Bethesda has unveiled a revamped iteration of Quake II, and the best part is that you can immerse yourself in it today across a range of platforms including PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch. This upgraded edition is available on Game Pass for PC, console, and Xbox Cloud Gaming. For those who already possess the original game on GOG or Steam, a complimentary upgrade awaits.
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Nightdive Studios partnered with Bethesda to contemporize id Software’s classic 1997 first-person shooter. You can either relive the iconic single-player campaign or dive in for the first time, accompanied by Sonic Mayhem’s original soundtrack and a host of additional enhancements. The visual experience has been elevated, embracing widescreen compatibility, 120Hz refresh rates, and a remarkable 4K resolution.
The enhanced Quake II edition also resurrects content that had been excised in the past, encompassing the Nintendo 64 port. Players can plunge into the original expansions, including Mission Pack: The Reckoning and Mission Pack: Ground Zero. This duo brings forth over 30 additional single-player levels and more than 20 deathmatch arenas.
Adding to the excitement, a brand-new expansion christened “Call of the Machine” has been introduced. Crafted by MachineGames, the studio behind Wolfenstein: The New Colossus and an upcoming Indiana Jones game, this expansion introduces 28 campaign levels and an entirely fresh deathmatch battleground.
Multiplayer enthusiasts will be thrilled with the inclusion of splitscreen support, catering to both local and online co-op for up to four participants. The battlefield offers diverse modes such as deathmatch, team deathmatch, and capture the flag, accommodating a maximum of 16 players.
In a commendable move, full crossplay is integrated across all platforms. However, those on PC seeking to join lobbies with friends playing on consoles or through the cloud will need to utilize a controller. This levels the playing field by neutralizing the aiming advantage that keyboard and mouse players enjoy.
Notably, the enhanced Quake II also enhances accessibility. Upon installation, players are prompted with accessibility options, which encompass high contrast settings, voice chat transcription, customizable input mappings, aim assist, and an automatic weapon switch upon pickup. This array of improvements ensures that Quake II is more inclusive and accessible to all players.
