In the realm of gaming, few franchises can boast the impact and influence of id Software's Quake series. The original Quake, released in 1996, was a groundbreaking first-person shooter that set the bar for the genre. Its blend of sci-fi and fantasy, coupled with frenetic multiplayer modes, left an indelible mark on gaming culture. But what makes the Quake series truly fascinating is its ability to inspire and influence a new generation of developers, leading to a resurgence of interest in the late 90s and early 2000s. In this article, I'll delve into the world of first-person shooters, exploring the five best games that evoke a similar feeling and aesthetic to the Quake series, while also reflecting on the broader implications and trends in the gaming industry.
The Legacy of Quake
Quake's impact on the gaming industry cannot be overstated. Its use of 3D rendering and immersive storytelling set a new standard for first-person shooters. The game's episodic single-player campaign, where players fought against extradimensional invaders, was a refreshing change from the objective-based gameplay of other titles. The multiplayer modes, on the other hand, were a game-changer, pushing the boundaries of online gaming and fostering a sense of community among players.
But what makes Quake truly fascinating is its ability to inspire and influence a new generation of developers. The game's success led to a wave of first-person shooters that sought to emulate its frenetic gameplay and immersive storytelling. In this article, I'll explore the five best games that evoke a similar feeling and aesthetic to the Quake series, while also reflecting on the broader implications and trends in the gaming industry.
Doom II: The Sequel That Surpassed the Original
id Software's biggest project prior to Quake was Doom II, the 1994 sequel to the breakout original game. Doom II relocated the action to Earth, which had been overrun by the armies of Hell, and only Doomguy was able to save humanity. The sequel featured larger and more intricately designed levels, while also introducing new enemies and weapons to the mix. The multiplayer modes were also revamped considerably, with the series taking its first steps into online multiplayer and local area network gameplay.
Doom II is one of the best PC games from the 90s, surpassing the high bar set by its 1993 predecessor. The levels are more grandiose, and there are subtle improvements in the technical presentation, particularly the lighting. The sequel also set the stage for more ambitious multiplayer modes to follow, many of which helped Quake find its own audience. In my opinion, Doom II is a must-play for anyone who is a fan of id Software's work, as it showcases the company's mastery of the first-person shooter genre.
Heretic: The Dark Fantasy Twist on Doom
id Software worked with a number of third-party studios in the 90s, using variations of its proprietary Doom engine. One of the most notable titles to emerge from this collaboration was Heretic, a dark fantasy game released in 1994. The game's protagonist is an elven warrior named Corvus, who sets out to save his realm from monsters invading from the sinister Hell's Maw. Heretic offered a fantasy twist on the first-person gameplay introduced in Doom, with a more pronounced atmosphere and moody environments.
While some may prefer the game's standalone sequel, Hexen, I have a soft spot for Heretic as the series' launchpoint. The game's subtle innovations, such as an inventory system and secondary fire options for certain weapons, added a layer of depth to the gameplay. Heretic's dark fantasy setting and immersive storytelling made it a standout title in the first-person shooter genre, and its influence can still be felt in modern games.
Duke Nukem 3D: The Leering Hero
Whereas many 90s first-person shooters featured silently stoic protagonists, Duke Nukem 3D went in a decidedly different direction. The 1996 game provided players with a more immersive perspective, as they took control of the leering and boisterous Duke Nukem. The game opens with Duke defending Earth from an extraterrestrial invasion, delivering innuendo-laced one-liners as often as bullets. Like many other titles on this list, Duke Nukem 3D also has both cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes.
Duke Nukem 3D is a '90s game that would never be made today, with its crude humor and bevy of scantily clad women. However, the gameplay itself is explosively fun, and many retro FPS games have tried to copy its style. In my opinion, Duke Nukem 3D is a nostalgic blast from the past for those who were there the first time around, and its influence can still be felt in modern games.
Turok 2: Seeds of Evil: The Dark and Menacing Sequel
One of the best Nintendo 64 games of all time is Turok: Dinosaur Hunter, which was released in 1997. The game's direct sequel, Turok 2: Seeds of Evil, was released the following year and was darker, tougher, and meaner than its predecessor. While the game's single-player campaign does present players with objectives to complete, they feel less intrusive than those in GoldenEye. The game's biggest addition is the inclusion of multiplayer modes, which had been conspicuously missing in the original title.
Turok 2: Seeds of Evil took the late 90s FPS series to new menacing heights, with more ambitious level design and variety in enemies and weapons. The game also ups the graphic on-screen violence, something all the more apparent by its improved technical presentation. Remastered for modern platforms in 2017, Turok 2: Seeds of Evil holds up beautifully today, and its influence can still be felt in modern games.
Unreal Tournament: The Arena Shooter
If there was ever an heir apparent to Quake, it wasn't anything published by id Software, but rather the Unreal series by Epic Games. After starting in 1998 with Unreal, the series truly found its frenetic first-person direction with its 1999 follow-up, Unreal Tournament. The game doubles down on the multiplayer combat present in the first game, this time within an arena shooter setting. The game eschews a more involved single-player story campaign, instead revolving around gladiatorial games in the franchise's futuristic sci-fi setting.
Unreal Tournament most clearly evokes the similar setup in Quake III: Arena. Following its success, Epic largely repositioned the franchise as a competitive multiplayer FPS experience, rather than one driven by story. Thanks to the Unreal engine, the game also looks amazing for its time and runs smoothly compared to much of its direct competition. In my opinion, Unreal Tournament marks the moment when Epic Games began to truly take off and seize the FPS multiplayer crown from Quake, and its influence can still be felt in modern games.
Conclusion: The Evolution of First-Person Shooters
The Quake series has left an indelible mark on the gaming industry, inspiring and influencing a new generation of developers. The five games explored in this article are just a glimpse into the rich history of first-person shooters, and their impact can still be felt in modern games. As the genre continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see how developers build upon the legacy of Quake and push the boundaries of what's possible in the world of first-person shooters.
