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Review of Quake II on PlayStation

by Gemma Looksby Gemma Looksby photo Oct 1999
Cover image of Quake II on PlayStation
Gamefings Score: 9
Platform: PlayStation PlayStation logo
Released: 05 Oct 1999
Genre: First-person shooter
Developer: id Software
Publisher: Activision

Introduction

Welcome to Quake II, where the phrase 'you are what you eat' doesn't apply, because there's a lot of alien meat to munch through here! The mad scientists of id Software lobotomized fantasy elements and cranked up the sci-fi chaos in this sequel - and you're in for a hell of a ride.

Gameplay

So, what's the deal? You jump into the combat boots of Bitterman, a space marine with a name that sounds like a grumpy school teacher. This guy crash-lands on Stroggos, an alien planet populated by awkward creatures that look like a cross between robotic eagles and the Tuskegee Airmen. Your mission? Wreak havoc while stealing all the alien heads you can carry. The campaign's packed with more guns than a weekend supermarket sale. You've got the shotgun, the rocket launcher, and the infamous BFG10K, perfect for those days when you feel like unleashing pure chaos. The classic weapons return, but some old faces stayed home; say goodbye to the axe and nailguns. But don't worry, new shiny toys like the Hyperblaster are eager to meet you! Your travels take you through gigantic open areas and intense missions - think of it as a crazy treasure hunt where the treasure is the heads of your enemies! No pressure, right? Oh, and don't forget about the non-hostile, a.k.a. insane soldiers wandering the halls like they just caught a whiff of the wrong kind of 'Stroggos back-grill.' Epic CGI cutscenes give you a much-needed break between all the chaos, and trust me, you'll need to laugh at something after your thousandth death.

Graphics

Quake II on PlayStation splashes you with graphical delight that screams the late 90s! You're greeted with vivid colors, delightful textures, and lighting effects that'll make you think, 'Is it safe for my eyes?' But scratch the surface, and you see the choppy frame rate coiling around like an awkward dance partner at prom night. Make no mistake; you'll be transported, but hold onto your motion-sickness pills!

Conclusion

To sum it all up, Quake II on the PlayStation is a gem that shines, albeit with a few scratches. The gameplay is engaging with a mix of strategy and good old-fashioned shooting, the graphics still look decent with a nostalgic dose of 90s style, and it absolutely delivers where it needs to - in fun. So gear up for some excruciatingly enjoyable alien blasting! It's absolutely worth diving into the chaos, even if by the end you'll probably have a desire for a more peaceful hobby, like, I don't know, knitting Molotov cocktails or something. Seriously though, Quake II is essential. Slice-and-dice your way through Stroggos, grab your alien weaponry, and remember: if it moves, shoot it! And if it's your friend, maybe also shoot them to keep things spicy. Trust me, they'll thank you later.

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