Although this is probably a 4.5 star port, I am giving it the nod to 5 stars because this is the best home console port of Quake available. Don't let anyone try to tell you the blurry, NIN soundtrack lacking N64 version is better, because true Quake fans will know otherwise. Firstly, this was the Saturn game that wasn't supposed to happen. No one thought the Saturn hardware was capable of handling this game, and developers (including Id Software) were not interested in trying to port it. Enter Lobotomy Software Inc. This was the developer known for making a great 3D game on the Saturn entitled PowerSlave. They were offered the job, and happily accepted the great challenge of porting what was the most advanced fully 3D game ever developed at the time to the Sega Saturn.
Lobotomy Software used their own "Slave Driver" engine that was a better match for the Saturn's hardware, and redrew ALL of the games maps from scratch. The end result is a very fun and playable port that features some nice little extras like four exclusive stages and unique lighting effects not found in the original. The maps are very true to the original, save a few minor changes, and the graphics, while expectedly dialed down a bit are very true to form. This port features better textures and detail than the N64 port! Not to mention, the original NIN soundtrack from the PC version is here in all of its glory, unlike the N64's knock-off soundtrack. The frame rate does suffer during intense action on screen, but it remains a smooth running and enjoyable version that any Quake fan is sure to enjoy. Also, I highly recommend the Saturn's 3D analog (Nights into Dreams) controller with this game. It was developed to play better on this stick, and it truly does.
I feel this port offers enough uniqueness to enjoy it on a separate level from the PC version. While the PC version is clearly superior, this version and its four exclusive stages, different lighting effects and slightly unique feel due to the Slave Driver engine, offer a fresh replay of a very classic game. I can highly recommend this port to those who will judge it on its own merit and not compare it to a modded PC version on a modern machine. Lobotomy Software deserves great credit for making this one happen.
PROS
- Original NIN soundtrack
- All levels and difficulty settings intact - easy, normal, nightmare
- Unique and cool lighting effects that add to the feel
- Four exclusive stages
- Better textures and detail than the blurred out N64 port
CONS
- Frame rate suffers in some areas
- Controls can be difficult to adapt to (trust me, use the 3D controller)
- Can be a bit too dark at times
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