Great Atmosphere, But So-So Gameplay

User Rating: 6.5 | Quake 4 X360
By jejh1971 | Review Date:
I don't know what it is about Quake 4 for Xbox 360 that doesn't quite hit the mark, but it just isn't the same mind-blowing, nerve-wrenching Quake of yesteryear. Quake 1 was simplistic, but horrifying. It was puzzling, but you kept going and couldn't stop. Quake 1's later enemies and maps were very hard, but you didn't care... you had to see the end.

Now, as for Quake 4, it's prettier, shinier, and more advanced, but why don't the weapons, gameplay, and levels FEEL the same and blow me away like Quake 1 STILL DOES?

I feel that the weapons are kind of "weak" and don't pack the same punch and powerful feel as the weapons in Quake 1 (and Quake 2 for that matter). It also seems that the levels are dull and uninspired, with frequent backtracking and boring hallways. Where are the lava-filled temples of Hell? Where are the button and switch puzzles that also required clever jumping and shooting to get past? Where are the spider-b*tches who hurl glowing, spiky balls at you that home in on you until they hit you or something else?

These questions are what fans of the Quake series will ask themselves quietly in the backs of their minds as they play Quake 4. There just isn't that "magic" in Quake 4 and it's a real shame. I get the feeling that the developers just didn't know how to catch that "right feel" with the movement, levels, weapons, and also the enemies.

I do enjoy playing Quake 4, mind you, but it feels "plasticky" and "glossy" and not "grungy" and "scary".

Maybe it's just me, but Quake 4 isn't what it could've been.

It's worth checking out and playing though, but the multiplayer isn't what it used to be...... dare i say it again..... as in Quake 1.

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