Quake Champions
- August 18, 2022
- id Software
- 22h median play time
Get on Steam"Quake Champions" is a fast-paced, competitive arena shooter that builds upon the legacy of the classic "Quake" series. Choose from a roster of unique champions, each with their own abilities, and engage in intense combat in various modes and maps. The game features both intense open competitions and smaller-scale matches, providing a variety of challenges for players of all skill levels.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- gameplay2,639 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 62 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Quake Champions is a fast-paced, skill-based experience that successfully blends classic Quake mechanics with modern hero-based elements. While the core mechanics, such as movement and shooting, remain true to the franchise's roots, the introduction of unique champion abilities adds depth and variety, though some players feel it detracts from the traditional arena shooter experience. Overall, the game is praised for its engaging and adrenaline-fueled gameplay, despite criticisms regarding balance, monetization, and technical issues.
“This game is a glorious blend of the grim, gothic vibes from the original Quake and the high-octane, twitch-reflex gameplay of Quake III Arena.”
“It’s a love letter to fans of old-school fast-paced FPS games like Quake III Arena and Unreal Tournament, with an added layer of hero-based mechanics that give it a unique flavor.”
“As you start to grasp the mechanics and outsmart other players, Quake Champions transforms from a chaotic arena shooter into a finely-tuned test of skill.”
“The ratio between the gameplay and non-gameplay is horrible.”
“The gameplay sucks because they gave all the characters different stats and abilities.”
“The gameplay feels less polished than it should be, with room for improvements to deliver a more satisfying experience.”
- graphics1,136 mentions
- 47 % positive mentions
- 48 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The graphics in "Quake Champions" have received a mixed but generally positive reception, with many players praising the modernized visuals that enhance the classic Quake aesthetic. Reviewers highlight the game's detailed environments, character models, and dynamic lighting, which contribute to an immersive experience. However, some players express concerns about optimization issues and performance, particularly on lower-end systems, indicating that while the graphics are visually appealing, they can be demanding on hardware.
“Quake Champions has a gritty, metal-infused aesthetic that stays true to its roots while updating the visuals with more detailed textures, particle effects, and dynamic lighting.”
“The game's visuals showcase the latest advancements in technology, delivering high-quality textures, dynamic lighting, and particle effects that enhance the immersion and intensity of the battles.”
“The graphics are stunning and the animations and sounds are the literal definition of perfect.”
“Graphics look like they were made for a console, everything is blurry no matter the settings.”
“The graphics are just a tad dated at this point, but that only really shows on some of the character models (which still look great, imo), but the maps/environments look f***ing awesome.”
“Graphics feel more on par with the PS3 and Xbox 360.”
- optimization981 mentions
- 16 % positive mentions
- 51 % neutral mentions
- 32 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has been a contentious topic among players, with many reporting significant performance issues, including stuttering, frame drops, and long loading times, particularly on lower-end systems. While some users note improvements over time and praise the graphics, others express frustration with the inconsistent performance and the need for high-end hardware to achieve smooth gameplay. Overall, while there have been strides in optimization, many players still find the game poorly optimized compared to other titles in the genre.
“Game is also well-optimized which is good for a fast-paced arena shooter so you can shoot up your frames into the crazy 200+ fps.”
“The optimization is amazing, the cheating has gone down a lot, and they do ban people, just don't tell you that they have been banned, but it's alright, I mean something is being done about it.”
“Great game, great performance.”
“Terrible optimization for a competitive PC game, laughable player base and garbage servers.”
“The game suffers from poor optimization, frequent crashes, and matchmaking issues.”
“The performance is still questionable and the microstuttering that has been present for almost 3 years still is.”
- monetization515 mentions
- 6 % positive mentions
- 66 % neutral mentions
- 28 % negative mentions
The monetization model in "Quake Champions" has drawn significant criticism, with many players labeling it as predatory and overly aggressive. While the game is free-to-play and offers cosmetic microtransactions, the grind to unlock characters and the presence of loot boxes have left a sour taste for many, leading to perceptions of it being a cash grab. Despite some acknowledging that the microtransactions do not impact gameplay, the overall sentiment is that they detract from the classic Quake experience, making it feel more like a modern mobile game than a traditional arena shooter.
“While the core gameplay remains accessible without spending money, the presence of microtransactions can be a contentious point for those who prefer a more traditional approach to game monetization.”
“Microtransactions are purely cosmetic, and while they exist, they do not detract from the overall gameplay experience.”
“It's free to play, and the monetization model is manageable; you can enjoy the game without putting money into microtransactions.”
