Quantum Break is a video game I've been looking forward to for awhile. It was announced 3 years ago at E3 2013. The game went through long development issues causing several delays, but the game has finally arrived. Developer Remedy is behind Quantum Break, who's previous work includes Max Payne and Alan Wake. I'm a big fan of both those titles. Remedy always strikes a good balance between a compelling story and fun gameplay. After playing Quantum Break Remedy has made another excellent game in my opinion.

The story follows a man named Jack Joyce, played by Shawn Ashmore. Who is best known as ice man from the X-Men franchise. Paul Serene is the antagonist played by none other than Aidan Gillen. We all know him as Lord Baelish from Game of Thrones. Gillen is the stand out of the performances. Everyone else in supporting roles also do a good job. The story is about a time break. After an experiment goes wrong Joyce gains the ability to manipulate time. Which leads to a compelling story about Joyce trying to stabilize time before it breaks completely. There is also a live action element to the story telling. After the player completes a level, a 20-minute episode will begin to play. I was worried that the live action part of the story wouldn't work. But I personally enjoyed them, I thought the episodes added more depth to the characters. All the episodes can be skipped if the player does not want to watch them.

Now, let's talk gameplay. It's a third-person shooter at surface level, Joyce can carry three weapons throughout the campaign. The third person shooting mechanics are solid, not Gears of War great but very solid. Where the game differs from other 3rd person shooters is the time breaking powers the player has. Joyce can freeze enemies in place, slow down time giving him the ability to pick off enemies one by one. He can also put up a time break in front of his body, preventing him from taking enemy fire. My personal favorite is the ability that looks like a force push. By holding down right bumper, Joyce can send multiple enemies flying into the air. It' was the most satisfying ability in the game for me. The gameplay never got stale for me, I always had a fun time in combat. The games difficulty starts out fairly easy, but as the player progresses through the game enemies become more challenging.

My only big criticism of the Quantum Break is the final boss fight. While it was better that Alan Wake's final battle. It was still an underwhelming ending fight, but that wasn't enough to ruin my experience overall. If your an Xbox one owner this game is a must buy. There have been so many disappointing games for next generation consoles but Quantum Break delivers. It has a great balance of story and satisfying gameplay.