it.

I don't think it's widespread but there is bias and it's amongst some key people at some of the biggest places. Maybe it's putting cart before the horse. Maybe they get big because they are more PlayStation centric and that leads to bigger audiences since PlayStation is the bigger and more passionate consumer base. Regardless of why, it's there. It's not subtle either and I don't think it's meant to be subtle. If you've listened to any podcast or commentary from Gamespot, Game Informer or most people from IGN...they are pretty transparent and honest about their feeling. Can't remember which one...but one commentated that they believed what Xbox brought to the gaming industry was bad for it and that it would be better for gaming if they exited. One of the IGN guys stated that Xbox is basically dead to him and was his worst console purchase ever. It's not like they are being dishonest about it.

I honestly don't think these biases high level are a problem if they're honest and transparent. They are paid to give honest opinions and they shouldn't say they like a brand in the effort to be balanced if it's dishonest. I think the problem comes in when they grade developers and games on a curve based on which platform they're supporting. QB seems to be a good example of this because I believe a game like that would've scored very high on a platform not known for shooters and instead would've been graded as a story driven game that happened to have shooting elements. Some of the biggest reviewers focused on what a disjointed shooter it was instead of looking at it as it's own thing.

Ori actually got points in the other direction because it resembles something Xbox doesn't focus on. I like Ori and will be buying the sequel Day 1 but it was scored too highly based on being an artsy game in a genre that Xbox doesn't normally support.
 
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It's just people don't like single player story driven experiences by Finnish developers. If they'd just move to Japan, this would have been the Next To Last of Us, except instead of needing to do a remaster each new console generation, they'd just fire up the time knife to upgrade the game automagically like it's the goddamn future, because it is, except when it's the past, and those rare occasions where it's now and even now it's not now anymore so... yeah, appreciate a game that looks at the challenge of standing up to the test of time and says, f*** that, see if time can hold up to the test of this game! (Which, of course, is why Chrono Trigger is one of the greatest games of all time, because it did this and with a Japanese developer!)
 
I don't think it's widespread but there is bias and it's amongst some key people at some of the biggest places. Maybe it's putting cart before the horse. Maybe they get big because they are more PlayStation centric and that leads to bigger audiences since PlayStation is the bigger and more passionate consumer base. Regardless of why, it's there. It's not subtle either and I don't think it's meant to be subtle. If you've listened to any podcast or commentary from Gamespot, Game Informer or most people from IGN...they are pretty transparent and honest about their feeling. Can't remember which one...but one commentated that they believed what Xbox brought to the gaming industry was bad for it and that it would be better for gaming if they exited. One of the IGN guys stated that Xbox is basically dead to him and was his worst console purchase ever. It's not like they are being dishonest about it.

I honestly don't think these biases high level are a problem if they're honest and transparent. They are paid to give honest opinions and they shouldn't say they like a brand in the effort to be balanced if it's dishonest. I think the problem comes in when they grade developers and games on a curve based on which platform they're supporting. QB seems to be a good example of this because I believe a game like that would've scored very high on a platform not known for shooters and instead would've been graded as a story driven game that happened to have shooting elements. Some of the biggest reviewers focused on what a disjointed shooter it was instead of looking at it as it's own thing.

Ori actually got points in the other direction because it resembles something Xbox doesn't focus on. I like Ori and will be buying the sequel Day 1 but it was scored too highly based on being an artsy game in a genre that Xbox doesn't normally support.

You make some good points, and I agree with a lot of what you're saying.

I think a good argument can be made for game reviewers being biased, just on the basis of sales rates. I'll put it in the form of a syllogism:

1. People prefer PS4 to Xbox 2 to 1.
2. Reviewers are people.
3. Therefore, reviewers prefer PS4 to Xbox 2 to 1.

That greater preference for PS4 means that more reviewers would give favorable reviews to PS4 titles -- simply because those are the types of games they enjoy (which is why they prefer the console). And they'd disfavor Xbox games, for the opposite reason. You'd have plenty of reviewers going the other way, too -- favoring Xbox titles, because those are the types of experiences they enjoy -- but only half as many. So overall, there would be a bias (or preference) for PS4 games.
 
