quake computer game review
Test: Quake Champions: The return to grace of fast-FPSWe are in the mid 90's. John Carmack is still developing incredible graphics engines and John Romero does not yet have the clown reputation he has today. Both work for id Software, the studio that almost created the FPS all by itself and one of its variants, fast-FPS. Faster, exhilarating and demanding, this genre is embodied by the Quake series and in particular, Quake 3 Arena. Today, neither of these two video game heroes hangs around the halls of the Texan studio, but that did not stop him from paying a proud tribute to this great era.
A MODERNIZED GAMEPLAY, BUT NOT WASTE
The idea behind Quake Champions is simple, it's about modernizing the fast-FPS formula. Thus, the graphics engine used is brand new, but it is also the gameplay that has been revised. We might fear that the subtle balance inherent in games of the genre would be upset by too radical changes, but id Software has managed to measure itself. The heart of the gameplay has not been turned upside down, but still welcomes heroes, an essential component of modern shooters. We have the classic Ranger, who finds himself endowed with a power allowing him to teleport, while Galena has a totem of healing. In a more offensive genre, we find Scalebearer and its formidable, but risky dash, or the Death Knight capable of launching flames. The American studio also pays tribute to its other licenses with B.J. Blazkowicz and the Doom Guy. There are 14 characters each, each with a unique ability, and the team will add more as they develop. This is an Early Access, let's not forget.Let's come now to the heart of the gameplay, which has always made the salt of frankness: the sensations of shoot. Here there is no solo adventure, Quake Champions is played online against other players or possibly against computers. From the first steps, the sensations are there. We move quickly and smoothly, small jumps do not slow down the race, the jump ramps are well adjusted ... In short, on the movement side, everything is fine. Regarding weapons, the observation is the same. With its seven well-balanced petors, the game offers particularly enjoyable sensations. We obviously start the rounds with the machine gun, but the rocket launcher (still allowing the rocket jump), the rail gun, the lightning gun and all their friends are scattered on the map. The set is devilishly precise and effective for impacts that are felt well. The worshipers of Quake 3 Arena are therefore served and will certainly be happy to discover the combo possibilities offered by the addition of powers.
Let's quickly tackle the progression. Quake Champions is now free-to-play, you can only play two characters at first: Ranger and Scalebearer. If it’s possible to unlock the other heroes while playing, you can also buy the “Champions Pack Upgrade” which will make them all available for 39.99 euros. Like a season pass, all future additions are part of this formula.
SIMPLE AND EFFICIENT
For people who have never touched a fast-FPS in their life, be aware that the goal is usually to reach a certain number of points first or to obtain the best score in a defined time. Thus, we find as a first option the Deathmatch mode, in a team, or each for himself. A great classic that still provides as much pleasure, despite its simple concept. A well placed rail gun shot, a pretty rocket on an enemy in mid-flight, but also some damn frustrating deaths, this is pure and hard Quake that id Software offers us here. Be warned, some players have already taken the hand well and it is not uncommon for a single opponent to dominate the debates throughout the game. So prepare well before you start in the classified game, because there is big level. Another interesting novelty, the developers offer us the Arcade mode which offers different special rules, like games during which the weapons unlock over time.But Quake is also about cards. A dozen rather successful maps are available at the moment. They offer a vertical game as desired and rather varied atmospheres, but always in the dark tones typical of the series. No worries about balancing, quad damages (bonus to quadruple the damage inflicted) and other power-ups are placed so as to bring everyone to the center of the arena and the weapons are well distributed. Hopefully, however, id Software will have a lot of fun with perhaps more open cards like the much-loved The Longest Yard from Quake 3 Arena.
A GENEROUS FREE-TO-PLAY IS BEAUTIFUL!
Who says modern game, also says lootboxes. It's no secret that these little boxes containing cosmetic elements are very profitable. The title thus offers to unlock them by using a currency earned by dint of playing or by spending a few euros in the dedicated shop. By this means, it is obviously only possible to unlock visual objects, all of the weapons being available to all players. Not pay-to-win and far from pushing to buy, this is the kind of free-to-play that we would like to see more often.Finally, let's finish on the soundtrack. If Trent Reznor is not this time on the turntables, we will note the desire to pay tribute to the style he established during his collaboration on the first Quake. The whole sound therefore very industrial rock and sticks well with the atmosphere of the game. Still on the auditory side, it is important to note the excellent work done in terms of the spatialization of the sound. With a good helmet, it is quite possible to locate the enemies by concentrating a little and it is a real advantage once in play.
The notes
+ Positive points
Heady sensations ...
A real respect for the gameplay of the license.
The heroes, a real plus.
The spatialization of sound.
Honest free-to-play, not pushy or pay-to-win.
The character customization system is successful.
Negative points
... but not very affordable for the uninitiated.
Perhaps a little diversity in the maps.
Without question, Quake Champions pays a proud tribute to its illustrious predecessors thanks to gameplay respectful of its origins, but slightly modernized. We thus find the speed and all the nervousness expected for fun and demanding parties. What a pleasure to find these sensations! If they were feared by a part of the community, the novelties like the heroes or the personalization system are ultimately very successful, just like the different cards offered. As it stands, there is little to reproach this free-to-play and we can't wait to see the content that developers will bring over the months (including the famous capture-the-flag mode ). Fast-FPS fans, go for it!
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