Quake III: Arena

Quake III Arena is that redefined what multiplayer first-person shooters could be. Released in 1999 by id Software, this game isn't just a piece of gaming history; it's a testament to pure, skill-based gameplay that still holds up remarkably well today.

From the moment you launch Quake III, the fast-paced, arena-style combat grabs you. The weapon balance is nearly perfect, offering a variety of tools from the satisfying rocket launcher to the precise railgun, each with its strategic use. The maps are well-designed, promoting dynamic and aggressive play rather than camping, which keeps matches exciting and unpredictable.

What sets Quake III apart is its movement mechanics. Mastering strafe jumping and other movement techniques adds an incredible layer of depth, making every encounter a test of both aim and agility. The absence of a traditional single-player campaign was initially a letdown for some, but the bot matches provide a surprisingly robust challenge, simulating the feel of playing against real players.

The community around Quake III has been nothing short of amazing. With mods like CPMA, Rocket Arena, and various map packs, the game has evolved beyond its initial offerings, offering endless replayability. These community contributions have kept the game alive long after its release, ensuring it's not just a game you played but one you keep coming back to.

Graphically, for its time, Quake III was revolutionary with its use of curved surfaces and dynamic lighting, creating environments that were both functional and visually appealing. The sound design, particularly the iconic announcer, adds to the game's adrenaline-pumping atmosphere.

In terms of social interaction, Quake III was a game where friendships were forged over LAN parties or through online servers. There's a nostalgia here that transcends the gameplay - it's about the experiences shared with others, the thrill of competition, and the joy of victory.

The only reason it doesn't get a perfect score is the lack of a narrative-driven campaign, which, while not missed by many in its core audience, might have broadened its appeal at launch. However, for what it set out to achieve - a pure, unadulterated multiplayer experience - Quake III Arena is nearly flawless.

In an era where modern shooters are often criticized for relying too much on microtransactions and less on player skill, Quake III serves as a reminder of what made the genre great. It's not just a game; it's an enduring legacy in gaming culture, deserving every bit of its 9/10 rating.

I easily gave Doom, Quake and Quake 2 a ten. These games were among the best games I have ever played. Q3 would have gotten a ten too, if only they would have added at least a few single player levels to explore. No single player levels, no monsters but improved graphics makes this a great game but lacking. Still, I would buy it in a heartbeat if I hadn't already.

Where should one begin when writing about Quake III Arena? There aren't enough superlatives in existence to do it justice. Simply put, this is the best multi-player first person shooter ever made. There isn't any story worth mentioning in single player mode, but lord, multi-player does the job more then great (more then fabulously) and impresses even after 10 years. Weapons, enemy models, stock and user created maps are just awesome. If you can get a copy, do so. You can still connect to servers and play. Community isn't as numerous as it was a decade ago, but they can frag :) Thank you, id software, for this gem of a fps.

Eternally grateful frager, id78

Quake-III Arena takes some time for both newbies and veterans to get used to but once that's done, there's no stopping the mindless and fluid rampage that explodes. id have made the interface to be simple and easy to use as people can get really impatient after getting addicted to playing this game. I would say that this game is easily the best multiplayer game ever made, only rivalled by Counter Strike and Command and Conquer. The weapons and physics in this game have very carefully been balanced for the best deathmatch possible. The level design is not great in terms of themes but are fun and extremely well designed for some fast paced action.

Yes UT may have some eye candy, some voice taunts and some loudness and all of us were pretty taken in at first, readily willing to declare that this game was better than Quake-3. But 10000 frags later, you start to realise the truth - that there is no deathmatch experience quite like Quake-III arena and along with CounterStrike, Quake-III is indeed the best multiplayer game in the world, till date.

The speed, fluidity and physics of Quake-III are simply unbeatable and UT simply cannot compare. The CTF experience is total insanity, especially on smaller maps. Id have gone all out and refined the game so well that the deathmatch physics are so nearly perfect.