A rare masterpiece that did not age a bit

User Rating: 9 | Quake II PC
Quake 2 is an excellent game. It is very atmospheric, made in an industrial setting, a cyborg world in reddish brown colors, with impressive mega-architecture. This style is kept throughout the game. Game mechanics are excellent, as well as movement, shooting, weapons. Enemies' AI is not that good, but since they are cyborgs and act rather straightforward, the AI feels still OK. The game is totally playable even today, 12 years after its release. I was really surprised how well it played, did not age a bit, really. Of course, graphics are "a bit dated", but still excellent, in the sense that they create a great mood, special effects are very nicely done, especially flames and explosions. It reminded me a bit on Blade Runner movie, with flames from the huge pipes over the city. I even made a screenshot that looked similar to a Blade Runner city view. I forgot to switch on the in-game CD music and played without background soundtrack, but I did not even noticed it, the sounds and noises were so well done that music is not needed at all. Later I listened to the soundtrack and it is actually pretty bad, so I advice to play with the music switched off. In general you can certainly tell that this is a game from the 90s, but it is a true classics that people will play and enjoy for many years. And not only because they are nostalgic, but because the game is really good.