Quantic Dream is a video game studio known throughout the industry for its innovative gameplay and storytelling.
The company has produced many games with varying styles since its opening 24 years ago (1997). Some of the more popular Quantic Dream games are Pluie abondante (2010), Beyond: Two Souls (2013), et Detroit : Become Human (2018). In addition, the studio has recently opened a new sister studio in February 2021, called Quantic Dream Montreal. Star Wars: Eclipse will be the latest addition to the lineup of video games by Quantic Dream, with a release date that is currently TBA. This article will provide information on all five Quantic Dream titles, including descriptions for each game and aggregate scores from GameRankings/Metacritic.
What is Quantic Dream, and how did it get its start?
Quantic Dream is a video game developer and publisher founded in 1997 by David Cage. Their first title, Omikron: The Nomad Soul, is widely considered an underrated cult classic.
The most recent release by the studio was Detroit: Become Human. This was not only Quantic Dream’s most successful launch as a company, but it has gone on to be their most successful selling title, with over 6 million sold since 2018. Additionally, the studio is hard at work on their first collaboration with Lucasfilm on a Star Wars-themed video game, which will be named Star Wars: Eclipse. Unfortunately, there is no current release date for this title yet.
Video Games By Quantic Dream
Below is a list of Quantic Dream’s five released video games, including the platforms they were released on and a brief description of the game itself. Metacritic scores are also included where available.
Omikron: The Nomad Soul (PC, Dreamcast)
From our own article on Omikron: “Omikron : L'âme nomade is a 1999 video game developed by Quantic Dream and published by Eidos Interactive. Initially released for Microsoft Windows, it was later ported to the Sega Dreamcast. The game is a cyberpunk adventure set in the dark and futuristic city of Omikron, in the world of Phaenon. It is widely known for featuring David Bowie in his only video game role as a character named Boz. It also features 8 original songs written by David Bowie and composer Reeves Gabriel.”
For more information, please read our article on this game. The game was released for the PC and Dreamcast platforms in 1999, with a rating of 75 on GameRankings for the PC version.
Fahrenheit (PS2, PS4, Xbox/Xbox 360, Windows and Other Platforms)
Fahrenheit is a 2005 video game released in North America as Indigo Prophecy.
The story follows Lucas Kane, a man possessed to murder another inside a city diner. As detective Carla Valenti attempts to unravel the mystery and Lucas’ connection to the crime, she uncovers the Orange Clan and their quest for eternal life. It is discovered that the man that Lucas stabbed was a Mayan Oracle, who kidnaps Lucas’ ex-girlfriend to lure him out. Lucas and his girlfriend Tiffany both perish, but Lucas is brought back to life by Artificial Intelligence seeking The Indigo Child. The Indigo Child is a young girl who holds the secret of unlimited power to whoever hears it. Learning to trust Lucas, Carla joins forces with him, and Lucas pursues the Oracle to a final battle.
Fahrenheit received favorable reviews for its compelling storyline and realistic graphics when first released in 2005. It has a GameRankings rating of 85.
Heavy Rain (PS3, PS4, and Microsoft Windows) – Achat
Pluie abondante is a 2010 video game developed by Quantic Dream. The game’s story revolves around the lives of four playable characters – Ethan Mars, Scott Shelby, Norman Jayden, et Madison Paige – who are involved with the mystery of The Origami Killer. The game gets its name from the serial killer’s preferred time to kill: during periods of heavy rainfall. The game’s premise involves exploring themes of parenthood, consequences, guilt, and redemption.
There are many different gameplay elements to Heavy Rain, including narrative choices made by the player that will change how later scenes play out in the story. QTEs (Quick Time Events) place players in control of one of the four characters for short periods to avoid certain death or get past an obstacle, and a detective mode (used by Norman Jayden), used to investigate crime scenes. Ethan is motivated by his need to find his missing son and will go through hell and back to save his child.
Heavy Rain was met with critical acclaim and currently holds an 87 rating on Metacritic for the original PS3 version. It was released exclusively for the PlayStation 3 platform but eventually came to PC, with a PS4 port later.
Beyond: Two Souls was released in 2013 exclusively for the PlayStation platform. It is a single-player interactive drama action-adventure game that follows Jodie Holmes (played by Elliot Page) and an entity named Aiden throughout her lifetime. Throughout the story, players can switch between controlling Jodie and Aiden, with each character possessing unique abilities. It was released in 2013 originally for the Playstation 3 and received polarizing reviews. As a result, the original PS3 version currently holds a 70 on Metacritic.
Detroit : Become Human is a neo-noir thriller video game set in the near future where androids have integrated amongst humankind. The game follows three different androids, all with their own unique abilities, who attempt to navigate life in a world that doesn’t accept them. It was released exclusively for the PlayStation 4 in 2018 and had a score of 78 on Metacritic. The later released PC version would fare slightly better with a score of 80.
Star Wars: Eclipse (TBA) – In Collaboration with Lucasfilm Games
A Star Wars game in early development is currently being developed by Quantic Dream in collaboration with Lucasfilm Games. Star Wars: Eclipse is set within the High Republic era of the Star Wars universe and was revealed during The Game Awards 2021. The High Republic era takes place 200 years before the events of The Phantom Menace. It is interesting to see another studio working on a Star Wars game after Respawn Entertainment did well with their own Star Wars game, Star Wars: Fallen Order.
EA has basically teased that a sequel to that game is all but inevitable, but no other information has been released yet. So until then, Star Wars fans can have this game to look forward to! As of right now, there is no current release date, and this is Quantic Dream’s first time as a studio working on a game set within the Star Wars universe. Star Wars: Eclipse will be their first collaboration with Lucasfilm Games.
Conclusion
Quantic Dream is a video game studio worthy of your attention if the above list doesn’t show you. With its fantastic approach to storytelling, Quantic Dream is a video game development studio that has been making games for over 20 years. They may not have the most extensive library of games, but the games they do have are definitely worth your time. Every video game they release is quality, and the talent they pull for these games is significant. Their upcoming game, Star Wars: Eclipse, is sure to continue their quality trend.
Editorial Note: Quantic Dream Hostile Work Environment Allegations
Following the release of Detroit: Become Human, allegations have been made against Quantic Dream, claiming a hostile workplace. The company was accused of sexism and racism (with alleged Photoshopped images depicting Nazis), and workers claimed they were frequently ridiculed and humiliated by management. It is alleged that over 600 photoshopped images exist, and Canard PC even included some of these in their article(NSFW: Extreme Content Warning!).
Additionally, allegations have also been made against David Cage, in which he is alleged to have made sexually improper comments to female coworkers. The company and David denied the charges, bringing a defamation lawsuit against Le Monde and others. They won their case against Le Monde in 2021 but lost to Mediapart.
As these are accusations and are presently being litigated, we will not go into much detail. However, we feel it’s essential to raise the subject. It’ll be interesting to see what develops from these allegations, as well as whether they have any impact on Quantic Dream’s long-term prospects.
What are your thoughts on Quantic Dream? Let us know in the comments!
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