First-person shooters are one of the most iconic genres of video games, and Quake was one of the series that helped lead that charge. Developed by id Software in 1996, the game builds upon the studio’s previous title, Doom, and offers players an updated game on the all-new Quake engine.
The studio also continued with its popular multiplayer introduced in Doom in 1993 and even revolutionized the way players connect and play online matches.
To celebrate, we wanted to highlight the Quake games that are available today at GOG.COM. The first part of the series was originally released in 1996. Since then, several iterations of the game have come out, as well as many titles inspired by it. Today, there are four different Quake games available on GOG. Take a look!
The Beginning of a legend
The original game launched over 25 years ago, in 1996. The innovative FPS built off of the success of id Software’s previous project, Doom. But Quake was a huge step forward for id. The newly developed Quake engine allowed id to make some huge leaps both graphically and mechanically.
Quake’s story mode sees the player navigate through a series of dark, Gothic levels. Levels have keys and levers that must be unlocked to progress to the next stage. Each level is filled with terrifying enemies that get progressively tougher as you raise the difficulty from easy to medium, hard, or even nightmare difficulty.
What really made Quake stand out as an FPS was its innovative multiplayer deathmatch. The multiplayer consists of now-familiar modes like free-for-all, one-on-one duels, and team deathmatch. You can use an arsenal of weapons to rocket jump your way around Quake’s crazy levels and blow up your friends over and over again!
The Quake sequel
The next installment in the series wasn’t a direct sequel. Originally launched in 1997, Quake II plays very similarly to its predecessor, with a few enhancements. The game was a huge leap from its predecessor, with around 55 levels and a 64-player deathmatch!
Quake II: Quad Damage is our complete version of the game. Quad Damage comes with both mission expansions, The Reckoning and Ground Zero. These expansions add all-new single-player and deathmatch levels and an assortment of explosive new weapons.
This ultimate version of the game also includes the netpack, Extremities. This is a hand-picked list of mods from id Software itself. The mod pack includes amazing improvements, like new deathmatch objectives, powerups, and skins.
For some time now, you can also experience the Quake II RTX version. It contains levels that feature modern visuals in the best sense of that word.
Multiplayer madness
Quake III: Arena was id Software’s first departure in the series. While the gameplay is very similar to the previous titles, this game dives head-first into the popular multiplayer aspect of the series. While there is no single-player story like in the first games, you can still play Quake: III: Arena solo against increasingly difficult bots that simulate the multiplayer experience.
But this game is all about multiplayer. Developed on an all-new engine, Quake III: Arena builds on the success of previous multiplayer modes and delivers a well-rounded experience. With several modes, including Deathmatch and Capture the Flag, Quake III: Arena made the series what it is today.
Quake III: Gold gives you access to both the original game, as well as the game’s only official expansion. Team Arena is an expansion focused on team play, adding three new weapons and various game modes. With even more exciting rocket jumps and overall weaponry, this version of the game is an exciting multiplayer experience that fans of the series won’t want to miss out on.
The fourth part
Quake 4 is a bit of a return to form for the Quake series. This time around id Software teamed up with Raven Software and Activision to bring us an epic sequel. The game’s single-player campaign continues the story of Quake II, with players fighting back against an evil cyborg race called the Strogg.
Originally launching in 2005, Quake 4 gives fans an all-new campaign experience without compromising the innovative multiplayer that fans have grown to love. In addition to an epic invasion of the Strogg homeworld, Quake 4 continues the series’ reputation of having one of the most exciting multiplayer competitions in gaming.
Quake 4 multiplayer consists of popular modes like Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, and Capture the Flag. Using the new id Tech 4 engine, the game combines the notable movement aspects found in previous games with the addition of new elements. The latter include teleporters and boosted physics that let you do things like bounce grenades off of jump-pads.
Quake forever!
In 2021 the cult FPS series officially turned 25 years old! It has been quite a fantastic journey for the franchise over the last two decades. The series from id Software has grown to become one of the most beloved shooters of all time.
If you’re into FPS games you should check our articles about the Turok series and Bioshock games.