| Quantum Conundrum | |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Airtight Games |
| Publisher(s) | Square Enix |
| Designer(s) | Kim Swift |
| Platform(s) | Windows, Xbox Live Arcade, Playstation Network |
| Release date(s) | Q1 2012 |
| Genre(s) | First-person action game |
| Media/distribution | Digital download |
Quantum Conundrum is an upcoming first-person action video game currently in development by Airtight Games and set to be published by Square Enix.[1] It is designed by Kim Swift, who formerly worked at Valve Software as the lead designer on the critically acclaimed Portal. The game is scheduled for release in early 2012 on Xbox Live Arcade, Playstation Network and Windows download distribution services.
Contents |
The plot stars a quiet 12-year-old boy as its main protagonist. One day, he pays a visit to the mansion-cum-laboratory belonging to his uncle, an eccentric scientist and inventor named Professor Fitz Quadwrangle. Shortly after his arrival, an explosion occurs as a result of a failed experiment, causing the professor to disappear. The boy then discovers a special glove with the power to change dimensions, which he decides to use in order to find out what happened to his uncle.[2]
Quantum Conundrum is viewed from the first-person perspective and has a very heavy emphasis on contained puzzle elements, similar to games in the Portal series.[3] The objective is to explore Professor Quadwrangle's manor, solving puzzles and challenges in order to progress from room to room.
The primary game mechanic is the Interdimensional Shift Device (shortened to I.D.S.) - at the press of a button, the player can switch into one of four different dimensions. To do this, they must first locate special batteries and place them into coloured receptacles, which subsequently creates a dimensional rift.[2] The geometry of the normal environment is retained when switching dimensions, but changes are made to the aesthetics, and the physics and properties of objects are altered significantly. One of the dimensional options is the "fluffy dimension". When swapped to this, the environment takes on a bright white, softened look. This causes objects to become 10 times lighter in weight, allowing the player to interact with them in ways that would not be possible in the default dimension. Other dimensions revealed so far include one that slows down time to a twentieth of its ordinary speed, and one that reverses the direction of gravity.[2]
Late in 2009, some time during the development of Portal 2, co-creator Kim Swift left Valve to pursue opportunities elsewhere. Developer Airtight Games later announced that they had hired on Swift as a project lead, which they stated was a part of their strategy to produce innovative games with a broader audience.[4]
In August 2011, Square Enix made comments teasing the imminent announcement of a new project at Airtight Games, with Kim Swift as creative director. This project, titled Quantum Conundrum, was officially unveiled at PAX Prime 2011. During the expo, Swift told the press that her ideas for the game originated from a visit to a local bakery.[5] She said that, like with her previous games, she wanted to create something accessible to a wide market, but with enough challenge to satisfy more experienced players.[2]