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first-person shooterQuake1996Quake

Quake review

9.4Critic average / 10
96.4%Steam positive reviews · 17K
No player reviews yet

Release date
Developer
id Software, Nightdive Studios
Publisher
Atari, Inc., Activision, Bethesda Softworks, ClickBoom, MacSoft Games, Sega
Genres
first-person shooter, science fiction video game
Systems
Nintendo 64, Sega Saturn, Dreamcast · PS4, PS5 · Linux, Windows · Switch · Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
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At a glance

Quake remains a landmark title for its pioneering gameplay and audio design, though its console ports may disappoint those seeking a full PC experience.

Full review ↓

What works

  • Innovative 3D engine
  • Superior multiplayer mode
  • Atmospheric audio design

What doesn’t

  • Console ports lack multiplayer support
  • Subpar control schemes in console versions

GameNow review

Quake review: A Legacy of Innovation

Quake, released in 1996, is celebrated for its groundbreaking 3D engine and multiplayer capabilities, though its console ports faced criticism.

Review updated ·

This summary reflects the cited sources, which may describe earlier versions. The update date does not confirm a new playtest or the current patch.

Pioneering Gameplay and Systems

Critics praised Quake for its innovative 3D engine and realistic physics, making it a standout in the first-person shooter genre. The game's multiplayer mode was particularly lauded, with players noting its support for up to eight players, a significant improvement over its predecessor Doom. However, the console ports, especially the Saturn version, were criticized for their lack of multiplayer support and subpar controls, which detracted from the overall experience.

[1] [2]

Presentation and Audio

Quake's audio design received high praise, with critics noting its unnerving sound effects and atmospheric music. The PC version's graphics were also highly regarded, though some console ports struggled to match the visual fidelity of the original. The Saturn version, for instance, was criticized for its pixelated and blurry graphics, which made it difficult to discern details in the environment.

[1] [2]

Performance and Versions

The Nintendo 64 version of Quake was praised for its smooth frame rate and impressive lighting effects in single-player mode, though multiplayer was less successful due to frame rate issues and limited player support. The Saturn version, while technically impressive, was largely seen as a letdown due to its lack of multiplayer and poor control scheme.

[1] [2]

What works

  • Innovative 3D engine
  • Superior multiplayer mode
  • Atmospheric audio design
  • Highly regarded PC version

What doesn’t

  • Console ports lack multiplayer support
  • Subpar control schemes in console versions

Verdict

Quake remains a landmark title for its pioneering gameplay and audio design, though its console ports may disappoint those seeking a full PC experience.

Sources

This review was drafted with AI assistance from the sources listed here, then checked automatically so that no source text is copied. Scores from outlets are facts recorded on Wikidata.

Source publications: wikipedia.org

  1. Quake (video game) — Wikipedia (en) en.wikipedia.org · CC-BY-SA-4.0
  2. 퀘이크 (비디오 게임) — Wikipedia (ko) ko.wikipedia.org · CC-BY-SA-4.0

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