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You make some good points, and I agree with a lot of what you're saying.

I think a good argument can be made for game reviewers being biased, just on the basis of sales rates. I'll put it in the form of a syllogism:

1. People prefer PS4 to Xbox 2 to 1.
2. Reviewers are people.
3. Therefore, reviewers prefer PS4 to Xbox 2 to 1.

That greater preference for PS4 means that more reviewers would give favorable reviews to PS4 titles -- simply because those are the types of games they enjoy (which is why they prefer the console). And they'd disfavor Xbox games, for the opposite reason. You'd have plenty of reviewers going the other way, too -- favoring Xbox titles, because those are the types of experiences they enjoy -- but only half as many. So overall, there would be a bias (or preference) for PS4 games.

I think that's a fair assessment. Again I don't think it's an evil grand conspiracy. Reviewers are people and all people have biases and preferences. Gamers who prefer the Xbox ecosystem and their games don't have their tastes reflected by the majority of the media who's opinions probably mesh better with those that prefer PlayStation.

So in conclusion, Xbox gamers more than PlayStation gamers need to find other avenues to determine if they may like a game. Giant Bomb spent more time talking about Walking Simulators than Gears of War. That's not part of a grand conspiracy...but that means Xbox gamers who prefer shooters may need to seek opinions elsewhere.
 
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A good game is a good game no matter which platform its available for. I get what some of you guys are saying about platform preference but I still think a game speaks for itself.

I was a 360 fanboy and have since converted to PS4 because of its advantages. But I was having a joygasm every few minutes while I played Horizon 3 or Rise of the Tomb Raider. My preference for Playstation in no way stopped me from being impressed with any X1 game. I get it everyone is different and all that.

I need to revisit Quantum Break at some point. I didn't get past the first couple of hours. I was put off by the controls which didn't feel as tight as I would have liked. There was something off about the gunplay. The game sure was beautiful though and as a graphics whore it shows how I still need compelling gameplay to keep me interested. But like I said didn't play enough to get access to more of what was offered.
 
A good game is a good game no matter which platform its available for. I get what some of you guys are saying about platform preference but I still think a game speaks for itself.

I was a 360 fanboy and have since converted to PS4 because of its advantages. But I was having a joygasm every few minutes while I played Horizon 3 or Rise of the Tomb Raider. My preference for Playstation in no way stopped me from being impressed with any X1 game. I get it everyone is different and all that.

I need to revisit Quantum Break at some point. I didn't get past the first couple of hours. I was put off by the controls which didn't feel as tight as I would have liked. There was something off about the gunplay. The game sure was beautiful though and as a graphics whore it shows how I still need compelling gameplay to keep me interested. But like I said didn't play enough to get access to more of what was offered.

And that is why I always bring up Forza and Ori because when a game is great people seem to figure it out and when games are bad elsewhere people seem to figure it out. Its hard to feel Quantum Break is some outrageously underrated game when you read forums like this one and see plenty of people with issues with it. Its a game that some were a bit mixed on.

I think its fair to say "I don't care about reviews" or "I think a lot reviewers tastes don't match mine" or even to say "some are biased" but its different to try and dismiss opinions just because you don't agree with it. I think that is what some want to do with any opinion that is negative towards Xbox or an Xbox game. To throw it out and declare it to have an agenda or to be too biased.
 
It is disappointing that it appears Remedy and Microsoft aren't working together anytime soon. I thought Alan Wake was excellent. It's incredible that Remedy, after either good or great games, is relegated to a small time publisher for their next game. Hopefully their next game is successful.
 
I have found that with this generation I don't agree with many reviews from critics. I tend to go more on my gut feelings on games and ignore them. If they don't like the same games as me then there is honestly no reason to read the reviews. I absolutely loved Quantum Break but a recent one, Horizon zero dawn, I despised, with everybody else loving it. I then played the newest Zelda game and fell in love with gaming all over again, easily being one of my top ten games of all time. Different people like different games, I've given up on metacritic and anything related to such.
 
