Quake 2 Remastered Review: Not for the Faint of Heart

Quake 2 is undoubtedly a game that won the hearts of many when it was released in 1997 by id Software; for those who don’t know, Quake as a series was groundbreaking in the ’90s due to the shift from 2D to 3D in the FPS genre. The franchise is so big that there’s still a convention to honor this legendary game series. And now, after 26 years, Quake 2 Remastered is here, and we’ll discuss in this review why this game is the best version to enjoy the iconic gameplay this series is known for.

Quake 2 Remastered Review

Before we begin, we need to establish this title is the best way to get acquainted with the franchise. The controls are not complicated; you can opt for controller support to make it more comfortable. Yet, it is important to mention this title won’t have the same smooth gameplay as other modern FPS games. While this game is made for everyone, those who played the first ones might get more enjoyment out of it. And with that out of the way, let’s start this Quake 2 Remastered review.

Story: From Stroggos with Love

For those unfamiliar with the story of Quake 2, the game’s set in a futuristic sci-fi time where you are a marine attacking the planet Stroggos to save your world. This is the home of the Strogg, a race of aliens who have invaded Earth for resources to continue conquering other planets. Also, they turn the soldiers they catch into more Strogg. Here, you will deploy an attack on their base. Fortunately for Quake 2 fans, it is not just a remaster; it includes the base story, The Reckoning, and Ground Zero expansions. Besides all that, there’s the multiplayer suite and a new campaign for its release. 

I didn’t have the chance to play this game when it launched, but now I understand what I was missing. I started the game with skepticism, then realized that I had already spent 3 hours straight without stopping. The story is not bad; I enjoyed it, but the truth is that I was more immersed in finishing off the waves of enemies than paying attention to the details. Also, how not to thank id Software for including all the extra material to keep us playing?

Gameplay: Fast-Paced Frenziness

The first enemies are not a challenge, but you will have to deal with hordes of minions that will come after you as you advance through the map. But stay very alert, as some of these enemies are sneaky and love to ambush you, causing plenty of jumpscares. Without a map, advancing from mission to mission can be chaotic, especially for those used to relying on a map. You’ll feel your pulse quicken as you move through the lines of frenzied enemies closing in on you. You will get used to their patterns until, at some point, a “mini-boss” appears and will gradually become a recurring enemy in the campaign.

At first, I was not familiar with this title, and I suffered a bit because of that. I couldn’t find my way and got lost several times without the map we usually see in modern titles, so I wandered in circles for a while during the first level. I also had a mini heart attack when I was ambushed by the soldiers hiding behind the boxes. But gradually, I understood the rhythm and stopped overthinking every move I made. In the end, I let myself be carried away by the accelerated pace of the enemies.

Graphics and Audio: Under a New Light

The graphics and lighting have received an overhaul, which allows players to better distinguish the architecture of the maps and enemy types. Quake 2 offers all this without losing that feeling of nostalgia as if it were the original. This remaster also altered some regions of the map by adding new corridors or secret rooms where you can get HP, ammo, or even new weapons. As a result, exploring every corner in detail is essential. You will even find breakable sections on walls that you can knock down with a grenade. 

Plus, the soundtrack is a great addition to Quake 2 Remastered gameplay. Its rock music with the accelerated decibels keeps that feeling that a whole alien planet is looking to eliminate you. The special effects of the weaponry make you feel the difference between each gun, as even in the sounds, each one is unique. You can also appreciate this with all enemies. Because even if you are not looking at them, you can identify their particular attacks. Likewise, hearing your companions trapped in their cells will give you goosebumps and add to the dark background of the story.

Earlier, I mentioned that my heart was quite accelerated, and I got some jump scares. The music was also a fundamental part of that feeling of being chased and having to react as fast as I could. And this game doesn’t want you to rest; after all, you are a soldier trying to save your planet and not stay alive while trying. And that fast pace was what I enjoyed the most, it made it feel dynamic and not boring at all.

Conclusion

Quake 2 Remastered gameplay offers an amalgamation of many new things without losing its essence. So, if you’re a fan of the original franchise, don’t hesitate to relive the full experience and kill a few thousand Stroggs. Even if you have never played this title, you might enjoy it more than you think.

Quake 2 Remastered is available on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC (Reviewed).

Review copy given by Publisher.