Quantum First Impressions

Quantum is a game being developed exclusively for the PlayStation 3 by Tecmo's Team Tachyon. It focuses on the story of Syd, who is trying living in a world where all of the major civilisations have been destroyed. Living towers have popped up in numerous locations and Syd, with the help of Fillena, is hell-bent of destroying these towers.

Previously called Quantum Theory, the game now has a new and much shorter name, with the hopes of enticing a more dynamic audience. Kohei Shibata, the producer on the game, explains why the new name was necessary:

With discussions within Tecmo, we decided it [Quantum] would be a cooler name. The term Quantum Theory was more scientific and mental than action, so we wanted something shorter, quicker, tougher.

Tecmo have a strong tradition of making action games, and they hope to impress their qualities on this new title. While it may look like a generic third-person shooter with a cover system, it's a lot deeper than that. The first innovation in the game actually comes with the cover system. Due to the environment being a living entity, what can be used for cover can often change, as the tower looks to disadvantage Syd along his journey. Fillena will also offer a new perspective on combat, as Syd can use her to turn the tide in battle. Combining the two will enable melee combos, and many other attacks.

While there will be a deep story, explaining more about the towers and why Syd looks to destroy them, the focus of the game will be primarily on the action. It's being developed with a strong Western focus, and Shibata says, the Japanese market is being treated as an optional catch:

It is a shooter, so we don't want people to just sit there and watch cutscenes the whole time, so we're going to try and incorporate more of the story into the action itself, but we want to concentrate on the action [overall]. In some of the design aspects we are definitely keeping the Japanese audience in mind, but the Western audience is the priority.

Combat looks to be fierce. There will be approximately 15-20 weapons, and Syd will be able to carry a default blaster, and two other weapons. From what was seen, the animations look slick, and there is a considerable amount of polish, despite the game still having a lot of development left. This definitely bodes well for the future, as the game has plenty of time to look and feel even better.

Fillena won't be playable offline, but she can be used online in a mode called Battle Royale, which pits her against Syd. In this mode, there will be two teams, with Syd and Fillena as the leaders. If either of them dies, the team loses. Although she is weaker, the ability to throw her will provide a tactical edge, as she can be thrown from danger, or be used as an offensive weapon. Her playing style will also greatly differ from Syd's as she'll be a lot quicker and more nimble.

Even though it still has a relatively long way to go in its development cycle, Quantum is already looking like a solid title. It's in good hands with Team Tachyon and it shouldn't have too much trouble differentiating itself from the pack when it's released in 2010.