Breakdown

 Xbox
  • Publisher: Namco
  • Release Date: Mar 16, 2004
Breakdown Image
Metascore
71

Mixed or average reviews - based on 62 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 28 Ratings

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  • Summary: Trapped inside a mysterious laboratory and unable to remember his past, Derrick Cole discovers his extraordinary powers as he fights for survival against a determined military faction and a legion of seemingly invincible superhuman warriors. Breakdown is a science fiction thriller combiningTrapped inside a mysterious laboratory and unable to remember his past, Derrick Cole discovers his extraordinary powers as he fights for survival against a determined military faction and a legion of seemingly invincible superhuman warriors. Breakdown is a science fiction thriller combining the best elements of shooters and fighters into a comprehensive first-person action adventure game. High-end, real-time rendered graphics reveal Breakdown's intense storyline and brings an unprecedented level of realism to the gameplay experience. The game features fierce hand-to-hand and weapons-based combat, challenging puzzles, surreal dream sequences, advanced AI, and massive, detailed environments for exploration.… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 62
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 62
  3. Negative: 4 out of 62
  1. MS Xbox World
    95
    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."
  2. Armchair Empire
    83
    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.
  3. GMR Magazine
    80
    We're not sure sure we've ever seen a more convincing first-person action-adventure quite like Breakdown. [May 2004, p.91]
  4. Deeko
    75
    In many ways, it is a groundbreaking title and is certainly deserving of praise for attempting to do something new, however it fails to be as good as it could have been, resulting in a game that has many fantastic parts that never form a unified whole.
  5. Gamer's Pulse
    70
    The learning curve jumps due to the confusion the player feels while trying to get a hold of the camera and the involved combo system turn into a button masher in frenzied fights. Still, the title is worth a look.
  6. IGN
    67
    From mindless AI to boring and generic level-design, Breakdown plays out more like a bad Schwarzenegger flick (repetitive, unfunny, and without soul) than a work of staggering genius. Yet still, this is one of those bad games I couldn't help but enjoy, even as I cursed its very existence.
  7. NTSC-uk
    30
    A fairly awful experience with just a literal handful of inspired moments, and since these moments are so heavily scripted, you are better off just watching videos of it instead. [JPN Import]

See all 62 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. Mastuda5555
    Sep 21, 2014
    10
    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 andOne 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.… Expand
  2. Jean-paulN.
    Aug 25, 2006
    10
    Having finished this game, I was blown away by all the movements in the first person view so natural, that they make all other fps look so Having finished this game, I was blown away by all the movements in the first person view so natural, that they make all other fps look so mechanical and unrealistic!!! And I was also in awe when discovering the twist of the storie!… Expand
  4. MercurousSnake
    Jul 29, 2014
    10
    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 hadHonestly 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… Expand
  5. PhillipR.
    Apr 14, 2004
    8
    Interesting game, theres none like it for play style, gets pretty repetitive, but still and enjoyable experience.
  6. Eissa1996
    Apr 5, 2021
    8
    Wow this game is awesome, truly on of the best game i ever played and experienced l. Definitely needs a sequel, hopefully one day
  7. JMAN51
    Jul 8, 2004
    7
    Breakdown immerses you except for all the times you have to restart b/c of how hard it is to fight several enemies. Wouldn't be worth Breakdown immerses you except for all the times you have to restart b/c of how hard it is to fight several enemies. Wouldn't be worth buying at all except maybe for the storyline which is pretty sweet.… Expand
  8. KelR.
    Mar 30, 2004
    5
    This game IS broken down. Just because it's made by Namco the critics gave it higher points. Don't buy into the hype, you will end This game IS broken down. Just because it's made by Namco the critics gave it higher points. Don't buy into the hype, you will end up doing exactly what I did, playing just to beat the stupid game and get it over with. The game is a no brainer you cannot get lost because only the right doors will unlock not to mention you find yourself about ready to throw-up because the graphics are so bad... it's like the first castle wolfenstein sickness. In addition most of the game is in very dark corridors where you can hardly see what the hell is happening. The story line does seem cool but then just evaporates into so lame typical Japanese crap. I do have to give it a few points because like a bad crack habit it's hard to kick, you know it's bad for you but you keep playing.… Expand

See all 16 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

90
#90 Best Xbox Game of 2004
28
#28 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2004
75
#75 Most Shared Xbox Game of 2004