Quake 4 (Xbox 360)

Having bought Resident Evil 4 on the PS2 on the same day as Quake 4 for the 360 I think it is fair to say that I was more excited about the former than the latter. In my earlier PC days I had been a huge of fan of Quake 1 and 2 but as the series took a more multiplayer orientated direction, not to mention the utterly abysmal Quake 3 Arena on the PS2, I switched off.
So things weren’t looking too good as I booted up 4. Having just completed Call of Duty 2 the initial cut scenes and first level looked grainy, chaotic and distinctly last gen. People have, quite rightly commented that Quake 4 is just Doom 3 with different monsters and a less sinister atmosphere and I must admit this is basically true. Despite the massive number crunching abilities of the 360 there appears to be virtually no graphical improvement between Doom 3 on the Xbox and Quake 4 on the 360.
So its no good then? Well not exactly. I like Doom 3 on the Xbox a lot. It was unbelievably ominous and atmospheric, looked absolutely beautiful and gave you an enjoyable storyline. Where it fell down was the repetition. There was, despite the amazing architecture and engaging plot, a distinct lack of set pieces to tie things up. Quake 4 has somewhat rectified this with numerous nicely executed sub-boss and boss encounters which while challenging never enter the realms of frustrating difficultly.
I also feel that another way that Quake 4 is superior to Doom 3 is that the player never becomes so bogged down in the sinister atmosphere that the gameplay becomes secondary. Sure, Quake 4 doesn’t make the player dependent on his flashlight (with a few minor exceptions), it doesn’t make him inch forward in mortal fear of what is round the next corner. Instead the run time is placed firmly into high octane run and gun action.
And high octane it is. There are almost no situations in the game that cannot be bested by firepower. Ludicrous firepower at that. There are a wide variety of immensely useable and over the top weapons in the game which while they lack finesse and pinpoint accuracy excel in pyrotechnic destruction.
Ironically professional games reviewers have bemoaned the bog standard gameplay while lauding the games cut scenes. I found the cut scenes to be rather poorly realised and the apparently awesome scene where Cpl. Kane gets converted into a member of the Strogg army did little for me. Same goes for the totally bogus cut scene that ends the game! As opposed to on-rails dialogue I found the plot advancing sections of the game itself far better realised and more advanced looking. The early scene when Kane is free to roam about the Marine mother ship, the Hannibal, talking with other crewmen is great and the game is littered with highly entertaining interactions with other humans. Technician Strauss was a particularly amusing character. That guy deserves a game of his own!
So Quake is a mixed bag but in the mediocrity of the 360 launch line up (the first wave of games is always the worst!) it is a worthy contender that deserves to be played. But perhaps also one that serves to show us that it isn’t quite time to sell our Xboxes and PS2’s yet.

Very rarely will you move as fast as this in the FPS genre which gives way for fast frenzied action. Graphics in some levels may distract you from the action as the scenery here is slick.

A very playable game with controls to match which as mentioned before compares (and to me surpasses) to popular titles due to a mix of speed, atmosphere, diversity in weapons and enemy AI.

An unpresidented experience which packs a powerful punch in video game memorabilia.

First things first. If you are looking for the latest in advanced, tactical, high definition, hyper-AI extreme gameplay that will blow your socks off with its sheer technical wizardry, this may not be the game for you. However, if, like me, you like a good game, which doesn't require learning controls which fill a 300 page manual, and having fun at the same time, Quake 4 is a good bet.

The first thing you notice about Quake 4 is the overall feel. You really feel like you are dropped in the middle of a life-or-death war to save mankind. There are battles going on in the distance, people shouting from every corner, and a fulfilling storyline which grabs you by the scruff, and shakes you till its climax. Yes, deep like Farenheit it ain't, but still thoroughly engaging and with a few twists to keep you guessing. Its quite a pretty game too, with a real visceral feel to the Strogg facilities, and a sense of space outdoors. Whilst not looking as good as, say, GR:AW, if you only play games for the looks, you could miss out on some real gems.

Where Q4 scores big is in the gameplay. Whether sneaking about with a flashlight on your own in some Gigeresque nightmare, jumping at shadows, or defending a convoy of squadmates with your mounted cannon, this game is FUN. Maybe not a popular word nowadays, but fun nonetheless. You DO jump when a creature drops from the ceiling, you DO tiptoe round a corner slowly in case there is a Strogg tactical squad waiting to ambush you, and (in my case anyway) you do GRIN FROM EAR TO EAR throughout the whole campaign.

Which leads me to the much maligned frame rate drop. Personally, it took me about 4 hours of playing to even realise what reviewers were talking about. And the only time I did notice it was during hectic battles with four or five Strogg, at which point, I was focusing so strongly on what I was doing, I didn't realise it was happening. I only noticed it because I was looking for it.

But why only four stars? Because(and it nearly made me cry) there is no split screen multiplayer! Why oh why? Online play is fun, but nothing beats sitting round with three mates, screaming abuse at each other, or wallowing in the glory of a multikill! However, the online mode is good, if slightly lacking in depth compared to other online multiplayers.

So, to sum up, if you own a X360 to show off to your friends that you have a pretty machine, go buy something else. However, if you enjoy a good bit of fun (and let's face it, what other reason is there for a games console?) get Q4 today. Its fast, furious, atmospheric and a good way to waste a Sunday afternoon.

Oh, and it comes with the full version of Quake 2 on a bonus disc. Two good games for the price of one. What more could you want?