The game Quake was developed by id Software and published by GT Interactive. It was released in 1996. This first person shooter game requires the player to make their way through a labyrinth while fighting off a number of different creatures. As Quake was created by the same developers as the game Doom there are some similarities between these two games. However, Quake improves on the graphics offering 3D acceleration, and also made it possible for multiplayer features, including later developments for online old PC games options.
Game Reception
Quake quickly gained popularity after its release within the gaming world, not only by gamers, but also among a number of different PC gaming reviewers. One such recognition was being named ninth on Next Generation’s list of “Top 100 Games of All Time” in 1996. The following year, Quake won recognition for “Best Sound Effects” as well as “Best Soundtrack” and “Best Online Game” from the Game DEvelopers Choice Awards. Clearly, the biggest appeal for this game for both gamers and reviewers was the 3D graphics and sound which significantly enhanced the old PC games experience.
Quake Plot
Quake is a single player game, with options for multiplayer gaming. There are four different episodes which represent different dimensions, all of which begin in a different military base. Each episode requires a number of maps to be completed, for a total of twenty-six maps and four secret maps. As the player makes their way through the maps, they will be faced with a number of caves and dungeons with different frightful images. After the maps are cleared there is a hub level and a boss level which must also be defeated for the player to win. In the single player mode, the player plays the role of “Ranger” who needs to stop the enemy known as “Quake” from creating havoc. Quake has compromised a government project on a “slipgate” used for teleporting. Quake used the project to teleport a death squad to attack humanity. Ranger is the only survivor and must locate the portal in each dimension, in order to be able to teleport to another dimension. Once there, Ranger must locate four runes, which are needed to be able to stop the invasion of Earth from continuing.
Quake Series
There were a number of different expansion packs, ports, and versions of Quake released after the original was so well received. There were two Quake Mission Packs which were released as expansion packs, and built directly off of the storyline and plot of the original game. VQuake was a port for the original, and offered gamers of old PC games enhanced visual graphics. QuakeWorld helped to improve the multiplayer experience by increasing online playing options for players. GLQuake and WinQuake also helped to improve the playing experience for gamers as technology continued to evolve. Three sequels, Quake II, III, and IV were also released with some changes as a result of issues with obtaining rights to the game. Lastly, in honor of its 20th anniversary, Dimensions of the Past was released which was designed to “fill in the gaps” between the original and the expansion pack versions.
