Photo: Bethesda Softworks
‘Sensational upgrade of the beloved 1997 classic offers a fresh expansion, stunning visual enhancements, crossplay, and enhanced accessibility features.’
Speculation has been confirmed: Bethesda has officially announced a remastered version of Quake II. The enhanced edition is available to play today on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch. Game Pass subscribers can access the game on PC, console, and Xbox Cloud Gaming. Furthermore, those who already own the original game on GOG or Steam will receive a complimentary upgrade.
Bethesda collaborated with Nightdive Studios to modernize id Software’s 1997 first-person shooter. The remastered version includes Sonic Mayhem’s original soundtrack and various other enhancements, allowing players to relive the single-player campaign or experience it for the first time. The visuals have been upgraded to support widescreen, 120Hz refresh rates, and 4K resolution.
The enhanced edition of Quake II brings back content that was previously cut, including the Nintendo 64 port. Additionally, players can enjoy the original expansions, Mission Pack: The Reckoning and Mission Pack: Ground Zero, which add over 30 single-player levels and more than 20 deathmatch maps.
A new expansion called Call of the Machine has also been introduced. Developed by MachineGames, the studio behind Wolfenstein: The New Colossus and the upcoming Indiana Jones game, this expansion offers 28 additional campaign levels and a fresh deathmatch map.
For multiplayer enthusiasts, Quake II now supports split-screen play, both locally and online, for up to four players. The game features various multiplayer modes, including Deathmatch, team deathmatch, and capture the flag, accommodating up to 16 players.
One notable feature of the remastered edition is full crossplay compatibility across all platforms. However, PC players looking to join console or cloud players in a lobby will need to use a controller to ensure a level playing field and eliminate the aiming advantage of keyboard and mouse users.
In addition, accessibility updates have been made to improve Quake II’s accessibility. Players will receive a notification regarding accessibility options upon installing the game. These options include high contrast, voice chat transcription, input remapping, aim assist, and the ability to automatically switch to a newly acquired weapon.