Quake III: Arena
Release Date: December 3, 1999
Action, FPP, science fiction, FPS, co-op, shooters, Game Pass, multiplayer, singleplayer, internet, LAN
Steam
The third installment of a bestselling series by id Software, and one of the most important titles when it comes to multiplayer FPP shooters. The greatest novelty introduced by Quake III: Arena is the fact that after two previous installments of the series, intended to be played both in multi-, and single player modes, the developers decided to focus exclusively on the multiplayer aspect of the game.
Videos and Screens
The main pros of the game
- Fast-Paced Gameplay: The game is renowned for its exhilarating speed and adrenaline-fueled action, which keeps players engaged and on the edge of their seats.
- Skill-Based Mechanics: Emphasis on player skill, reflexes, and strategy without complex loadouts or perks, making victories feel hard-earned and rewarding.
- Variety of Weapons: A diverse selection of iconic weapons, such as the Rocket Launcher and Railgun, allows for distinct playstyles and adds depth to gameplay.
- Robust Multiplayer Experience: The groundbreaking online multiplayer mode offers endless replayability, with players able to compete globally in fast-paced matches.
- Strong Community and Modding Support: A vibrant community continues to thrive, with user-created content enriching the game and keeping it fresh.
- Iconic Map Designs: The intricate and well-crafted maps enhance strategic play and challenge players to master their environments.
The main cons of the game
- Aging Graphics: Some players note that the graphics are outdated, which may deter new players or those accustomed to modern visuals.
- Limited Modern Features: The game lacks certain contemporary features such as advanced matchmaking systems and extensive graphical options (e.g., widescreen support).
- Potential Technical Issues: Some users reported problems with running the game on newer systems, including compatibility issues and performance glitches.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
- Modern Graphics Options: Users expressed a desire for better support for modern resolutions and graphics settings to enhance the visual experience.
- Updated Gameplay Mechanics: Some players wish for the inclusion of new gameplay modes or mechanics that align with modern FPS standards, such as additional game modes or more varied character classes.
- Improved Matchmaking: While the matchmaking system is simple, there are calls for more sophisticated matchmaking options to improve the online experience.
- Accessibility Improvements: Users noted that the game could benefit from enhancements to make it more accessible to new players, such as tutorials or easier entry points into the multiplayer experience.
Summary
- Overall, Quake III Arena is celebrated as a classic in the FPS genre, praised for its skill-based gameplay and community support, while also facing criticism for its aging graphics and lack of modern features.
Summary generated on:
GAMERS Score
Average score from 2504 votes.
Quake III: Arena Description
Quake III: Arena for PC is the third full-fledged installment of a popular series of first person shooters, known for revolutionizing and rediscovering the genre. The developers from id Software decided to leave the previous formula, and focus completely on the multiplayer mode. The game had been released in 1993 for personal computers (Windows, Linux and Macintosh), while year later, a conversion for SEGA Dreamcast had been prepared.
Plot
Due to the nature of the title, Quake III: Arena plot has been written only in broad strokes. During the game, we assume the role of one of the greatest warriors who face each other on specially prepared arenas for the amusement of alien race of Vadrigars.
Mechanics
When it comes to mechanics, Quake III: Arena gameplay doesn’t differ much from what we could see in the previous games’ multiplayer modes. The gameplay is much faster-paced than in Quake II, albeit not as fast as the first installment. An arsenal of 9 well-balanced weapons has been left at the players’ disposal: Gauntlet, Machine Gun, Shotgun, Grenade Launcher, Rocket Launcher, Lighting Gun, Railgun, Plasma Gun, and a powerful BFG 10k, sharing certain similarities with the model from the Doom series. The weapons appear in at regular intervals, in the specified spots on the map, while each of them works best in different situations. In case of a death, the player loses all his weapons, and respawns with two random guns of rather meager stopping power.
The game incorporates a trademark of the series: power-ups that restore certain amount of health or armour, increase the movement speed or weapon’s stopping power. Some of the power-ups award invisibility, the ability to teleport or fly, or even a time-limited invincibility. One of the main innovations is the ability to earn various awards, rewarded for spectacular actions, such as crossing the map without dying, or a determined number of hits or frags.
Game modes
Unlike the previous installments of the series, Quake III: Arena for PC is focused mainly on multiplayer modes. Among the available modes, we can find: Free for All (FFA) – a classic deathmatch, in which every player is counted on his own merits, Team Deathmatch (TDM) – a team variant of FFA, Tournament – a duel between two players, and Capture the Flag – where the players are tasked to steal other team’s flags, while defending their own. Depending on the chosen mode, up to 16 players can participate simultaneously.
Quake III: Arena also includes a single player mode, which is a series of skirmishes against AI-controlled opponents. The skirmishes are grouped into seven chapters with increasing difficulty level. Access to further chapters is unlocked after beating all maps in each stage. The whole package is complemented by Skirmish mode – a clash with bots, in which we can freely modify the game parameters.
Technical aspects
Similarly to the previous games from id Software, Quake III: Arena visuals are on a high quality (for the 90’s) level, but the another generation of id Tech 3 doesn’t bring as many changes as the two previous installments. The map design has stayed true to the nature of the series, mixing gothic elements and modern technology. In comparison to the previous titles, the whole game is kind of minimalistic, and has a much vivider colour palette.
An undoubted advantage of Quake III is the open structure of the game, allowing players to create their own modifications. Superb audio effects are a highlight of the game, with an announcer commenting on the events shown in the arenas, and a really energetic soundtrack that incudes tracks from Sonic Mayhem and Frontline Assembly.
Last updated on September 5, 2016
12
GAMES
in Quake Game Series
Game Series
Quake Series
A series of first-person shooters (FPS), created by id Software studio as an extension of ideas from the games Doom i Doom II. The series has gained recognition among gamers primarily for its outstanding visuals and extensive multiplayer mode.
12 video games
Quake III: Arena Summary
Platforms:
PC / Windows
Developer: id Software
Publisher: Activision Blizzard
Age restrictions: 16+
Quake III: Arena System Requirements
PC / Windows
Recommended: Pentium II 266MHz, 64MB RAM, graphic card
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Agnes Adamus
August 10, 2020