So Halo didn't come out for an Xbox 360 launch title. There are actually a couple of FPS titles available to keep you busy while you wait. A sequel to the hit Quake series has once again been released. The problem is that there isn't much that makes Quake 4 that different from its predecessors.
The story in Quake 4 is actually pretty good and one of the best things that it has going for it. You are part of squad sent to take out the Strogg on their home planet. This doesn't mean that there will be squad based gameplay as it's the same fast paced FPS action as the previous games. And I hate giving away the story of a games so I'll just say what it says in the instruction booklet. "In fact, your worst nightmare is soon realized when you discover to defeat the Strogg, you must become one of them." So the game does have some interesting story elements presented in it to keep things interesting.
There isn't much keeping the gameplay interesting, unfortunately. The game is still linear and straightforward. I realize this is part of the feel of Quake, but at $60 there should be a bit more advanced things going on. Give us some interactive environments and maybe make it less-linear. What they do have that breaks up some of the regular gameplay is vehicles and mechs. There isn't much here to really say the game has variety to it, however. Another thing that provides a little difference is that throughout the game your weapons will get an upgrade. The upgrade will vary with each weapon, but for example, the machine upgrade will allow for additional clips.
Quake 4 looks pretty good and has some good animations. It doesn't exactly give off a next-gen vibe, however. And despite this, it still cannot maintain a constant frame rate at times. It gets frustrating at times but isn't unplayable from this. Some things stick out as unpolished but most of it good looking. But still, I would've liked to have seen some better graphics overall.
Of course everyone wants to go online with Quake. The big disappointment here is that you can only have 8 people online. It seems like Xbox 360 should easily be able to support more than this. The game is still fun on Live, but having more people would've been even more intense. You've got Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Tournament and Capture the Flag. Quake 2 is included in full and allows for 16 player system link play.
In the end, Quake 4 is a fun fast-paced FPS title that just doesn't go anywhere new to warrant the price tag. It is definitely a great rental at least. The graphics are good looking but not great and still the game runs into some frame rate issues. Online play is pretty fun but also lacks anything special. Quake needs some variety or something to separate it from the previous Quake games besides the graphics.
