FPS fans are currently waiting in anticipation, peaking corners as their trigger fingers twitch on their controllers and WASD keys following the whispers of a remaster of Quake II scattered all over the internet. This latest revelation wasn't triggered by a grandiose press release, nor a flashy trailer - instead, the possibility of a revamp for the iconic FPS title from a listing on the South Korean Game Rating and Administration Committee (GRAC).
The gaming world has somewhat come to expect these leaks from the GRAC, having previously spilled the beans on a new League of Legends game and even the remaster of the original Quake prior to its official launch at QuakeCon 2021.
Given this listing, it's only a matter of time before we hear more about Quake 2 Remastered with QuakeCon 2023 set for August 10-13.
Quake 2, the quintessential sequel that first exploded onto the scene in 1997, is long overdue for a modern touch, which is why long-time FPS fans are so excited.
The description listed for the game takes us on a nostalgic trip back to the brutal landscapes and relentless action that defined the original Quake 2. Set against the backdrop of an earth on the brink of invasion by the alien Strogg, the listing promises an FPS experience rich in "excessive expression of violence" and plenty of "blood and body damage". It's enough to set the heart of any retro-gaming enthusiast racing.
Owned by Microsoft, Bethesda's latest venture into remastering its classic catalogue seems poised for a launch straight into Xbox Game Pass, emulating the release of its predecessor, Quake Remastered. With the Quake 2 remaster, expectations run high for a renewed and enhanced experience, potentially drawing on the technical prowess demonstrated by Nvidia's Quake 2 RTX.
Quake 2's legacy, however, is not just about raw technicality or stunning graphics. It's a memory etched into the minds of countless gamers – of being six years old and seated in front of a towering Fujitsu desktop, of exploring the brutal, alien world with wide-eyed fascination. The game, with its relentless battles and captivating narrative, has become a symbol of nostalgia, a touchstone for the gaming world to revisit and relive the origins of the FPS genre.
The success of the original Quake remaster provides a hopeful blueprint for Quake 2 Remastered. Following its release, the first Quake game received a new expansion from MachineGames – Dimension of the Machine, complete with a new horde mode.
Fans of Quake 2 would be thrilled to see similar additions to their beloved game, or at the very least, enjoy a more unified experience after PlayStation owners got a pared-down port compared to the N64 and PC versions of the original title.