“The grind for in-game currency can be tedious, and while you don’t need to spend money to enjoy the core gameplay, there’s a feeling that the monetization system sometimes overshadows the purity of what Quake is all about.”
“The monetization is predatory by making unlocks a nightmare to gain through gameplay.”
“It's a shame that the modern era of video games set the skill floor so low just to sell microtransactions.”
- music337 mentions
- 37 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising the energetic and fitting soundtracks that enhance the fast-paced gameplay, while others criticize it for being forgettable or lacking the intensity of classic titles like Quake 3. Composers Andrew Hulshult and Chris Vrenna are noted for their contributions, but many players express a desire for a more memorable and adrenaline-pumping soundtrack reminiscent of earlier games in the series. Overall, while the music adds to the atmosphere, opinions vary widely on its effectiveness and impact on the gaming experience.
“Everybody I recommended it to loves it; it's just a great old-school, fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping shooter, with great music and aesthetics.”
“The soundtrack really brings you into the 'kill everyone' feel of the game; it's tasteful metal music and it really fits the game well.”
“The soundtrack is a mix of heavy metal and techno, perfect for ramping up the tension as you dive into an all-out fragfest.”
“Where the game falls slightly short is its music, which is decent but lacks the memorable intensity of other iconic shooters.”
“Quake Champions could benefit from a more standout soundtrack to complement the high-octane action.”
“The music is lackluster and does not honor the nature of this game; I really miss the old hard metal adrenaline-pumping tracks of Quake 3.”
- stability212 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 81 % negative mentions
The game's stability has been widely criticized, with numerous players reporting persistent bugs, crashes, and performance issues, even on high-end systems. Many users have experienced freezing, lag, and connectivity problems, leading to a frustrating gameplay experience. While some players note improvements over time, the overall consensus is that the game remains significantly buggy and poorly optimized, detracting from its potential enjoyment.
“Very good game, runs great on Linux after compiling shaders.”
“The game runs great on my GTX 1080 and on low settings I'm getting way above 100 plus frames on my 180Hz monitor.”
“Although it's in early access, it's very polished and runs great.”
“The game is also pretty buggy.”
“Game was released in 2018 and is still very buggy, claiming battlepass rewards will cause infinite loading, starting the game just looks like a mess until the main menu, game is also very dead and will have a server error mid-matchmaking without sending an alert.”
“It's a shame this is the most accessible arena shooter out there, because by all means it is a buggy unstable disaster full of performance problems and crashes.”
- story179 mentions
- 10 % positive mentions
- 81 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The reviews indicate a significant dissatisfaction with the lack of a traditional story mode in the game, with many players expressing a desire for a single-player campaign similar to earlier Quake titles. While some lore and character backstories are available through collectibles, the overall consensus is that the game feels more like a multiplayer experience without a compelling narrative, leading to a sense of disinterest among players who miss the story-driven elements of previous installments.
“Perhaps its biggest strength is some of the world building and backstory you get with Ranger and the other original characters.”
“The first Quake was a story-based FPS adventure through a world of Lovecraftian horrors, with simple classic FPS gameplay.”
“Included in the game are a lineup of characters from id/Bethesda properties, characters created from those universes, and just all-new characters, each with their own lore and backstory.”
“I am starting to lose interest in the game already without a story.”
“There's currently still no story or single player campaign, like Quake III had.”
“A story is recommended for this game; if there is no story, then it's just another multiplayer game.”
- grinding174 mentions
- 2 % positive mentions
- 5 % neutral mentions
- 94 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it excessively tedious and time-consuming, particularly when it comes to unlocking characters and cosmetics. While some appreciate the option to grind for in-game currency instead of spending real money, the overall sentiment leans towards frustration with the grind-heavy mechanics, especially in the context of a fast-paced shooter. Players often feel that the monetization system detracts from the core gameplay experience, making it feel more like a chore than an enjoyable challenge.
“Fast paced and to the point, no grinding BS.”
“I'm genuinely puzzled as to why this game doesn't have more players, especially considering that it's fully free to play with absolutely no grinding required.”
“- Removed an entire non-premium currency (which was, in my opinion, not too grindy and was just fine considering the amount you get and the time it took to unlock new cosmetics/champions).”
“The grind for in-game currency can be tedious, and while you don’t need to spend money to enjoy the core gameplay, there’s a feeling that the monetization system sometimes overshadows the purity of what Quake is all about.”
“Gameplay is great, but between lag, long wait times, a dead/elitist community, and characters being locked behind money or tedious grinding, taking the time to get good is just not worth it.”
