Quake II for Windows

Enhanced version of the FPS classic

Quake II is a premium action game originally developed by id Software in 1997. In this re-release, you have the option to enjoy the retro first-person shooter (FPS) in its original incarnation or in an enhanced version. You also get to enjoy the classic campaign as you blast aliens or compete online with a new game server that supports crossplay.

Although retaining the original visual quality can be divisive for players, there’s no doubt that bringing Quake II back is a win for the FPS community. Check out the rest of the franchise with Quake III Arena or Quake Champions.

Revisit the hostile Strogg planet

Quake II is a sci-fi FPS that puts the player in the boots of Bitterman, a Marine sent to an alien planet to launch a pre-emptive strike against aliens looking to destroy Earth. Fight your way across 28 levels in the original campaign. In this version, however, you get to choose from three versions of the game: the original 1997 version, a remastered copy, and the original Nintendo 64 port.

Of course, the expansion packs The Reckoning and Ground Zero are also included, adding over 30 single-player maps and over 20 maps for Deathmatch mode. The game now supports local and online multiplayer co-op and Deathmatch modes that let you play with or against other players—whether you’re on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch—thanks to its crossplay support.

Make no mistake, though, since the game now comes with modern system requirements for PC. Other than this, the game is largely optimized to give that seamless, fast-paced experience. For modern players, too, the original 1997 version features the actual dated visuals. However, players have reported crackling audio files in some parts of the game, or parts not having sounds at all.

FPS for old and new players

Overall, this Quake II release caters to everyone by releasing different versions, including the original, its N64 port, and a remastered copy. This way, players can choose the game they want. Content-wise, it covers both the base game and all official expansion packs. The servers are back and are bigger than ever with cross-platform support. Aside from user-perceived audio issues, this is a great return for the 1997 classic.