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Quake Live

Quake Live Game Cover
84%Game Brain Score
gameplay, graphics
story, monetization
84% User Score Based on 8,833 reviews

Platforms

PCWindows
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Quake Live Game Cover

About

Quake Live is a single player and multiplayer shooter game with a science fiction theme. It was developed by id Software and was released on September 17, 2014. It received positive reviews from players.

Quake Live is a fast-paced and competitive arena FPS with over 100 arenas, developed by id Software and the community. The game offers various game modes, including Free-for-All, Duel, and Capture the Flag, and allows players to track their career stats and match history. Compete with friends and players worldwide for an exhilarating multiplayer experience.

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84%
Audience ScoreBased on 8,833 reviews
gameplay171 positive mentions
story8 negative mentions
  • Quake Live is a fast-paced, skill-based arena shooter that retains the classic gameplay of Quake III Arena, making it a nostalgic experience for long-time fans.
  • The game features a variety of maps and game modes, along with Steam Workshop support, allowing for extensive customization and replayability.
  • Despite a smaller player base, the community is dedicated and often welcoming to newcomers, providing a challenging yet rewarding environment.
  • The game has a steep learning curve, making it difficult for new players to compete against veterans, often leading to a frustrating experience.
  • Many servers are filled with toxic players who may kick newcomers for not performing well, creating an unwelcoming atmosphere.
  • Quake Live transitioned from a free-to-play model to a paid game, which has contributed to a decline in its player base and accessibility.
  • gameplay
    498 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of "Quake Live" is widely praised for its fast-paced, skill-based mechanics that emphasize player reflexes and strategic movement, such as strafe jumping and rocket jumping. While the game retains the classic feel of its predecessor, "Quake III Arena," it introduces modern features that enhance accessibility for newcomers without sacrificing depth for veterans. However, some players express concerns about a dwindling player base and the challenges of mastering its steep learning curve, which can be daunting for those unfamiliar with arena shooters.

    • “A rock solid framerate, a game engine that is essentially the most efficient way to render 3D graphics ever, excellent and responsive controls, and easy to learn, hard to master gameplay make this one of the best games for showing off your skills to your friends or developing killer twitch reflexes that make you look like a hacker whenever you get the railgun.”
    • “Quake Live's gameplay is simple to understand for a dummy like me, but difficult to master, and very rewarding.”
    • “The gameplay is incredibly smooth, and the constant challenge of outmaneuvering and outgunning your opponents will keep you hooked for hours.”
    • “Gameplay-wise, 'Quake Live' sticks to its roots with unapologetically fast-paced and skill-based combat.”
    • “The core gameplay mechanics are really bad, so are the weapons, graphics (they look shabby for something that is supposed to be a reboot) and the matchmaking sucks.”
    • “I really wouldn't recommend this game to new players who are used to modern FPS mechanics or someone who is looking to jump in quickly to a match and apply what they know from other shooters.”
  • graphics
    276 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of Quake Live are generally considered dated, reflecting its roots in the early 2000s, yet they maintain a clean and functional aesthetic that prioritizes gameplay clarity over visual fidelity. While some players appreciate the nostalgic charm and simplicity, others feel that the visuals could benefit from modern enhancements. Overall, the game's graphics serve their purpose well in supporting fast-paced gameplay, even if they don't impress by contemporary standards.

    • “Graphically, 'Quake Live' maintains the fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping visuals that defined the original 'Quake III Arena.' While it doesn't boast modern graphics, its timeless art style and straightforward presentation contribute to the game's intense and immersive atmosphere.”
    • “The graphics have been brought up to date(ish), and they've included the best maps from the Quake series.”
    • “The visuals may appear dated by modern standards, but the simplicity serves the competitive focus well—there’s no clutter, no visual noise, just pure, functional design.”
    • “Being a slightly modified version of Quake 3, it doesn't graphically hold up, even though the sound and music design is fantastic.”
    • “The graphics are still old.”
  • optimization
    50 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game's optimization is generally praised, particularly for its performance on modern systems, with many players noting smooth gameplay and improved visuals compared to its predecessor, Quake 3 Arena. However, some users report persistent performance issues, such as lag and crashes, indicating that while the game is well-optimized for many, there are still areas needing improvement. Customization options for performance metrics further enhance the experience, allowing players to fine-tune settings to their preference.

    • “The ability to customize profiles and view performance metrics provides valuable insights for those looking to refine their gameplay.”
    • “Pick this up during a sale and experience one of the most balanced, playable, masterful first-person shooters in history, newly optimized for modern hardware.”
    • “Polished, customizable, optimized, quick competitive play, this game has it all.”
    • “Part of the reason I play this is because champions won't run for me due to some performance issue that has been around for years and hasn't been patched.”
    • “The devs seem to refuse to accept that the game is poorly optimized, or just tell you to disable post processing and you'll have the same performance (which is a big fat lie by the way).”
    • “Unfortunately, this is not optimized for Steam.”
  • story
    45 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The reviews consistently highlight that "Quake Live" lacks a traditional story, focusing instead on competitive multiplayer gameplay. While some players appreciate the absence of a narrative, emphasizing the game's immersive and chaotic nature, others express disappointment over the lack of a single-player mode or storyline, suggesting that the experience is primarily about the thrill of fragging rather than storytelling. Overall, the game's appeal lies in its polished multiplayer mechanics rather than any narrative depth.

