Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Quake’s gameplay builds upon the fast-paced, run-and-gun formula that id Software popularized with Doom, but takes it a step further by embracing a fully realized 3D world. From the moment you drop into the first level, you’re thrust into an action-packed gauntlet of enemies, secrets, and labyrinthine corridors. The lack of a dedicated “use” key keeps interaction simple—you press buttons by shoving into them or shooting them—so the game keeps its focus squarely on movement and combat.

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The arsenal at your disposal is both diverse and thematically consistent, ranging from a rusty, blood-stained axe to the crackling Thunderbolt that unleashes arcs of electricity. Each weapon feels weighty and responsive, and the inclusion of physics-driven grenades that bounce around corners adds an extra layer of strategy to even the most frantic firefights. Learning to time your rocket jumps, nailgun bursts, and grenade bounces becomes second nature as you progress through the four distinct episodes.

Single-player levels are packed with hidden areas, secret rooms, and alternate exits, rewarding exploration and careful observation. Whether you’re discovering a stash of health, stumbling into a hidden armory, or unlocking a shortcut back to a previous area, the thrill of uncovering Quake’s mysteries never grows old. And once you’ve marched through the eerie castles, industrial facilities, and alien landscapes, the same maps can be used for cooperative play or the iconic deathmatch modes that defined early competitive FPS gaming.

Graphics

When Quake launched in 1996, its fully polygonal engine was nothing short of revolutionary. Unlike the 2.5D techniques used in Doom and Doom II, every wall, floor, and monster in Quake exists as real geometry, allowing for genuine 3D environments with varying heights, slopes, and covers. This technological leap not only made level designs more organic but also enabled dynamic lighting effects, casting eerie shadows that heighten the game’s gothic atmosphere.

The enemy models are equally impressive for their era—skeletal knights, ethereal ghosts, and hulking ogres move and animate fluidly, giving each encounter a visceral impact. Textures are dominated by earthy browns, grays, and rust tones, creating a grim, cohesive world that shifts between medieval dungeons and industrial complexes. The occasional sudden flash of green slime or red blood spray breaks the monotony and keeps the environments visually engaging.

Despite its age, Quake’s clean, low-poly aesthetic has aged surprisingly well. Modern source ports and graphical enhancements can boost resolutions, add dynamic shadows, and restore original color palettes, but even in its vanilla form, the game’s stark artistic direction conveys a sense of dread and urgency that few contemporaries have matched. Fans continue to create mods, high-resolution texture packs, and new map packs, breathing fresh life into the engine decades later.

Story

At first glance, Quake’s narrative is minimalistic, trading exposition for atmosphere. You assume the role of a nameless marine returning to your base, only to discover an otherworldly entity known as Quake has slaughtered your comrades and seized control of teleporter gates. The storytelling unfolds almost entirely through level design, ambient audio, and the grotesque visuals of your surroundings.

Each episode feels like a chapter in a dark fantasy-horror tome. The first act places you in a high-tech military installation overtaken by mechanical horrors, while subsequent episodes plunge you into haunted keeps, sprawling caverns, and alien dimensions. Rather than hands-on cutscenes or lengthy dialogue, id Software relies on atmospheric cues—the distant roar of monsters, dripping water echoing in stone halls, and the faint hum of portal machinery—to convey a world teetering on the brink of annihilation.

While the story isn’t the star of the show, it provides a compelling backdrop for relentless action. The sense of revenge—pushing through endless hordes to reach the dimension that spawned Quake—fuels your progression. And the sparse narrative leaves plenty of room for player interpretation, making every hidden door and cryptic symbol feel like a piece of a larger, malevolent puzzle.

Overall Experience

Quake delivers an adrenaline-fueled ride that remains a cornerstone of FPS history. The tight level design, innovative physics, and responsive controls make each combat encounter rewarding, whether you’re gunning down ogres with the rocket launcher or flinging grenades around a corner. Exploration feels genuinely worthwhile, and the difficulty curve pushes you to master movement, weapon switching, and map awareness.

The multiplayer component—particularly deathmatch—was groundbreaking and still offers addictive, twitch-based thrills today. Joining a fast-paced free-for-all or teaming up for cooperative single-player campaigns extends the game’s lifespan well beyond the final boss. The robust modding community has also kept Quake relevant, with new maps, total conversions, and graphical overhauls ensuring there’s always something fresh to experience.

For anyone interested in the roots of modern shooters, Quake is a must-buy. Its pioneering 3D engine, relentless pacing, and iconic level and enemy design set the standard for years to come. While newer titles may boast more polish or narrative depth, Quake’s raw intensity and innovative mechanics shine through, offering an unforgettable journey into hellish dimensions—and the chance to take the fight back to the enemy that threatened our world.

Retro Replay Score

8.2/10