Q.U.B.E. 10th Anniversary is a remake of the classic puzzler from a decade ago; introducing new content and sleek visuals. Is it worth the remake or should we just wait for the next sequel?
Q.U.B.E. is set in an expansively tiled, immaculately white examination site. The use of Unreal Engine 4 for this remake has given this release a definitive glow-up with its polished visuals alongside updated and re-vamped chapter sections of both the original 2012 Q.U.B.E.title and the Director’s Cut from 2014.
There’s not much in ways of an in-depth storyline, you’re dropped into an all-white room with few instructions, and have to work out an escape.
Your one form of contact is in the narrative with Commander Novak via radio communication. If you’re looking for a sassy and sarcastic robot, Novak isn’t your girl. This is fine though, as you’re here for the puzzles.
Q.U.B.E. is a first-person ASMR
Like Faith Connors in Mirror’s Edge, you’re looking for those signals of colour to help you traverse through each level. However, instead of just red, you have an array of colours to look out for with the assistance of a pair of special gloves. Each block helps you manoeuvre further through the tiled abyss; from blue helping you jump, red extending blocks, yellow creating stairs, and green dropping blocks.
The puzzles themselves steadily gain complexity with each level and evolve over time which challenges players with thought, physics, and platform analysis.
All of the right angles
There’s something so satisfying about having to strategically time-block movements and jumps alongside the oddly calming futuristic soundtrack which has been revised for the game.
All aspects of the design, lighting and block arrangements have been revitalised.
Puzzle Master
Each sector of Q.U.B.E. switches up the complexity, and at times it does this very well, and on other levels, it just feels like the level feels longer, rather than more challenging.
I will give it to Toxic Games, though, some of the earlier puzzles had me stumped and staring at the screen in scrutinised silence.
It really counts on you having a good understanding of every Q.U.B.E concept of the game to be able to complete each sector.
The most memorable puzzle for me was rotating some puzzles which unexpectedly had lasers to avoid, which definitely made me feel like Indiana Jones in a puzzle world.
Some puzzles were even just mesmerising to watch unfold such as the Super Mario-esque pipes churning out blocks at a click, upon selecting another, this would then smash into pieces with a glass sound and visual effect. I will say this again; first-person ASMR.
“Like dusting off an old console, preserving classic titles continues to remain important”
Other puzzles utilised my memories and skills inherited from my days of playing Portal 2 and The Legend of Zelda series by working out where best to move blocks to be able to get anywhere.
It was amusing and frustrating at the same time to be able to jump and use these tactical gloves to manoeuvre these blocks, but you could still end up being inches away from reaching the ledge you need to get to. You almost want to be able to shout, “Hey, use your hands!”, but obviously that defeats the purpose of the game.
Instead, like on one level you can pull out the cubes to create a set of stairs, pull in the lower cube to then open up the blue cube hidden away on the floor. You can almost hear the treasure chest noise. Now, this cube is my favourite as it’s essentially a fucking trampoline.
You push that in, and you satisfyingly time your jump to reach the ledge.
Now, who needs arms in real life to pull yourself up to ledges when you can just bounce on trampoline blocks, eh? Sign me up!
Whether you’re spending time slowly working out the puzzles and their inner workings or just sitting there cackling like a madman spamming the new cube button, you literally can spend countless hours on this game. It’s a good time burner and a head-scratcher.
Be aware that the 10th Anniversary edition isn’t just simply a polished version of the original, it also includes new content such as Sector 8; a brand new chapter that features an additional 4 to 6 hours of gameplay after completing the main campaign.
The original 2012 version of the game includes enhanced visuals, brand-new puzzles, and gameplay changes based on players’ feedback.
Developer commentary is included where the dev team go down memory lane on the creation of Q.U.B.E.
Finally, there is an array of extras including concept art, screenshots, the soundtrack can be fully played in the menu, and much more.
It’s hip to be square!
The original score was revamped for the anniversary and is relaxing to listen to, co-existing with the calm concentration in the puzzle-solving aspect of the game; it sets the mood perfectly.
It’s worth noting that there’s a minor consistent buzzing sound that filters through from the menu all the way through the gameplay.
The version played was the pre-release version, so it may be fixed by the devs by launch.
Cube and A (Duration, Replay-ability, Performance)
You’re probably wondering; is it worth the remake? Why Q.U.B.E? Why not another game from ten years ago?
You may think the idea of a remake is kind of square. However, it turns out there’s some depth to it. From having so many remakes from TV, film, and games, a lot of which a lot of us say should have been left alone. Comparing Q.U.B.E. to its original release, it still comes out pleasant to look at with an additional sector that doubles the campaign gameplay.
Like dusting off an old console, preserving classic titles continues to remain important. For example, the Director’s Cut has now replaced the original version of the game on Steam, so it can no longer be purchased.
In the commentary for the 10th Anniversary, the developers make it known that restoring this version of their game was a vital passion project for them. They were also starting to gather a lot of new puzzle ideas in the lead-up to the anniversary and believed an entire re-make of the game would be a good way to commemorate its history.
Overall, there doesn’t warrant a lot of replayability. However, the game contains a lot of worthwhile extras, including double the amount of the original gameplay, it performs well and is a well-designed game that’s worth celebrating.
PROS
- Sleek, vibrant, and newly textured visuals
- Even as a first-timer to the series, it’s easy to pick up and play
- Extra gameplay time packs a punch
CONS
- Lack of narrative until later in the game
- At times levels feel longer, rather than more challenging
Thanks to Toxic Games for a review copy of the game. Q.U.B.E. 10th Anniversary is available on Steam on September 14th.
