Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Quake Mission Pack No. I: Scourge of Armagon picks up right after the epic climax against Shub-Niggurath, dropping you back into the thick of battle as your base is once again overrun by hellish forces. The mission structure spans three distinct episodes, each packing five tightly designed levels that seamlessly blend maze-like corridors, outdoor arenas, and vertigo-inducing vertical shafts. Level layouts often reward exploration, with cleverly hidden keys and secret rooms containing ammunition, armor shards, or powerful artifacts.

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Combat remains as frenetic as the original Quake but benefits immensely from the two new monster types. The mechanical Centroid scorpion forces you to adapt your strategy, juggling its melee sting with dual nail guns that pepper you from a distance. Meanwhile, the nimble Gremlin introduces a mischievous twist—if you’re not careful, it can steal and turn your own weapon against you, creating tense moments that demand constant vigilance.

Scourge of Armagon also spices up the arsenal with three brand-new weapons: the proximity mine launcher, perfect for booby-trapping chokepoints; the laser cannon, whose ricocheting energy blasts can clear out foes around corners (or backfire on you if you’re not mindful of your positioning); and the thunderous Mjolnir, a hammer that unleashes lightning bolts when slammed into the ground. The addition of the Empathy Shield and Horn of Conjuring power-ups further deepens combat options by reflecting damage and summoning allied creatures, respectively, ensuring encounters never feel stale.

Graphics

Visually, Scourge of Armagon retains the gritty, low-poly charm that defined Quake while introducing fresh textures and environmental motifs that distinguish each episode. From rusted industrial complexes to moss-covered crypts and blood-stained halls, the new palettes lend each area its own sinister atmosphere. You’ll find new wall patterns that pay homage to Lovecraftian horror, giving levels a more intricate, otherworldly feel without betraying the original’s aesthetic.

Lighting effects have also seen subtle enhancements. Flickering torches and dynamic spotlights throw stark shadows across the walls, heightening suspense when you round a corner or descend into an abyssal pit. Although the engine’s technical limits remain, clever use of light and darkness turns each environment into an immersive, often claustrophobic playground where ambushes lurk in every shadow.

The new monsters and weapons are rendered with the same polygon budget as the base game but come with unique animations and sound cues that make them stand out. The Centroid’s metallic pincers clank menacingly, the Gremlin emits distinctive squeals as it scurries away with your gun, and the lightning crackles of Mjolnir feel as satisfying visually as they do audibly. Combined, these graphical touches elevate the vanilla experience just enough to keep veteran players engaged.

Story

Though Quake’s narrative has never been its strongest suit, Scourge of Armagon weaves a straightforward continuation that feels authentic to the series’ lore. You arrive home victorious against Shub-Niggurath, only to discover the base overrun once more by Quake’s lieutenant, Armagon. The premise is simple: track him down across three harrowing episodes and put an end to his dark ambitions. This direct sequel approach preserves the game’s signature “dive in and frag” mentality.

Each episode hints at Armagon’s growing power, from deciphering runic inscriptions in haunted catacombs to witnessing laboratories where twisted experiments fuse flesh and machine. While exposition is sparse—delivered through brief text screens and environmental storytelling—it’s enough to maintain momentum and contextualize your relentless push forward. Occasional set pieces, such as collapsing bridges or timed platform sequences, reinforce the stakes and underscore Armagon’s cunning traps.

Scattered throughout the missions are subtle nods to the wider Quake mythos: skull-laden altars, demonic murals, and robotic remains. These visual breadcrumbs deepen immersion without bogging down the action. Though there’s no voice acting or elaborate cutscenes, the level design and ambiance effectively convey a sense of escalating danger, making every foray feel like a crucial step toward the final confrontation with Armagon himself.

Overall Experience

Scourge of Armagon delivers precisely what fans of the original Quake crave: more expansive levels, faster-paced combat, and new surprises that slot seamlessly into the established formula. The balance between exploration, puzzle-solving, and all-out warfare is expertly maintained, ensuring that even seasoned players will uncover fresh challenges. The variety of environments—from dank dungeons to mechanical fortresses—keeps the campaign feeling diverse and engaging from start to finish.

New weapons and monsters invigorate every skirmish, forcing you to rethink old strategies and adapt to unexpected threats. The proximity mine launcher allows for strategic traps in narrow corridors, while the laser cannon’s ricochets reward precision shots. The Mjolnir hammer, combined with the Empathy Shield and Horn of Conjuring, offers more tactical flexibility than any toolkit in the original game. These additions make deathmatch sessions equally thrilling, as veteran fraggers scramble to master the new arsenal.

Whether you’re a long-time Quake enthusiast or a newcomer curious about vintage first-person shooters, Scourge of Armagon stands as a high-quality expansion that respects its roots while providing enough fresh content to justify replaying the game. With 15 meticulously designed levels, a brand-new deathmatch arena, and inventive twists on classic gameplay, this mission pack is essential for anyone looking to extend their stay in Quake’s brutal, otherworldly realm.

Retro Replay Score

8.2/10