“The biggest problem I have with the game is how much grinding it takes to unlock another champion, but when you first start the game they give you two characters and if you do the tutorials you get 200,000 shards.”
- humor91 mentions
- 98 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is described as self-aware and often morbidly funny, providing a light-hearted experience even amidst frustrations like performance issues and matchmaking problems. Players enjoy the comedic elements, especially when playing with friends, and appreciate the absurdity of certain game mechanics and character abilities. Overall, the humor adds a layer of enjoyment, making the game entertaining despite its flaws.
“But also self-aware and funny in morbid ways, thus not depressing.”
“The game is funny with friends.”
“Funny game for kids, trash for real quakers.”
“I would love to play it and start laughing at others saying, 'It works on my machine.'”
“I'm not the most skilled guy around, but it's really unbalanced compared to the old Quake, making the final product not funny at all.”
- atmosphere49 mentions
- 41 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its dark, gritty, and immersive qualities, effectively capturing the essence of the original Quake titles while incorporating modern graphics and sound design. Many players appreciate the detailed map design and atmospheric music, which enhance the overall experience, although some feel that certain elements, like cheesy catchphrases and generic menus, detract from the intended tone. Overall, the game successfully evokes a captivating and adrenaline-pumping environment that resonates with both new and veteran players.
“The game's atmosphere is intense and captivating, immersing you in a world where every match feels like a high-stakes battle.”
“The art direction is almost spotless, really reminiscent of Quake 3 Arena; the maps are heavily detailed and filled to the brim with personality and atmosphere.”
“They have taken the dark atmosphere of Quake 1 and some of the awesome gothic architecture of Quake 3, mixed it all up with Lovecraftian lore and created beautiful maps from that.”
“The champions also have some cheesy catchphrases that make the game seem childish, and it kind of ruins the dark atmosphere.”
“Well, here's the problem: the music can stop at any time and not play during the entire match, destroying all atmosphere.”
“Hell, even the game menus, the most basic thing about a free-to-play game, are so generic and bland that they take away atmosphere more than they give.”
- emotional25 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional responses to the game are mixed, with some players expressing deep joy and nostalgia reminiscent of classic shooters, while others feel frustrated and demotivated by server issues and toxic player behavior. Many reviewers highlight a sense of heartbreak over the game's execution and balance, leading to feelings of bitterness and disappointment, particularly regarding its monetization and lack of mod support. Overall, the emotional spectrum ranges from elation to disillusionment, reflecting a complex relationship with the game's design and community.
“What a heartbreaking game; infinite possibilities, minimalistic execution.”
“The result is a little heartbreaking.”
“Not exaggerating at all here: I cried literal tears of joy during my first round playing.”
- replayability23 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is largely driven by its diverse character abilities and playstyles, which offer variety in gameplay. However, some players express concerns about the limited map pool and matchmaking issues, which can hinder long-term engagement. While many find enjoyment in the champion system and recent performance improvements, others feel that the overall replay value does not match that of classic arena shooters like Quake.
“Each character has a unique set of abilities and playstyles, which adds a lot of variety and replayability to the game.”
“The champion system adds a huge amount of replayability that has kept me entertained far longer than any other Quake multiplayer, and many of them feel like you're playing a different game altogether.”
“Replayability with this update is insane thanks to finding lore for each character around maps along with runes within backpacks that are rune trials which lead to special shaders and eventually a master skin for each character and master shader, avatar, and nameplate.”
“With a permanently limited map pool (there's no mod support for this game), your long-term replayability will be in champion variety.”
“Fun for two or three games at a time, but simply does not have the replayability of other FPS games, and doesn't even come close to the masterpiece of Quake Live.”
“Used to enjoy games like Quake, then I realized this game is the baby of a steadily aging player base. Don't expect matches to be found fast, or the quality of gameplay to be replayable, unless you're really into the genre.”
- character development22 mentions
- 32 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is marked by a diverse array of character designs that draw from various titles, offering a mix of appealing and bland aesthetics. While many players appreciate the variety and creativity in character design, some criticize certain models as feeling cheap or forgettable. Overall, the character designs contribute positively to the game's atmosphere, despite some technical limitations and mixed opinions on specific characters.
“Character design is a wild mix of different characters from various titles.”
“The game also looks great graphically and the character designs have a lot of variety.”
“The character design is well done.”
“Some character designs are kind of bland, but you can still get fun gameplay out of them though.”
“Maybe the reason no one plays these team modes is because the game is full of brain-dead character designs, and everyone it appeals to just wants to be able to drool over themselves as they run around the map killing people without a thought in their head, getting a cool ability kill every now and then.”
“Character design is forgettable.”
