Originally released in 1996, id Software's Quake is one of the juggernauts of the FPS genre. Building on the company's previous success story Doom, it introduced revolutionary gameplay and graphical techniques and design whose influences are still felt in the industry to this day.
In August 2021, Bethesda released a remastered version of the old classic for most modern consoles and PC. Bringing this old standard up to modern benchmarks means a whole new generation can experience it like new, and old fans can get a fresh look at their favorite shooter. While rumors of an all-new Quake game continue to circulate, this remaster will have to be enough to hold fans over.
10 Updated Visuals Make For A Crisp Experience
The new remaster supports up to 4k and widescreen resolution, making its intense visuals pop like never before. Quake's dark and gritty aesthetic can be a challenge to light well and make legible, but the remaster is bringing all the tools to the table including updated models, dynamic lighting, and anti-aliasing. The new look remains true to the style of the original while bringing everything up to modern standards. Blasting ogres has never looked better than in this new visual feast.
9 Original Expansion Packs Are Included
Quake featured a number of expansion and mission packs, and they all make a return in the remaster. And best of all, they're included in the purchase. Scourge of Armagon sees the protagonist Ranger returning to Earth after defeating the main game's boss, only to find a new threat waiting there.
Similarly, Dissolution of Eternity has the player tackling new enemies in new environments as they rise to save Earth a third time. Also included is the expansion Dimension of the Past, developed by MachineGames.
8 A New Expansion Pack Makes Its Debut
In addition to the old favorites, a new expansion is included in Quake's 2021 remaster. Developed by the folks behind Dimension of the Past, the all-new Dimension of the Machine consists of five sections, each with two or three levels. Delving into a horrid machine world of interconnected factories, caves, and pools of nuclear waste, the player can expect to see modern level design making use of Quake's excellent assets.
7 Online & Local Co-op For Team Monster Bashing
Players looking to tackle the game's main campaign can seek help if they need it, as the Quake remaster supports co-op play in the campaign. Players can join together online in up to 4 player parties to work together against the forces of Quake. Additionally, split screen co-op is available for players looking to combine forces from the same room. These features add extra dimensions to Quake's already substantial popularity.
6 Multiplayer Versus Is Back & Better Than Ever
Quake's multiplayer arena was one of its prime attractions, and this makes a resounding return in the remaster. With eight-player online matches, the competitive Quake fans will be able to test their skills against one another in fast-paced combat.
A four-player local split-screen mode means Quake multiplayer can be a party game for groups looking to hang out in person. Support for custom game modes ensures the online matches will have something for everyone.
5 Fan Mods Are Directly Encouraged
Modding has a long history in games, especially PC games. Quake is no different, with thousands of mods for the game dating back to its original release. Bethesda hasn't forgotten this legacy and is explicitly endorsing fan mods of the game. They have confirmed that the classic Quake 64 is available immediately, and more curated missions and expansions will be available as time goes on. Fans are left to wonder what classic mods may be next, including Team Fortress or Ravages of Apocalypse.
4 Crossplay Means Nothing Can Stop The Multiplayer
The question of crossplay is one that plagues every good multiplayer game. With the console wars gently subsided into a matter of personal preference, it's not uncommon for a friend group to all play on different platforms.
The Quake remaster bridges the gaps by allowing everyone to play together, from PC to Switch, to Xbox to PlayStation. This choice does wonders for the convenience of the game and means players should never have a problem finding a match to hop into.
3 The Original Visuals Are Still Available
The updated graphics look great, but sometimes a dose of the classics is in order. For new fans curious about the game's original look, or classic gamers looking for a jolt of nostalgia, the Quake remaster offers the option to play with the game's original graphics. In a time when the preservation of video game history is far from a certainty, it's good to see a company embracing the past and leaving the original available in its untouched state.
2 Classic Weapon Mechanics Are Intact, Including Rocket Jumps
Quake fans looking to revisit the game's gunplay and arsenal have nothing to fear. The remaster isn't altering anything in the weapons department, just giving them a new coat of paint. Pump enemies full of nails, blast them away with shotguns, and yes, even launch yourself through the air with the classic rocket jump maneuver. Quake's weapons are iconic, and they're all just waiting to be picked up again.
1 Free On Gamepass Or For Existing Steam Players, Affordable Everywhere Else
Xbox users who make use of the system's Game Pass service can go pick up Quake right now, free of charge. Anyone who already owns it on Steam also gets the remaster as a free update. For the rest of the player base, the game runs just ten bucks. For a game with as much history and legacy as Quake, a $9.99 price tag hardly seems to break the bank. The Quake remaster is a must-buy for anyone looking to revisit a classic or experience the legend for the first time.