Quake 2 - Retro FPS At It's FinestQuake 2 for many is the best First Person Shooter on the PlayStation 1. That is also how I feel as well, considering how extremely well made this game is. In many ways, it could be considered a Doom clone, but also improves on everything that made Doom the revolutionary title it was. It's no surprise they're both so similar, as they were created by the same studio, id. There's no Aim button, but a cross-hair that functions like any modern game would, which is amazing for the time this was released. The enemies, environment, and weapons are all well thought out and balanced creating an experience any First Person Shooter fan would enjoy. The 9.5 rating is there for a reason.
Graphics - The graphics are phenomenal. I feel as though the PlayStation 1's graphic capabilities are pushed to it's limits. Everything in the game from the projectiles to the slightest tile on the walls are as clear as crystal. The enemies look beautiful, in that their hideousness is hard to miss. From head to toe, every enemy's features are easily distinguishable. If an enemy has a gun for an arm or a claw, the differences can be seen with the utmost of ease. If there's a switch or item for an objective, it is easy to identify and nothing in the game's world is hard to tell apart. Unlike many games of it's time, the graphics do not hinder your ability to play the game in the slightest. Organic enemies even have blood animations in the specific area they are shot, which is ahead of it's time. Other hostiles have something of a little sparks-looking animation when shot with normal ammo as well. Every weapon's projectiles have their own unique design when applicable, which happens way more often than not. The Graphics earn a perfect 10 / 10.
Sound - The sound for this game is excellent. A lot of detail was put into everything involved. The sound track is great, featuring an upbeat rock genre feel to every level. It's great music that suits the environment and game play perfectly. The dark atmosphere feels even creepier with the tracks in the background, and the combat feels even more intense. I love the sound track and couldn't ask for more here. An interesting fun fact is Rob Zombie helped compose the main theme. The sound effects are also incredible. Every thing from simply grabbing an item or flipping a switch, to different kinds of ammo hitting an enemy has it's own unique sound which all fit perfectly. Each enemy has it's own unique "call," and every weapon firing sounds different. The only downside here is when you run into other humans along the way. They have been tortured into insanity, and they constantly yell "Help" in one of the most annoying voices ever. There's a level that's a prison, and you constantly hear them screaming more of the level than not. Other than that, everything is great, earning the Sound a 9 / 10.
Addictiveness - This game is incredibly addictive for it's genre. Most First Person Shooters without online multiplayer have little replay value after the campaign is finished, but this one is different. It doesn't offer any extra Modes or anything, but it's just downright fun. The weapon variability allows you to kill from afar or up close, with rockets, rail guns, or even energy blasters. Every weapon type is covered, and even features the BFG from the Doom franchise. The enemies vary greatly between attacks, and how they're designed. There are Boss-like enemies every so often which add to the experience. The enemies range from basic grunts, to tiny flying drones, to giant walking tanks, to even flying tanks(ftw??), and everything in between. And once an enemy goes down, you can continue to shoot the body to make it explode. I mean come on, who doesn't love blowing up bodies! The levels are well designed, and back tracking often requires killing more enemies that appear the second time through, always keeping you on your toes. Addictiveness greatly deserves the 9 / 10.
Story - As usual for the genre, the story isn't a very big factor in this game. More than anything, every so often a small screen will appear pointing out your current objective. Beyond that, there is virtually zero story telling taking place here. I assume it's along the lines of "We're at war with this alien race. Your mission is to hinder their forces as much as possible through given missions and their objectives." To be honest, I didn't pay that much attention to the story, but that may be because not much of a story is really being told. It doesn't take anything away from the experience, and I would rather they have little-to-no story over a crappy one that the player must cringe through. The story, or lack thereof, gets a 4 / 10.
Depth - This game has a lot to offer in terms of sheer game play. So far, I've put over 20 hours into the game and think I'm still relatively far from the finish. The levels take a while to complete, never leaving you feeling like you deserved more. The range of enemies is vast, and the combinations in which they appear change through out the game, constantly keeping the experience fresh. The levels are all huge in scale, offering plenty to explore and fight through. There are also 'Secrets' hidden in every mission. They are mainly new weapons, ammo, armor, health, etc. Sometimes they will offer a timed (30 seconds) power up including, but not limited to, Quad Damage, Invincibility, and Ammo Pack. There isn't much to do other than the campaign, but there's more than enough to keep you entertained and to get your money's worth. Depth gets an 8 / 10.
Difficulty - This game is perfect in the category of difficulty (for game play). The rate at which the difficulty progresses is perfectly balanced. Stronger enemies appear the farther in you get, along with more challenging combinations of hostiles. As you would expect, enemies have increased damage resistance, damage output, and better aim as you trudge through. You must improve your skills, or even with better weapons, the later hostiles can tear you down really quick. Getting the hang of enemy attack cues and using cover when they do is a big part of surviving the game. If you don't have an analog controller, it can be really difficult getting the hang of aiming and maneuverability. The control schemes are pretty weird compared to modern standards (excluding the one right stick option), so it takes some getting used to. If the controls don't cooperate with your style, that is probably the most difficult aspect of the game if you have experience with First Person Shooters. When it's all said and done, the Difficulty is an 8 / 10.
This game seems underplayed, and I hope this review can bring it into the spotlight a little more. It definitely deserves the recognition.
Hope you enjoyed the review :)
Graphics
10 Sound
9 Addictive
9 Depth
8 Story
4 Difficulty
8
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