Quake [PlayStation 4] | REVIEW

Quake is a game that I hold very close to my heart, and one that I’ve been aching to see revived by the team at id Software for a long time. Sure, we have Quake Champions, but that’s not what I wanted. I wanted another brilliant campaign that’s complemented by multiplayer shooting as opposed to be being based around it. I wanted more of the same old-school action that I loved when I was younger.

This re-release of the original Quake delivers just that, with plenty of additional content as well as spruced up visuals bumping up the package.

Check out a gallery of screenshots down below:

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You’d think that following the iconic DOOM would be a tough act, but Quake managed to deliver an arguably better experience back in 1996. There are still maze-like levels to explore, but there’s an increased focus on scouring your surroundings thanks to the larger areas, the array of collectibles and secrets, and emphasis on more intricate level design. You can even aim vertically, which doesn’t seem like a big deal now, but was a game-changer back then. It’s a masterclass of level design that balances all-out action with deep exploration.

There are plenty of vicious enemies to battle across these levels too, with a good mixture of ranged and up-close foes to face off against. It does add an extra element of strategy to each encounter, with players having to know when to pick off enemies from afar with their nailgun, when to get up close with their shotty, and when to run like hell. Either way, a deadly showdown is guaranteed, especially with the rich variety of foes on offer. My all-time favourite? The electric-powered Shambler, which looks like a demonic yeti. I dreaded facing off against them when I was younger, but hot damn, I loved getting to battle them again now.

“You’d think that following the iconic DOOM would be a tough act, but Quake managed to deliver an arguably better experience back in 1996.”

The game felt revolutionary back in 1996, but it’s all very old-school now. You’ll be collecting health packs to regain HP, levels are very quick-paced with a bare-boned story, there’s a big emphasis on finding keys to progress… basically, all the hallmarks of a 90s shooter. I’m not complaining, but it might be a culture shock to some modern gamers. There’s no denying the brilliance of Quake though, with nothing about it feeling dated. It still feels super satisfying to play, and believe me, blasting enemies with grenades and seeing their body explode into pieces is still a treat (in a grim kinda way).

Best of all, this release is packed with content. Not only does it come with the original two expansion campaigns, but there are also two new ones created by Wolfenstein developers MachineGames. They’re a great inclusion that capture the Quake vibe perfectly, but add a fresh twist to the formula. There’s also mod-support included with Quake 64 currently available as a free download, so there’s more to come in the future.

“Not only does it come with the original two expansion campaigns, but there are also two new ones created by Wolfenstein developers MachineGames.”

Quake can be played in both local and online co-op with friends, whilst there’s also split-screen and online multiplayer for those who enjoy a frag-fest. It’s incredibly hectic and a lot simpler than modern shooters’ online experiences, but there’s no denying that deathmatches are a ton of fun. I’ve already found myself completely addicted, with no worrying about levelling up or loadouts – just simple and chaotic fun.

I can’t end this review without mentioning the visuals, which have been spruced up but not fully re-created. There’s widescreen support, dynamic lighting, increased depth of field, and enhanced character models to make everything look that bit better, ensuring it is the best that Quake has ever looked. That being said, it is twenty-five years old now, so don’t expect miracles – just expect a prettier looking 90s shooter. What more could you want?

Developer: id Software, MachineGames, Nightdive Studios
Publisher: Bethesda
Platform(s): PlayStation 4 (Reviewed), Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
Website: https://www.bethesda.net/