Interesting concept, but I don't like dying ;) Also, the fact there are multiple endings make this psychologically difficult for a completionist like me :)
I played it in VR, and I finished without walkthrough :) * Play it in VR if you can! I switched back to 2D from time to time to read the journals, and it was a hard time to return to 2D :) + Beautiful graphics (with glitches). But still: top job + The world really wanted me to keep exploring. + Interesting story I guess.
+ Good that you need pen and paper to finish the game - No guide or sense as what to do next.
- Reading (too many) journals is very hard in VR. - Many dead ends. In the end I enjoyed Riven, but I won't play another game in the series.
The original game was great already and somehow it got even better. The extra episode created by Machine Games really shows what the engine is capable of. The best episode released to date for Quake II (only the ending could be a bit better ;) )
The first couple of hours into the game I really loved it, I would have given the game 10/10. Later on when the radio messages stop you may lose a sense of direction. At that point the game becomes about grinding for resources to upgrade your equipment. In the end it stays a wonderful world to explore. + Good + + Beautiful world + Excellent atmosphere + Great sound + No guidance in what to do, this makes the game a little bit more believable and adventurous. - Not so good - - Inventory management. Too small inventories make grinding for resources exhaustive. - Pop-in of the environment, at one point I got stuck in the game because I couldn't find a certain location. - No in-game map. Finding back certain locations becomes hard. - No hint system or guidance to progress.
+ Great attention to detail.
+ Somewhat interesting story.
+ Good graphics. - Just not fun to play.
- The same cut scenes and summary screens again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again ...
- The end is so tedious. It took about three hours (and two ending credits) before all the ending cut scenes had finished. I kept on wishing the game would just end already. I feel somewhat like a free man now the game is finished. However, there's work to be done, the game doesn't really finish. Orders available. Please release me already! Aaaaaagggghhhhh!!!
Back to basics gameplay, the way I like it.
At times I just paused and admired the architecture. Some truly impressive level design in this game. Sadly the last episode was the least attractive and least fun.
Very enjoyable game, hardly no frustrating elements. Great modern application of the old school point and click adventure.
But: I think it's time for something new. Many locations and characters return once again.
Somehow it misses some atmosphere.
Everything has already been said I think. Less than optimal controls, some annoying puzzles, and the "Herman bug" which necessitated downloading someone elses savegame. Die hard Monkey Island fans should play it, but if you have no special feelings for MI, better stay away.
Quake was a great game when it released in 1996. And even in 2021, after the remaster, it still stands strong. It's the essence of what a FPS should be, stripped of all things that can get in the way of pure fun. If you're a fan of many many key binds, a good story, or if you're looking for realism: stay away ;)
+ Incredible graphics (I played it with an RTX video card). + Great depth in the story. + Great polish, the game feels very finished. + Great variation. + Many easter eggs, secrets, etc. + Good atmosphere. + Good acting. I will remember this game for a long time to come!
Why does this game get so many 10/10 ratings? I honestly don't know. Good graphics, ok humor, good sound. Sadly, the puzzles get boring very quickly, and puzzles are the main part of the game. I was glad it was over.