    • “Moral of the story: you never know what life has in store for you, and if I had given up when all odds were against me, I wouldn't be where I am today.”
    • “Although bereft of a storyline, the competitive quality of the play is exquisite.”
    • “While there isn't a story mode like in Q2, it doesn't need one per se.”
    • “If you're in it for the single player, there is no story either, so it will just be wasting your money.”
    • “The third installment of the Quake series, Arena differs from previous games by excluding a story-based single-player mode and focusing primarily on multiplayer gameplay.”
    • “No story, no mission, just pure fun and fragging.”
  • humor
    43 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is characterized by a mix of absurdity and playful chaos, with players often engaging in silly antics, such as making goblin noises or using exaggerated sound clips. While some find the humor to be loud and juvenile, others appreciate the comedic moments that arise during gameplay, particularly in the fast-paced environment. Overall, the game fosters a lighthearted atmosphere, though it can be polarizing for new players facing a steep learning curve.

    • “Generally, I’ll carry around a sack and creep around in a sort of crouch-walking position making goblin noises, then I’ll walk around my house and pick up various different 'trinkets' and put them in my bag while saying stuff like 'I’ll be having that' and laughing maniacally in my goblin voice.”
    • “I've only recently bandwagoned onto the franchise and while I may never amount to the skill and experience of those who've been playing it since '96, I still enjoy the abundance of awesome and hilarious moments match after match.”
    • “This game is so awesomely fast-paced, sometimes hilarious, and weird.”
    • “The jokes fall flat and feel forced.”
    • “I expected more clever humor, but it was mostly cringeworthy.”
    • “The attempts at comedy just made me roll my eyes.”
  • music
    36 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its fantastic soundtrack, particularly the contributions from notable composers like Sonic Mayhem and Bill Leeb. While some players appreciate the industrial and ambient themes, others find the audio underwhelming and repetitive, noting that the music can feel dated and is not consistently present across all maps. Overall, the soundtrack is considered enjoyable, especially for fans of the genre, but it may not be a standout feature for everyone.

    • “It features music composed by Sonic Mayhem and Front Line Assembly founder Bill Leeb.”
    • “While music is not a very important thing in a competitive title, Quake 3 Arena's soundtrack is quite nice.”
    • “The audio is also underwhelming, with repetitive sound effects and a lack of atmospheric music.”
    • “Very little music that stuck out to me as it's really all ambient themes and industrial sounds.”
    • “The music shows its age a little bit, and isn't available on every map, which leaves a bit of an awkward silence.”
  • monetization
    28 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's monetization has evolved from a free-to-play model with in-game ads to a single-purchase system, eliminating microtransactions and pay-to-win elements. While some players appreciate the absence of in-game purchases, others criticize the shift from a free model to a paid one, suggesting that the game could benefit from a more engaging monetization strategy focused on cosmetic items. Overall, the current model is seen as a return to a more traditional, skill-based gameplay experience without the clutter of microtransactions.

    • “This game cut its free-to-play monetization ties, settling on a single-purchase, functional client that may be missing some bells and whistles, but it certainly does what every well-designed client should do.”
    • “This game has no microtransactions, so there is no way for this game to be pay-to-win.”
    • “The microtransactions are minimal compared to modern FPS games, and some features like the announcer and loadout options could be improved.”
    • “Other updates have nerfed certain classes and weapons, leading to accusations of favoring microtransactions over gameplay balance.”
    • “It was f2p and was mediocre, now it's paid and has microtransactions.”
    • “Quake live is just a cash grab.”
  • stability
    27 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's stability is a significant concern among users, with many reporting frequent bugs, crashes, and glitches that hinder gameplay. Issues include freezing during startup, problematic server connections, and a confusing user interface, making it difficult for players to join matches. While some praise the game's core mechanics, the overall experience is marred by these persistent stability problems.

    • “Legendary engine, bug-free, fast FPS that will blow your mind!”
    • “Other developers update their games so often just to fix bugs and balance issues, but Quake Live is balanced and almost bug-free.”
    • “The game is rather buggy (especially in terms of texturing and visual settings), but if you want Quake 3 Arena remastered edition, this is it!”
    • “I have played a solid few matches, and even began getting better than my friends at the game; however, whenever you are in the lobby and starting a game, it may take hours because of the many glitches with the menu and GUI.”
    • “One thing to note is this game is terribly buggy on modern PCs, and unlike previous games in the Quake series, there is no source code to create bug-fixed versions from, so you just sort of have to find tweaks.”
  • atmosphere
    14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of Quake Live is characterized by its fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping visuals and a nostalgic internet café vibe, reminiscent of its predecessor, Quake III Arena. While it maintains a competitive edge and immersive gameplay, some players feel it lacks the dark and edgy atmosphere of earlier titles, particularly due to the removal of gore elements. Overall, it evokes a unique, mature atmosphere that appeals to long-time fans, despite some criticisms regarding audio and visual modernity.

