Quake II has a better yet typical storyline, which is
integrated throughout the game, and is set in an alien
world. It still has some of that dungeon atmosphere and
look, but it's mixed into a science fiction scenery. Imagine
a mix between the original Quake and Jedi Knight. It gives
an atmosphere that's believable and interesting.
The graphics in Quake were impressive. Quake II is
incredible, with more details, nicer texture mapping and
better designed environments. Some explosions have a
slightly glassy unnatural look, though. It's ok without a 3D
accelerator, but man, you'll be missing out. Not only is the
frame rate higher, but things look much better, too.
Everything is smoother and the colors brighter and richer.
It's especially nice when you shoot. I played both with and
without a 3Dfx card, and it was like day and night.
Sounds can add a lot to the overall experience, and in
Quake II they do. You can hear where things
happen/come from. The ambient sounds change
depending on where you are. For example when you're
near a power generator, you'll hear the sound of
electricity. Also while playing there are verbal radio
communications, and even some words from enemies as
they spot you.
The level designers at id Software must be pretty smart.
Everything feels just right. It's challenging all the time, but
never too difficult or frustrating. We never got completely
stuck, searching for a way out etc. Unlike in other 3D
shooters, you have to complete mission objectives, not
levels. There are no static levels in Quake II, but a world
divided into sections you can move freely back and forth
between.
There are more interactive scenery here than in Quake I.
Blast your way through walls etc. However, it's not
possible to inflict damage on all objects, only the ones that
were designed that way.
You can move freely in Quake II. That is jumping,
crouching, looking around, side-stepping in addition to
walking and running.
In the beginning we used only the keyboard. It was
somewhat clumsy, and difficult to aim with. Then we
discovered it was possible to use the mouse, too. Aiming
was no longer a problem. Using a combination of
keyboard and mouse works very well.
Playing Quake II feels different from Quake. The
gameplay is more carefully aiming and shooting intelligent
enemies, rather than mowing down zombies. Yes, the
monsters are reasonably intelligent. They'll duck and hide
your bullets, or if you don't shoot them - run after you!
The variety of monsters is good, but not better than in
other 3D shooters. What's better is how they look.
They're detailed, realistically animated, and all look like
they're from the same alien race. One real cool detail -
you can actually see the monsters take damage as you
shoot - gradually becoming more bloody.
Weapons are crucial. You start out with a simple blaster.
It's not powerful, but doesn't use ammo and looks real
cool (amazing lightning effects). Soon you'll find the typical
shotgun and maybe even a double barreled one. Then
there's the machine gun and chain gun. Grenades are here
and there, too. And of course, there's the good old rocket
launcher. The last 3 weapons are more high-tech. The
hyperblaster is a high powered version of the blaster,
while the rail gun shoots out depleted uranium slugs.
Those who played Doom might remember the BFG. It's
back, as the most powerful weapon. Quake II's weapons
are pretty standard, but are appropriately balanced and
visually pleasing.
If you played the test demo released last fall and got
disappointed, try the new demo now. You'll be pleasantly
surprised. It's the same levels, but everything is extremely
polished. Or just go out and buy the full game. It's
certainly worth the 50 bucks.