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Quake Live

84%Game Brain Score
gameplay, graphics
story, monetization
84% User Score Based on 8,695 reviews

Platforms

PCWindows
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About

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.

Genres & Tags
Play Modes
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84%
Audience ScoreBased on 8,695 reviews
gameplay168 positive mentions
story8 negative mentions
  • Fast-paced gameplay that remains engaging and fun even after many years.
  • Strong community support with a variety of game modes and customization options.
  • Classic Quake experience with improved graphics and modern features.
  • Toxic community that can be unwelcoming to new players, often leading to kick votes.
  • Low player base, making it difficult to find matches outside peak hours.
  • Game was previously free, and many players feel the current price is unjustified.
  • gameplay
    490 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of "Quake Live" is widely praised for its fast-paced, skill-based mechanics that harken back to the classic "Quake III Arena," offering a blend of simplicity and depth that appeals to both newcomers and veterans. Players appreciate the smooth movement, diverse weapon mechanics, and the absence of modern progression systems, which allows for pure competitive play. However, some critiques highlight issues with server availability and the steep learning curve, making it challenging for new players to fully enjoy the experience.

    • “The core gameplay in Quake Live is where it truly shines.”
    • “Quake Live's gameplay is simple to understand for a dummy like me, but difficult to master, and very rewarding.”
    • “With its fast-paced gameplay, vibrant community, and modern features, it stands as a fantastic option for both fans of the series and newcomers alike.”
    • “Gameplay-wise, 'quake live' sticks to its roots with unapologetically fast-paced and skill-based combat.”
    • “I wouldn't really recommend it to anybody who doesn't plan on spending many hours grinding maps to learn them inside and out, while also learning the movement mechanics inside and out, as you won't even remotely begin to compete with anybody online, which is kind of the entire point of this version of the game.”
    • “Absolutely not, I recommend you play another arena shooter or just another game in general, this game is extremely old, abandoned and filled with gameplay problems that need to be fixed/modernized, the problem here isn't even the difficulty of the arena shooters, but the problem here is old net code, bad spawn system and most servers are dead, and the few that exist you will have to tiptoe around admins.”
  • graphics
    271 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of Quake Live are generally considered dated, resembling those of its predecessor, Quake III Arena, with only minor enhancements. While some players appreciate the nostalgic art style and find the visuals adequate for gameplay, others criticize the graphics as poor by modern standards, suggesting that the game relies more on its fast-paced action than on visual fidelity. Overall, the consensus is that while the graphics may not impress, they do not detract significantly from the game's enjoyable mechanics and competitive nature.

    • “Graphically, Quake Live retains the iconic art style of its predecessor, with updated visuals that polish the classic look.”
    • “The game's focus on speed and precision over graphical fidelity has allowed it to age gracefully.”
    • “Even though the graphics are dated, you'll have a fun time with the super-fast-paced gameplay.”
    • “Otherwise, compatibility, visuals, art direction, net-code are remarkably poor even by 2010 standards.”
    • “The graphics are still old.”
    • “The graphics in this game are absolutely nauseating.”
  • optimization
    51 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game's optimization is generally well-received, with many players noting its smooth performance on modern systems and improved visuals compared to its predecessor, Quake 3 Arena. However, some users report persistent performance issues, such as lag and crashes, particularly on older hardware or due to unoptimized netcode. While customization options and regular updates contribute to a better experience, there are still calls for further optimization to address lingering problems.

    • “The ability to customize profiles and view performance metrics provides valuable insights for those looking to refine their gameplay.”
    • “It's quake 3 arena with more polish, native widescreen and better performance on modern systems.”
    • “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.”
    • “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 consensus among users is that "Quake Live" lacks a traditional story, focusing instead on competitive multiplayer gameplay. While some players appreciate the absence of a narrative, emphasizing the thrill of gameplay and rivalries, others express disappointment over the lack of a single-player mode or story-driven content. Overall, the game is characterized by its intense action rather than a structured storyline.

