Breakdown

« The greatest experience I have ever had in all my years of gaming. That’s right Xbox owners, in many regards it even surpasses "Halo." »

« In spite of any inconsistencies, disparities, or shortcomings, Breakdown is an enormously compelling, satisfying game - one imparting a joy of discovery sorely lacking in far too many of today's biggest titles. [Apr 2004, p.88] »

« A solid step forward for what a video game is capable of. If nothing else, it's definitely an attempt to do something new, and that alone is worthy of support. »

« But you’re really missing the point if you pick apart every negative thing here without seeing the big picture the developers intended. There’s enough tension and thrills here to beat any Hollywood action movie you’ll see hands down. »

« This is a game that breaks the mold and forces players to think, react, and interact with their environment unlike any other game to date. »

« It's also got the most riveting plot of any Xbox FPS to date, topping "Halo." [Apr 2004, p.78] »

« For as much as I was impressed by Breakdown it’s not perfect, the gunplay is dull, but again understandable because it’s all about the fighting. »

« Although I really liked Breakdown for its story and first-person implementation and grew to love the combat, some will think it’s a “niche” title with too many idiosyncrasies for a wider audience. »

« I played this game not too long ago, and what can I say? It's the game about everything and nothing at the same time. Is it an immersive sim? Nope, but it tries to be one. Is it a first-person shooter? Nope, but it got some elements of it. Is it a beat-em-up? Nope, but it got some elements in it. As you can see, this game aims to be a unique adventure game, but it falls short of delivering a good experience in all aspects. Sure, the story is intriguing at first, but then you understand at some point that it's a total mess. First, we started as a Half-Life parody. Then it's like some anime, and at the end, a typical time-traveling mess. Like, there were several scriptwriters, and they all worked on different periods of game development. The biggest issue for me, that the game is taking too long and it's stretched out, but brings no new content in game design. But it's got 2 bosses on this entire long game, and one of them is a helicopter ( lol). To be honest, it's not the best Xbox exclusive out there, and I will never gonna touch this game again. »

« Today, 18 years ago, Breakdown was released. I restarted playing it few weeks ago and I had no big expectations. But it stands the test of time! The mechanics and gameplay feel fresh, the story is interesting and sound and voice actors are great. Only the graphics and locations seem a bit outdated. Nevertheless a fun game! »

« Wow this game is awesome, truly on of the best game i ever played and experienced l. Definitely needs a sequel, hopefully one day »

« [SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.] »

« Sin duda uno de los más grandes del catalogo de la XBOX. El juego tiene una dificultad muy alta, hasta que consigues dominarlo incluso puede llegar a desesperar, pero esto es lo que lo hace especial frente a otros juegos del catalogo. Una vez dominas el juego, puedo asegurar que muy pocos llegan a su nivel, consiguiendo que te sientas como el protagonista de una película de Hollywood. Gráficamente es maravilloso, la banda sonora cañera y muy lograda, y la historia sin duda cargada de acontecimientos y giros inesperados que vuelven al titulo una joya oculta de la primera consola de xbox. Gratamente sorprendido con un titulo que bajo mi punto de vista fue infravalorado, y que le pega un buen repaso a muchos juegos de su generación. Gracias NAMCO. »

« One of the best games I've ever played. I'm probably biased because of nostalgia and having played it when I was 14. The story is so deep and confusing which I loved. Threw in some unexpected plot twists that didn't feel cliche at all to me even now as a somewhat jaded adult when it comes to cliches. Looking back the fighting controls were a bit choppy and could really screw you over on the hardest mode. The graphics were top notch for the time it came out and I think still hold up fairly decently, but they could have done a little more interesting level designs. Some of them were cool, but there was a lot of sameness. They set it up for a sequel though and that sequel never came! I try to look at the fact the they never went ahead with a sequel as a good thing because at least this way there is no chance of the game being tarnished for me. It will forever remain a classic in my eyes. Even though it has some flaws. I'm giving it a 10 because it holds a special place in my gaming memories. »

« Honestly one of the greatest experiences I've had. Yes the game has many faults but this game so much innovation during its time. It's had that it was extremely underrated title. Would have loved to have seen a sequel to this franchise. The story alone had me glued to my old CRT TV for HOURS! Man do I miss this game I need to buy an Xbox now XD »

« The word "innovative" has lost its meaning over the years because quality in games is judged by subjective elements like "graphics," "sound," and "replay value." But Breakdown is a masterpiece for all the right reasons, and in the areas where it needs work, you can't blame it because it's already doing so much at once. For the gamer who doesn't see quality in Breakdown's well-designed and unique enemies, its set-piece moments that radically change level structure and narrative flow, the unique real-time first-person fighting mechanics, the super powers (like the ability to slow time to a crawl, jump incredibly high, and sweep rooms with sonic blasts), or the intricately designed time-travel plot, at least play the game for the subjective reasons reviewers themselves present to you as incentive to play: Breakdown was one of the first of its kind to utilize motion capture, and indeed it was used to great effect with each and every character; the game is also very difficult, even on the ''easiest'' setting (which seems to garner attention these days, since most games are simply too easy, which holds the player back from using everything at his/her disposal); lastly, it actually has a soundtrack that's heart-pounding, eerie, and anticipant at all the right moments. There is no game in existence that is more deserving of a sequel than Breakdown; if it got the recognition it deserves, the result would be a truly fulfilling franchise. »