Thinking With Fluff: Quantum Conundrum

When one of the original designers of Portal reveals a new game, it's time to pay attention. Kim Swift, now of Airtight Games, has been chatting to Gamespot about her new project, Quantum Conundrum. Even the title should tell you that science remains high on the agenda. The game has you searching for your mad scientist uncle whose home, a gigantic mansion, has been converted into a series of perplexing science experiments. I don't think there will be any neurotoxins this time around, though I have been wrong before when it comes to neurotoxins. It didn't end well. Launch trailer and video with commentary by Kim below.

It all looks a bit confusing. If only someone could talk us through an example of how puzzles can be solved multidimensionally.

So there you have it! Huge amount of promise and the pedigree is undeniably strong. It doesn't have the immediate 'wowholyshitwhatmyheadhurts' factor that Portal did, but then few things ever will. Despite that, the similarities are obvious. Puzzle rooms to traverse, boxes, buttons and lasers. That's not a bad thing though. It's a very good thing. I'll be very happy indeed if Kim makes first person puzzle games about the manipulation of space for the remainder of her career. Especially if, as this suggests, they have their own unique character and charm. I won't even mind if there aren't neurotoxins every time. The boy rescuing his uncle plot is very family-friendly but here's hoping the puzzles will still require a fully grown up brain.