Quake II
Quake II is a first person shooter by ID Software released in 1997 as a sequel to Quake (1996). The source code was released in 2001 which has enabled enthusiasts to enhance and mod the game extensively.
Versions
The game can still be found quite easily at various online retailers but getting the Steam-version might be the easiest. Keep in mind though that this version doesn't have music unless you mod it. Since the release of the source code various engine overhauls and source ports have been created to enhance or modify the game in different ways. Which one to use is a matter of taste.
- 3.23 This is a simple patch that fixes bugs and adds certain things to the engine such as widescreen-support. Easy to install and use.
- R1Q2 Source port that focuses on the multiplayer aspect of the game.
- KMQuake A source port. Allows for customization of textures, game interface etc.
- Quetoo Another source port which adds support for Linux and FreeBSD. Only for people who know what they're doing.
- Yamagi Quake II An "enhanced client" focusing mainly on bug- and code-fixes.
- Ultimate Quake II Patch Designed for the Steam version of Quake II but is also compatible with retail versions by changing the install path of the mod. Adds bug-fixes, improved graphics, enables mouse use in menus as well as music through software playback.
Patches
3.20. Latest official patch.
3.23. Unofficial patch that focuses on bugfixes and minor tweaks.
Issues and Fixes
No Music Playback
The music plays directly from the game-CD so the Steam version unfortunately lacks it. Try applying the Ultimate Quake II patch mentioned above.
Graphical Tweaks
Higher Resolutions
Most of the enhanced versions mentioned above feature widescreen support and higher resolutions, so you should try one of those.
Anti-Aliasing
The game doesn't have built in anti-aliasing but forcing it through your graphics control panel should work.
Anisotropic Filtering
See above; forcing it through graphics drivers should work.
V-Sync
The game is capped at 90 fps. To fix this, create a text-file in
C:\Program Files (x86)\id Software\Quake2\baseq2\
then add the line cl_maxfps "120"
(or whatever you want the maximum fps to be) and save it as autoexec.cfg
. You can also force V-sync through graphics drivers control panel.
Run Without CD
The game runs without the CD but music won't be available if you do.
Save Game Data
Save games are located in
\Quake2\baseq2\save