The remastered edition ofQuakewas released in 2021 to a warm reception from fans of the 1996 original, as well as from newcomers to the venerable first-person shooter’s brand of lightning-fast interdimensional violence. The updated version is very faithful to the original despite being rebuilt in a new game engine, featuring only welcome changes like a brand-new bonus episode, and enhancing the frame rate to a staggering 120 frames per second.
However, as it did with its remasters of original FPS classicsDoomandDoom 2, developer Id Software also included the ability to release further add-ons forQuakein the future. At launch, the only one available wasQuake 64– the highly-regarded Nintendo 64 version that had a unique soundtrack and colored lighting – but fans have been eagerly awaiting the release of new material, and are already enjoying Id Software’s first update patch.
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What’s Included in the New Quake Add-On Release?
The first batch ofnew add-ons forQuakefeatures “Honey”, a highly-regarded map spawned by the game’s very active mapping and modding community. The level’s creator, Christian Grawert, actually works for Machine Games as its Senior Level Designer, testament to his talents when it comes to crafting ingenious experiences for FPS players.
Machine Games supported Id Software in the development of theQuakeremaster, and indeed the developer apparently runs a weekly “Quake Club” whereQuakemodders and mappersshowcase ideas and new levels they’ve developed for the game. Grawert actually released his “Honey” map years previously, but has completely rebuilt it in the new engine for the add-on release.
However, as well as the new map, the add-on update features a brand-new gameplay mode called Horde Mode. This is actually found within theMultiplayermenu, although it can be enjoyed solo or with bots as well as with local or online companions, and it adds a completely new angle to theQuakeexperience.
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Why is Quake’s New Horde Mode so Good?
Horde Mode includes four new maps custom-built for horde mode. Designed by the same Machine Games team that developed theQuakeremaster, they each comprise an arena into which the player and their teammates spawns, along with various collectibles including upgraded guns to arm them for the horrors ahead.
Soon after this, wave after wave ofQuake’s roster of highly aggressive and often frightening monsters begin to teleport in, forcing the players to adopt a franticrun and gun gameplaystyle to dodge their attacks and stay alive. A brief respite can be earned if the enemies are slaughtered before the next wave is due to arrive, but the action rarely lets up, and players will find themselves gradually worn down by marauding ogres, fiends, and shamblers.
Players are rewarded for their murderous efforts when some of the slain enemies drop items, which can range from temporary invincibility and damage boosts to keys for previously inaccessible areas of the level, which grant further upgrades such asQuake’s famously overpowered rocket launcher. These item drops can turn the tide in the players’ favor just as quickly as a homing fireball from a crafty vore can ruin their chances of success.
Horde Mode is a fantastic addition toQuake’s frenzied and fun gameplay options, and is sure to keep fans glued to the game while Id Software and Machine Games work on the next batch of add-ons.Quakeenthusiasts will hope that the updates keep coming as thick and fast as Horde Mode’s legions of baddies.
Quakeis available now for the PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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