Quake II

"This PC port is incredible -- and a year ago, they said that a _QUAKE I_ port was impossible!"

As you may know by now, Quake II is arguably the greatest Doom-style game ever created. It has generated so much popularity and revenue that they may have a movie in the works, as well as an action figure line made by the king, McFarlane Toys, and many an Internet whiz have taken Quake II graphics and created comic strips (Scud & Dank!!!). But that's beside the point -- in short, Quake II for PlayStation is an incredible game. I'll let you know that only a scant year ago, they canned Quake I for PSX, saying that such a game would be impossible on the system. Enter Quake II, a game that was literally light-years ahead of the first in EVERY category. And it looks, plays, and feels great, delivering the Quake II PC experience.

Graphics - 9
Hammerhead did a great job for Quake II. In several ways, the graphics are better than the PC version. There is much more color difference in the Stroggs, and the textures and graphics are practically dead-on. This is pretty much the answer to Goldeneye (at least until I get Medal of Honor). As a great bonus, the Deathmatch capability, the graphics almost _NEVER_ falter. The N64 version may have better graphics, but consider this -- it's a 64-bit system, compared to a 32-bit system, and the N64 needs a RAM Expansion Pak to get the better graphics...

Sound - 8
The sound is also quite good. The screams, grunts, weapon discharges, doors, and overall enviroment is identical to the PC version. I don't know about you, but I think the heavy metal/techno-rock soundtrack KICKS ASS (I've heard a lot of people complain about it), but if you're trying to listen for audio clues, I'd turn the Music Volume down (there's an option for it).

Control - 8
The PC feel is actually converted to the PSX quite well. If you don't own the PSX Mouse yet, this is the best reason to get it. The D-Pad is also very responsive, and the combo of controller and mouse allows for pinpoint aiming... especially with that supa-freaky Rail Gun! MWAHAHAHAHA!!!

Gameplay - 10
I'll get straight to the point -- Quake II is the _best_ multiplayer PSX game ever. The Deathmatch capability comes right out the box (two players), and you can attach a Multi-Tap for up to four, in an all-out fragfest. While the Deathmatch levels are rather small, there are _quite_ a few places where you can hide... and snipe away with that Rail Gun. You'll be playing this game for _weeks_ for Deathmatch alone. As for the one-player mode, it one-ups the PC version with its several new levels (although most are from the PC version), but it can get repetitive after a while.

Overall - 9
Quake II is a game that no self-repecting PSXer can be without. It is simply too damn _fun_ to pass up, and the fragfests that you'll have in multiplayer will simply enthrall ou for weeks to come. Add that with a tough computer AI, a HUGE arsenal of weapons, and a very diversive enemy, and you have the best PSX First-Person Perspective game ever... but DEFINITELY try out Medal of Honor... that game _KICKS!_

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 12/13/99, Updated 12/13/99