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The first-person shooter genre owes a debt to several influential titles. While Doom often dominates the conversation, Quake 2 sometimes gets lost in the shuffle. A technological and design marvel in its own time, Quake 2‘s departure from the original’s setting, coupled with a then-saturated sci-fi horror market, saw it overshadowed by contemporaries like Half-Life and even its successor, Quake 3: Arena. However, the recent resurgence of Quake 2, spearheaded by an NVIDIA Ray-Tracing demo, whispers of a Quake 2 64 port, and the surprise release of the Call of the Machine expansion, signaled a renewed interest in this classic. This revitalization has culminated in a full remaster, a collaboration between id Software and Nightdive Studios, offering a compelling reason to revisit this sci-fi shooter.

Quake 2 Remastered gameplay screenshot

A Timeless Foundation

Quake 2 sets a grim stage in 2066. Earth, under attack by the hostile Strogg aliens, faces extinction and assimilation into their grotesque army. Humanity, however, launches Operation Alien Overlord, a full-scale invasion of the Strogg homeworld. Players take on the role of a lone marine, fighting deep within enemy territory. This straightforward premise provides the backdrop for an explosive and engaging experience. Building upon the foundation laid by Quake, Quake 2 refines and expands core mechanics. The arsenal grows to ten weapons, each reflecting the faster pace and emphasis on intense encounters. Movement is fluid, with enhanced circle-strafing and techniques like bunny hopping made more accessible.

Strogg enemy in Quake 2 Remastered

Released in 1997, Quake 2 was a pivotal moment for FPS games. Beyond the refined movement and weaponry, its most significant contributions lie in environmental design and storytelling. Breaking from the traditional disconnected level structure of older shooters, Quake 2 introduced interconnected levels with transitional segments and side objectives requiring backtracking. This created a more seamless experience, a concept later perfected by games like Half-Life and Unreal. Despite being overshadowed, Quake 2‘s quality remained undeniable. Id Software poured years of development experience into crafting a game with a comprehensive arsenal, memorable enemy designs, and tightly designed levels.

Quake 2 Remastered level design

This strong foundation made the remastering process relatively straightforward for Nightdive Studios and id Software, allowing them to focus on enhancing the existing experience without radical changes.

Enhanced for a Modern Audience

The Quake 2 remaster utilizes a new engine, enabling modern graphical features like anti-aliasing, texture filtering, advanced lighting techniques, and high-resolution skyboxes. These enhancements are applied judiciously, preserving the game’s original aesthetic while significantly improving visual fidelity. The world of Quake 2 is more vibrant and detailed, rough edges smoothed, and lighting strategically placed to showcase the game’s environments. Enemies and various graphical elements receive meticulous upgrades, minimizing the visual impact of time.

Quake 2 Remastered environment

The enhancements extend beyond in-game visuals. Cutscenes and cinematics are remastered in full HD. The audio receives a similar treatment, with remastered sound effects and ambient sounds maintaining the original atmosphere. Sonic Mayhem’s iconic soundtrack is now presented in high fidelity, a treat for long-time fans.

Quake 2 Remastered enemy encounter

Gameplay improvements include accessibility options for visually and hearing-impaired players, along with quality-of-life additions like hit markers, a compass, and a weapon wheel, all of which can be toggled off for a purist experience. Restored AI mechanics offer a more challenging and dynamic experience, allowing players to start on the highest difficulty from the outset.

Quake 2 Remastered graphical enhancements

Expanded Content and a Blast from the Past

The remaster includes not one, but three expansions. The original expansions, Reckoning and Ground Zero, are remastered but retain their original design, including some of their inherent flaws, like Ground Zero‘s repetitive level design. The new expansion, Call of the Machine, developed by MachineGames (the studio behind the recent Wolfenstein titles), stands out as a significant addition. It leverages the new engine’s capabilities, introducing unique and engaging environments alongside hordes of aggressive enemies.

Quake 2 Remastered weapon showcase

Quake 2 64, more than a simple port, is effectively a separate game. Designed for the Nintendo 64’s limitations, it features condensed levels and runs on the Quake 1 engine. While its inclusion in the remaster is a welcome addition, its technical limitations, like simplified AI and dated effects, persist.

Quake 2 Remastered cutscene

Finally, the id Vault offers behind-the-scenes information on the game’s development, a bonus for die-hard fans.

Quake 2 Remastered gameplay with multiple enemies

Conclusion

The Quake 2 remaster is more than a simple graphical update; it’s a revitalization of a classic. With enhanced visuals, refined gameplay, expanded content, and a renewed appreciation for its historical significance, Quake 2 is once again a compelling FPS experience. Whether a veteran returning to Stroggos or a newcomer experiencing this classic for the first time, the remaster offers a thrilling journey into a timeless sci-fi world.

Quake 2 Remastered Expansion content

Quake 2 Remastered Call of the Machine Expansion