Shareware Minimum system requirements: Pentium processor, 8MB RAM minimum (16 MB required for running under Windows 95), DOS 5.0 or Windows 95, 30MB hard disk space; VCA.
THEY are at it again. Not content with Wolf 3D and Doom, id Software have launched another first-person 3D shoot-'em-up spectacular. Quake, one of the most eagerly awaited games of all time, is not yet available on commercial release but you can whet your appetite on this shareware version.
Since the latest episode of id's Doom was released, rival company 3D Realms has treated us to the tremendous Duke Nukem 3D, so Quake has competition. But when id Software is involved you've got to take it seriously because they rarely, if ever, disappoint.
After all the hype, your first sortie into Quake will probably not live up to your expectations, despite the much-improved graphics. But my view would be that Quake is going to be around for a long time: it's more a stayer than a sprinter.
One of the main features of Quake is the multi-player option. Here id has made significant improvements. For instance, the game now supports up to 16 players on a network: you can choose the colour of the characters' clothes and when you frag somebody you can now pick up the weapon they were carrying at that time.
If you decide to play a team game, the choice of colours for the characters can be significant. If your team members all choose the same trouser colour, for instance, you will, at a glance, be able to identify your team-mate(s).
As far as the single player game goes, Quake is, more or less, Doom with a massive makeover. As said before, the graphics are vastly improved - you can now scan the skies or the floor below and the monsters are far more realistic. The sound-effects are also suitably haunting but if you require some background music you can always pop your favourite CD into the drive. The full version will, of course, be accompanied by its own soundtrack.
If Quake does disappoint it's in the lack of interaction available with the surrounding environment. In the opposition's Duke Nukem 3D you can look in mirrors, take a drink of water or even use the transport systems. Sadly. this is not the case here. But the success of Quake will be judged over a long period of time and it certainly appears to have the stamina required to see it through.
Graphics: 95%, Sound: 90%, Gameplay: 93%