Game:

Quake II (1997)

Duration: 10:00

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3

Released in November of 1997, the PC version of Quake II made huge waves in the PC gaming world. It later went on to be the most played online game of 1998. It was the Halo of it's day, and console ports were seemingly inevitable.

Almost two years after the PC version hit, the N64 finally got it's chance to get in on the Quake II action.



That begs the question, how does it stack up to the PC version? Well, it really doesn't, but not in the way you think. You see, the N64 version of Quake II is nothing like the PC version weapons and enemies aside. It's actually like it's own Quake II mission pack because the developers decided to go with 19 original levels over just a simple port.

The game plays in the typical oldschool FPS fashion. You'll get different objectives to complete in each of the game's levels, but it basically just comes down to the old throw the switch, get the key type. However, Quake II was never about puzzle solving, and this port is no different. It's all about the action in Quake, and this game delivers it in droves.


Throughout Quake II 64, you'll be forced to deal with the hordes of enemies that come your way. This is no simple task, but thankfully, this port has almost all the weapons of the PC original which equip you to deal with all the baddies the Strogg throw your way. Also, if you get tired of fragging the not so bright A.I. enemies, the game has a pretty fun deathmatch for up to 4-players.


The game steals it's control scheme from Turok where you move with the C-buttons, and aim with the analog stick which works pretty well despite the N64's overly sensitive analog stick. There is a little bit lost in translation from using the mouse on the PC to using the analog stick on the N64. It'll take you a little extra time to line up your shots just perfect on an enemy which can often times translate to you taking damage before you can deal it out first. However, with a little practice, the analog stick works just fine.

Graphically, the game runs at smooth rate, but the enemy animations are extremely choppy, even with the expansion pack. The music is also different from the original being ambient in nature as opposed to the more adrenaline pumping tracks of the PC original.

Bottom Line: Though it's nothing like it's PC predecessor, Quake II on the N64 still manages to be a fun addition to any N64 gamer's FPS collection. If you've still got a 64, and want a good single player and multiplayer FPS game, then Quake II is worth a look. However, if you hate the oldschool style of FPS, and need a story, and the highly scripted elements of modern day FPS games, then avoid this one.

Note: The Hyperkin 3-In-1 HDTV Cable upscales the N64 to 720p very nicely, but it does have a problem with reds. The reds will look a little off in this footage. The cable also has a bit of a softening filter which I think looks more authentic to the N64 visuals than a crisper image would. However, for being a simple $30 upscaling solution, I still highly recommend it as the best budget upscaling solution.

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