Alongside classic Doom, id Software's original Quake played a vital role in the early days of the first-person shooter genre. As one of the most innovative and influential FPS titles ever, the beloved gothic release pushed the technology that extra bit further, while also cementing itself as a series known for high-octane action. Although there are still installments being released, much of the fan base will fondly remember the 26-year-old game which followed not long after Doom 2. Since then, Quake has been through some modern changes, and a new patch adds additional features.
In a recent update on Steam, the id software classic has had some changes which players should have seen rolling out by now. As well as some bug fixes, such as the music not always playing in add-ons, quality of life improvements, and three new horde maps, Quake has also had some accessibility options implemented. These include such things as an alternative typeface for the menu font, voice chat transcription, and a feature which converts text chat in multiplayer into a synthesized voice. There's also a high contrast mode, and an option to reduce on-screen flash intensity.
It's good to know that after more than a quarter of a century, this classic FPS is getting some new updates that take players with visual or auditory impairments into account. Quake was also remastered last year, which improved on the original game, such as adding enhanced graphics, implementing two of the original expansion packs, reinstating the gritty Nine Inch Nails soundtrack, allowing cross-platform play, and adding a new episode. After all these years, it shows just how beloved Quake is when the developer is keen to keep it up to date, but without compromising the game in general.
On top of that, Zenimax is holding a virtual QuakeCon, an annual event that celebrates the work of id Software, with a possible outlook suggesting a more "face-to-face" event could occur in subsequent years. The convention will be held on August 18-20, and is sticking to digital-only after a decision by the team was needed far in advance, even as the pandemic begins to ease slightly.
This new major update for Quake will almost certainly be a welcome one. There's even a possibility of a new game in the pipeline. With a recent id Software job posting going live, speculations are inbound about the possibility of a new entry in the gothic shooter, or possibly even a new Doom game. Time will tell on that front.
Quake was originally released in 1996. It is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Source: Steam