Games like “Halo,” “Call of Duty” and “Medal of Honor” defined the first-person shooter genre of the video game world. For those who love Mac computers, another game comes to mind. “Quake IV” is the latest rendition in the “Quake” series, which offers more of the same alien carnage as the previous editions but with more action, a new storyline and some kick-ass graphics.
The premise in the new game is the same as the old one. The Strogg are still as slimy and malicious as any alien species out there, and they’re still coming for the humans. Instead of defending Earth, the fight is now on the Strogg home world. The gamer still steps into the boots of Lt. Matthew Kane, but about a quarter through the campaign mode, Kane faces a major transformation. While not giving too much away, it’s safe to say that most “Quake” gamers will love the new storyline.
Individual levels got tedious after a while. The game quickly turned into a bore: fight aliens, get health, push buttons, fight aliens, get health, push buttons. The developers could have put more variety into the game’s objectives. The repetition in the campaign mode is broken up somewhat by the new vehicles. The gamer now gets to drive a hover tank and rail transport, both while manning huge weaponry. Speaking of weapons, “Quake IV” has a slew of new guns for the players’ enjoyment. Of course, staples like the shotgun, machine gun and rail gun return. New guns are introduced throughout the game like the lightning gun and the powerful dark-matter gun.
The campaign mode was too short. It took me about a week to beat, but considering I only played two hours a day, gamers might want more. At a price tag of around $50, the campaign mode could use lengthening. Overall, the game play is engaging. Edge-of-your-seat action, coupled with a sense of community with the officers (computers) fighting alongside you, make “Quake IV” an entertaining game. The game has been refined immensely in terms of story and graphics since its 1996 release. The new version barley resembles the first “Quake.”
Multiplayer mode runs smoothly. I connected to the Internet and joined a game without any fuss, but like most games, a patch is needed. One feature I wish the creators had put in the new game is the ability to play a multiplayer game with all computer opponents. This seems like a fairly simple feature that has been omitted from every version of the game.
From the expert gamer to the first-time player, “Quake IV” will please most people. The game is violent, so it isn’t a good match-up for pre-teens. If you’re looking for the best first-person shooter graphics and gameplay, “Quake” is your game.
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