Quake II Remaster Score: A Classic FPS Upgrade Done Right
Few first-person shooters (FPS) hold as much nostalgic weight as Quake II. Originally released in 1997 by id Software, the game revolutionized the genre with its fast-paced action, sci-fi horror atmosphere, and groundbreaking multiplayer. Now, decades later, Quake II has received a full remaster—and it’s everything fans could have hoped for.
Developed by Nightdive Studios, the Quake II Remaster delivers a faithful yet modernized experience. It retains the brutal gunplay and labyrinthine level design that made the original a classic while introducing quality-of-life improvements, enhanced visuals, and expanded content. Here’s why this remaster deserves high praise.
Faithful Yet Refreshed Visuals
The original Quake II was a technical marvel in its time, with advanced lighting and texture work that pushed PCs to their limits. The remaster doesn’t just upscale the graphics—it refines them. Character models, weapons, and environments now boast higher resolutions, improved lighting, and smoother animations. The game’s signature grittiness remains intact, but everything looks crisper and more immersive.
Nightdive’s KEX Engine powers the remaster, allowing for modern rendering techniques like dynamic shadows, real-time reflections, and anti-aliasing. Yet, the art direction stays true to the original, ensuring that the game still feels like Quake II—just better.
Gameplay That Stands the Test of Time
Unlike some remasters that tweak mechanics to suit modern tastes, Quake II Remaster keeps the gameplay untouched—and that’s a good thing. The shooting remains tight and satisfying, with weapons like the Super Shotgun and Railgun feeling as powerful as ever. Enemy AI is still aggressive, forcing players to stay mobile and think tactically.
However, Nightdive has added subtle but meaningful improvements. A weapon wheel (inspired by DOOM 2016) makes swapping guns smoother, and a quick-save feature removes some of the original’s punishing difficulty spikes. These changes don’t dilute the experience—they enhance it.
Expanded Content & New Features
Beyond the base campaign, the remaster includes previously unreleased content:
- The Lost Mission – A brand-new expansion with eight levels, offering fresh challenges for veterans.
- Call of the Machine – A new campaign developed by MachineGames (Wolfenstein reboot team), blending classic Quake gameplay with modern storytelling.
- Online Multiplayer & Split-Screen – The beloved deathmatch and co-op modes return, now with crossplay support.
Additionally, the remaster includes the original Quake II 64 campaign, a rare console-exclusive version that many fans never experienced.
Sound & Music: A Nostalgic Punch
Sonic Mayhem’s industrial-metal soundtrack defined Quake II’s oppressive atmosphere. The remaster preserves the iconic score while enhancing audio clarity. Weapon sounds are punchier, enemy growls more menacing, and ambient effects more immersive. For purists, the original audio is still an option.
Verdict: A Must-Play for FPS Fans
The Quake II Remaster is more than just a fresh coat of paint—it’s a celebration of a legendary FPS. Nightdive Studios has struck the perfect balance between preservation and modernization, making this the definitive way to experience Quake II. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, this remaster is an essential play.
Final Score: 9/10 – A near-perfect revival of a genre-defining classic.