    • “Graphically, 'Quake Live' maintains the fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping visuals that defined the original 'Quake III Arena.' While it doesn't boast modern graphics, its timeless art style and straightforward presentation contribute to the game's intense and immersive atmosphere.”
    • “Few modern games can evoke the adrenaline and intense atmosphere of 'Quake Live.'”
    • “It is the best 'remastered' alternative of 'Quake III,' it has the original atmosphere and physics.”
    • “A true Quake game needs to have a dark and edgy atmosphere, and this game just does not.”
    • “Sadly they removed the messy gore that existed in Quake 3, but the game focuses more on the competitive aspect, so it's not that bad. However, it has an impact on the atmosphere if you can't gib people with your rocket launchers, railguns, or double-barreled shotguns.”
    • “Good game, but Quake 3 Arena had more blood, gore, and atmosphere.”
  • grinding
    12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Reviews highlight a strong divide in player experiences regarding grinding; some appreciate the absence of traditional grinding mechanics, favoring skill-based gameplay and immediate fun, while others feel that extensive grinding is necessary to compete effectively. Many players express a desire for a more accessible experience, suggesting that eliminating grinding could enhance player engagement and enjoyment. Overall, the sentiment leans towards a preference for games that prioritize skill and fast-paced action over time-consuming grinding.

    • “No mask glitches, no grinding guns, it's a pure game like chess or checkers at this point, but now with voice comms :D”
    • “It's cheap, no pay to win, no grinding, fast-paced so no campers, lots of fun game modes and maps.”
    • “You don't have to worry about anything other than having fun, that means no cover, no unlocks, no grinding, no farming, no airstrikes.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “I say make the game free; it's what it needs to have a chance at regrowing an actual player base, since nowadays lobbies are full of people with thousands of hours essentially farming stats on players that want to try the game (like me), and are forced to play 2-3 competitive game modes out of the 20 that they have.”
    • “And that is a lot more fun than grinding to unlock the next gun in some gear tree.”
  • replayability
    9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players highlight the game's strong replayability, enhanced by Steam Workshop support that allows for user-generated content such as new levels and game modes. The offline mode also contributes to its infinite replay value, making it a compelling choice for long-term engagement. Overall, the combination of balanced gameplay and community-driven content keeps players returning for years.

    • “Combine that with the Steam Workshop and my goodness, even more unique layers of content are available to have a game of infinite replayability.”
    • “Another positive would be Steam Workshop support, allowing users to create new levels, game modes, skins, and more, which is always a welcome addition as it adds so much replay value and life into the game.”
    • “But I believe it is more than worth it; Quake Live is an incredibly simple yet balanced and endlessly replayable multiplayer shooter that has kept me coming back for around 6 years now.”
    • “Servers are moderately populated, and probably for replayability I'd suggest getting the original Quake 3.”
    • “Offline mode even no internet connection (infinite replay value).”
    • “This being said, it is well worth the small fee for the gameplay and replayability.”
  • emotional
    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Users express a mix of strong emotions regarding the game, with some feeling a deep connection and nostalgia, while others experience frustration and disappointment over gameplay mechanics. The emotional responses range from a sense of belonging to feelings of sadness and anger, highlighting the game's impact on players' experiences.

    • “Gurgling explosions of viscera from quad damage made me feel like I'd come home.”
    • “Quake Live in its early alpha/beta was quite okay, but the lack of promode/cpma movement and weapon switching made me cry.”
    • “I know Quake Live players often get very emotional.”
  • character development
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game is highlighted through its intricate character design, which enhances players' emotional connections and investment in the storyline. The unique visual styles and detailed backstories contribute to a rich narrative experience, allowing for deeper engagement with the characters. Overall, the design effectively supports the evolution of characters throughout the game.

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13h Median play time
722h Average play time
1h Main story
176h Completionist
5-159h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 21 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Quake Live is a shooter game with science fiction theme.

Quake Live is available on PC and Windows.

The main story can be completed in around 1 hours, while the entire game is estimated to take about 176 hours to finish. On average players spend around 722 hours playing Quake Live.

Quake Live was released on September 17, 2014.

Quake Live was developed by id Software.

Quake Live has received positive reviews from players. Most players liked this game for its gameplay but disliked it for its story.

Quake Live is a single player game with multiplayer support.

Similar games include Quake Champions, Quake III Arena, Ratz Instagib, Reflex Arena, Unreal Tournament and others.