Many players today might not realize how Earthquake defined a milestone for the game industry. In 1996, id Software showed the world the power of true 3D shooters and set a standard for multiplayer play. That moment wouldn’t have happened without Quake, which left a lasting imprint on the genre. Quake remains a remarkable title, and its impact is hard to overstate.
Two years ago a remaster of the first Quake arrived, delivering a solid port for modern consoles. More recently, a remaster of the sequel followed. The teams at id Software and Nightdive brought not just improved graphics but a real-time capsule of the Quake legacy. The package includes every DLC, a Nintendo 64 version port, cross‑play across platforms, and a new addition from the makers of Wolfenstein: The New Order. It’s a feast for fans and a strong invitation to pause other games, even Baldur’s Gate 3, to revisit a timeless classic.
Travel to 1997
The aim here isn’t to rehash the glory of Quake 2 alone, but to share a few noteworthy tidbits. If the remaster of the first Quake leaves players hoping for a direct run of the sequel’s plot, there is a gentle reminder: the second part began as its own standalone project. It carried the Quake name because the developers kept the title during the process, not because the story demanded it from the start.
We are impressed by locations crafted by the MachineGames team
Quake 2 made a significant splash in its era, arriving a year before Half-Life and nudging critics to recognize the modern approach to narrative shooters. Yet Quake 2 offered technology well ahead of its time, with a graphics and engine edge that outpaced Valve’s offering, which ran on a modified Quake engine and did not showcase the same visual punch.
Honesty about how difficult it is to play retro shooters today is fair. The late 1990s left a mark, and time has sharpened that edge. Yet Quake 2, like a well preserved classic, continues to improve with age. In a market crowded with nostalgic “boomer shooters,” the remaster stands out by returning to the series’ roots while delivering modern polish. After nearly three decades, the project is recognized for its dual achievement in graphics and design.
The engine from 1997 delivers beautiful lighting and shadow play
The level design in Quake 2 differs from the first game. Environments lean toward linear layouts with optional areas that hide small secrets or bonuses. In 1997 it was easy to lose your bearings in the labyrinthine metallic world of Stroggos, the home planet of the Stroggs. The remaster adds a compass with green arrows to point the shortest route to the objective, saving time on aimless wandering.
The look of rivals in the remaster is sharper, though the core character designs stay faithful. Nightdive Studios did not overhaul the models completely; they added details, increased polygons, and refined textures. While the pixels remain evident, the charm of a three-decade-old title shines through with a fresh bite.
Even in remaster form, more weapons join the roster and the original arsenal is reimagined with enhanced detail and smoother fire. The action feels quicker and more satisfying. It’s impressive to see a game from 1997 perform at the level of modern releases in terms of responsiveness and pace.
Many players remember the bombastic soundtrack, a highlight of the original PC experience. In the remaster, the music returns in its original form, adding drive and intensity to every firefight.
Have you played the original Quake 2?
New and rare content
A notable surprise is the Nintendo 64 version of Quake 2, which plays very differently from the PC original. Like Doom before it, this version found its own spirit on a console. Nightdive has ported Quake 2 64 to modern platforms, redrawn cutscenes, and adjusted the controls for contemporary play.
Quake 2 64 remains a relatively linear, story-driven PC port, with simpler AI and shorter levels. The new release also updates in‑game videos and translates all content into many languages, including Russian. Alongside the main campaign, the authors pack in all official add-ons to extend the adventure.
The developers also delivered a fresh, expansive addition developed with the modern Wolfenstein team. The package gathers 28 new levels and links them with a new plot. The core gameplay is rebuilt around old tech to produce a modern shooter experience, with dense level geometry and large, intricate maps. A compass navigator helps cut down wandering, which saves hours of aimless exploration.
Special praise goes to the new feature Call of the Machine.
Finally, the cross‑platform multiplayer stands out as a real highlight, with all the original modes available. In many remasters, online play is sacrificed, but Quake 2 Enhanced keeps the tradition alive. The multiplayer supports gamepad and even gyroscopic control, with revamped network code that feels fresh. There are no microtransactions or battles passes—just solid, accessible gameplay that the Quake lineage is known for.
But the main payoff is for collectors and longtime fans. The remaster compiles a trove of material that had been tucked away for years: concept art, swap-ready 3D models, promotional items, early prototypes, and more. Nightdive even provides a recreation from E3 1997 for true nostalgia. It’s a rare treat that invites players to explore the development journey behind a landmark release.
All this content comes at a modest price and makes Quake 2 Enhanced worth your time. The visuals are brought up to contemporary retro standards, official servers support multiplayer, and the new addition opens doors for a longer experience. It proves that a faithful remaster can honor the past while delivering genuine, long-lasting entertainment.
Are you going to play Quake 2 Enhanced?
Quake 2 Enhanced stands as a beautiful reimagining of a pivotal game. This is not the first time Nightdive has delivered solid ports of a legendary title. With abundant content at a modest price, it’s a gift for fans and collectors alike. For newcomers, now is a perfect moment to dive into the shooter that helped shape the genre. It’s not a tired relic; it remains a strong, engaging experience that still delivers the thrill years later.