Quake

Quake is a video game in the action genre developed by id Software, Inc. and published by id Software, Inc. originally released in 1996. It is currently playable on DOS.

An enemy codenamed ''Quake'', believed to be from another dimension, is using teleporter gates to invade Earth. The player takes the role of an unnamed soldier who arrives at his base only to discover that Quake has invaded it and killed everyone. Somewhere in the base there must be a teleporter to the realm of Quake. The mission is clear: take the fight to the enemy, overcoming countless hordes of monsters, and get revenge.

The sequel to id Software's Doom and Doom II, Quake is a first-person shooter. Its main technological innovation is the use of a true 3D engine: both levels and enemies are polygonal. This not only allows for a more natural design of levels and character animations, but also for more realistic lighting and the inclusion of simulated physics that impact gameplay: grenades can bounce off walls and corners, for example.

In single-player mode, the gameplay consists mainly of advancing through the levels (spread over four different episodes) in search of an exit, killing everything that moves. Interaction with the game world is kept to a minimum: as there is no key to use, buttons are pressed by running or shooting at them. As in id's earlier games, there are many secrets waiting to be discovered, including some hidden levels.

Unlike Doom's fairly straightforward design, which combines futuristic environments with demonic imagery, the theme of Quake's levels, enemies, and weapons is not as easy to pin down. While each episode begins in a futuristic military base (with a technological 'sliding door' as the level exit), later levels take place in environments inspired by medieval fantasy and gothic horror (castles, dungeons and caverns) and the player traverses magical portals to advance. Unlike the colorful environments of Doom, all levels in Quake are dominated by earth colors.

Enemies fit the hodgepodge of designs: there are human opponents armed with shotguns and energy weapons in the early levels, while later levels include medieval knights, ghosts, zombies, ogres (armed with grenade launchers and chainsaws), and some more supernatural beasts. The player's weapons, while relatively modern, have a low-tech feel to them. In addition to an axe (stained with blood), there are shotguns, nail guns, rocket and grenade launchers, and the Lightning Bolt, which discharges electrical energy.

Quake was one of the first games that could be played natively over the Internet, in addition to LANs. Single-player levels can be played cooperatively, but the game is most famous for its deathmatch mode. Duels can be played one-on-one, in teams or in an all-against-all competition. The emphasis is on quick reaction and skillful maneuvering through the levels. All single-player maps can be used as scenarios, but the game also includes six maps specially designed for deathmatch mode.

Quake is available at a reduced price on the following websites and is no longer abandonware.