    • “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.”
    • “While there isn't a story mode like in Q2, it doesn't need one per se.”
    • “Quake Live doesn't have a story like the other Quake games, but I would totally recommend this.”
    • “If you're in it for the single player, there is no story either, so it will be just 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 chaos, with players often engaging in loud antics and using NSFW sound clips to elicit laughs. Many find joy in the quirky player models and the ridiculous situations that arise during gameplay, while others highlight the irony of the game's monetization and the community's reactions. Overall, the humor is described as a blend of slapstick and dark comedy, making for a uniquely entertaining experience despite its 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
    35 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising the great soundtrack composed by notable artists like Sonic Mayhem and Bill Leeb, which enhances the gaming experience, especially in competitive modes. However, others criticize the lack of music on new maps and the repetitive, ambient sound effects that fail to create an engaging atmosphere. Overall, while the soundtrack has its highlights, it may not appeal to everyone, particularly those seeking a more dynamic audio experience.

    • “I've been playing Quake since Nine Inch Nails was making the creep AF music. Love this game!”
    • “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.”
    • “The music shows its age a little bit, and isn't available on every map, which leaves a bit of an awkward silence.”
    • “The new main menu music they added in the recent update sounds exactly like the menu music from Doom 3 BFG, and it just seems out of place, especially since all demonic imagery from Quake 3 was removed.”
  • 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 microtransactions, 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 in-game purchases.

    • “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.”
    • “Also, no microtransactions.”
    • “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.”
    • “We've had it all in the past year, from Bethesda trying to weasel in paid mods, to Overkill stuffing microtransactions in after promising that they wouldn't.”
  • stability
    27 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The stability of the game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with users reporting frequent bugs, crashes, and issues with the user interface that hinder gameplay. Many players experience freezing during startup and in-game, making it difficult to join matches or enjoy a smooth experience. Overall, while the game has potential, its current state is marred by significant stability problems that detract from its enjoyment.

    • “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 sorta have to find tweaks.”
  • atmosphere
    14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of Quake Live is a blend of nostalgia and intensity, evoking the classic feel of Quake III Arena with its fast-paced visuals and competitive edge, though it lacks the darker, edgier elements and gore that defined its predecessor. While some players appreciate the mature vibe and the nostalgic internet café ambiance, others find the audio and overall atmosphere somewhat underwhelming compared to earlier titles. Ultimately, Quake Live maintains a unique atmosphere that resonates with long-time fans, despite some criticisms regarding its evolution.

    • “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 that grinding is a significant aspect of the game, often requiring extensive time investment to master maps and mechanics for competitive play. Many players feel that the grind is excessive, suggesting that it detracts from the overall enjoyment and accessibility of the game, especially for newcomers. Conversely, some players appreciate a faster-paced experience with minimal grinding, emphasizing fun over progression.

    • “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.”
    • “I wouldn't really recommend it to anybody who doesn't plan on spending many hours grinding maps to learn them inside and out, while also learning the movement mechanics inside and out, as you won't even remotely begin to compete with anybody online, which is kind of the entire point of this version of the game.”
    • “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.”
  • emotional
    9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of the game elicits strong and varied feelings among players, ranging from deep frustration and longing for unattainable desires to nostalgic joy and a sense of belonging. Some express intense dissatisfaction with the game's mechanics, while others find catharsis in its chaotic gameplay. Overall, the emotional responses highlight a complex relationship with the game, marked by both pain and exhilaration.

    • “I am cursed to live my life in the misery that my most powerful emotional fantasies will never be even close to coming true.”
    • “I know Quake Live players often get very emotional.”
    • “Quake Live in its early alpha/beta was quite okay, but the lack of promode/cpma movement and weapon switching made me cry.”
  • replayability
    8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game boasts exceptional replayability, enhanced by Steam Workshop support that allows players to create and share new content, including levels and game modes. Users highlight its infinite replay value, particularly in offline mode, and many have enjoyed returning to the game for years due to its balanced and engaging multiplayer experience. Overall, the combination of user-generated content and solid gameplay mechanics contributes to its lasting appeal.

    • “Combine that with the Steam Workshop and my goodness, even more unique layers of content are available to have a game of infinite replayability.”
    • “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.”
    • “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.”
    • “This being said, it is well worth the small fee for the gameplay and replayability.”
  • character development
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development is noted for its strong emphasis on character design, showcasing unique and visually appealing traits that enhance the overall narrative. Players appreciate how these designs contribute to the depth and individuality of each character, making them memorable and engaging 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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