Remedys weakest game IMO (havent played that IOS rally game)

Conceptually its pretty good with lore and rules of time travel but:

I preferred the stand in model and voice over shawn ashmore who had weak delivery. Sore throat day?
Internal monologuing lacks the poetry of Max Payne and Alan Wake
Resolution artifacting
Combat is too easy. Time dash. Freeze. Shoot. Timedash. Heal/shield
Too few stutter platforming /escape sections
No multiplayer/ little replay value
Paul Serene sections are pretty pointless
The 20 minute TV show segments dont add too much
Protracted dev time for seemingly no gain

77 pretty close to what it deserves if you're paying $60...for $10 it will feel like an 85
 
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Remedys weakest game IMO (havent played that IOS rally game)

Conceptually its pretty good with lore and rules of time travel but:

I preferred the stand in model and voice over shawn ashmore who had weak delivery. Sore throat day?
Internal monologuing lacks the poetry of Max Payne and Alan Wake
Resolution artifacting
Combat is too easy. Time dash. Freeze. Shoot. Timedash. Heal/shield
Too few stutter platforming /escape sections
No multiplayer/ little replay value
Paul Serene sections are pretty pointless
The 20 minute TV show segments dont add too much
Protracted dev time for seemingly no gain

77 pretty close to what it deserves if you're paying $60...for $10 it will feel like an 85
Paul serene scenes pointless? The decisions made there change the story!

I agree about the stand in actor. I couldn't care less about Ashmore. The stand in does play the cab driver, though.

If the game was too easy you should probably up the dificulty? It seemed to have a decent challenge level to me...
 
Yeah, the Paul scenes were very important to the story for sure. Like, literally gave you the choice between one path in the future or another. I especially liked how my choice stacked up against friends.

One thing I would've like to see more, were more melee options using time powers. A good balance between using weapons and beating the s*** out of some fools like Flash would've been a welcomed headache.
 
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Yeah, the Paul scenes were very important to the story for sure. Like, literally gave you the choice between one path in the future or another. I especially liked how my choice stacked up against friends.

One thing I would've like to see more, were more melee options using time powers. A good balance between using weapons and beating the s*** out of some fools like Flash would've been a welcomed headache.
Yeah, I did the Evil Paul run-through on my second play. Definitely changed the story significantly. Only downer is that
it doesn't really change any game-play scenarios. I did feel bad on the evil ones because I like the idea of the Tortured Villain. One way he does what he does because he believes it's the only way- Omelette and Eggs. The other, he just kinda gives up and says "f*** em".
 
Yeah, I did the Evil Paul run-through on my second play. Definitely changed the story significantly. Only downer is that
it doesn't really change any game-play scenarios. I did feel bad on the evil ones because I like the idea of the Tortured Villain. One way he does what he does because he believes it's the only way- Omelette and Eggs. The other, he just kinda gives up and says "f*** em".

That's kinda what I would have liked. Serenes decisions result in a different NPC who doesn't really add much. One decision it's a girl another it's the cabbie and a few cutscenes change. If it had changed the finale and last 2 levels were completely different to the other decision, that would have been way better and demanded 2 seperate playthroughs.

One "issue" though is I had no motivation to play through the game entirely again, while i like games that allow me to select each act to replay...so I just chose Serenes scenes and did the opposite decision for the cheevos.

If I had to replay the whole game to see the different outcomes i would have.

I think i will give it another go on hard soon, but my general thoughts on the combat is the dash and the shield/heal artificially make it too easy to just run away and heal and pop out again. Im not really sure how to solve it, but that's remedys responsibility.

I will give the game it's props though, time travel was quite original. I really liked the idea of it just being a corridor you travelled counter clockwise to go back in time and the chicken/egg scenarios.
 
Yeah, I did the Evil Paul run-through on my second play. Definitely changed the story significantly. Only downer is that
it doesn't really change any game-play scenarios. I did feel bad on the evil ones because I like the idea of the Tortured Villain. One way he does what he does because he believes it's the only way- Omelette and Eggs. The other, he just kinda gives up and says "f*** em".
Agreed, yup. I think they perhaps should've tried to use Telltale games formula when it came to making decisions in the game - maybe allow even Paul's scenes to be actually played out. I think then, it would give the gamer the opportunity to feel the weight of the decisions. I dunno...

This is why they need to make a sequel. Get-r-done, Phil!