id Software recently released a new and enhanced version of Quake II at the QuakeCon 2023 event.
Now, the video game developer has made the official source code of this classic PC game available on GitHub.
For those unaware, Quake II is a 1997 first-person shooter (FPS) video game developed by id Software and published by Activision on PC, N64, and the OG PlayStation.
It is the second installment of the Quake series, following Quake. In this game, the player shoots enemies from the perspective of the main character.
The repository “Quake II Rerelease Game Source” contains the game code for the 2023 rerelease of Quake II for users who wish to enhance or even build upon the source code of the original game. It is licensed under the GNU GPLv2.0 and hosted on GitHub.
“Mods can be loaded into the rerelease the same way as the original game: launch the game with +set game mymod or type game mymod into the console while the game is running. We recommend installing mods into your %USERPROFILE%\Saved Games\Nightdive Studios\Quake II directory to ensure the original game files do not get modified,” reads GitHub.
iOS Software says it cannot provide support for this release but encourages third-party developers to take advantage of the depth of community-driven resources already available.
Additionally, the rerelease of the Quake II source code uses a new version of the API to communicate between the server and the game module. It also introduces a very thin “client game” module, similar to Quake III Arena’s cgame module, and a 2023 version of the network protocol.
This codebase is a combination of various game modules from the original version, such as baseq2, ctf, rogue, and xatrix. Those who are looking to create new maps or address potential compatibility issues can use the provided tools, configurations, and the combined FGD (Forge Game Data).
Further, existing mods may be able to be moved over to support the API changes, as the game export interface has changed. Also, there have been some major changes to the structure and layout to support all expansion packs under one codebase and new features in the rerelease. This means the old mods that are making use of the new codebase may need to be rewritten.
Additionally, the Quake II Enhanced Edition comes with a 16:9 aspect ratio, high frame rate displays, enhanced models, improved enemy animation and gore, improved and restored AI behavior, depth of field, Sonic Mayhem’s original hard rock soundtrack, and more.
Also, the visuals have been upgraded to include widescreen support, 120Hz refresh rates, 4K Ultra HD resolution, enhanced cinematic effects, antialiasing, and dynamic and colored lighting.
Even the entire internal logic in the game DLL has been adjusted to run at 40hz compared to the original 10hz of the original engine to offer a better gameplay experience. This allows maps and game logic to run at more precise steps than the original 100ms.
You can now play the enhanced version of Quake II on Game Pass, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 5, and PlayStation 4.
