Quake III Arena
Score: 100% ESRB: Mature Publisher: Sega Developer: Raster Productions Media: GD/1 Players: 1 - 4 Genre: Miscellaneous
Graphics & Sound: Quake III Arena looks and sounds incredible! Wall and character textures are perfectly rendered and even with all of the crispness and detail, the game has blazing speed. You will be drawn into the action as explosions happen all around you with ear-piercing clarity. Oh, and did I mention the flying body parts after being hit by a rocket launcher?
Gameplay: This is one of those 'run as fast as you can and don't get killed' games. And that's exactly what you will be doing. Quake III Arena has got heart pounding action at every possible moment. The basic strategy behind the game is to kill or be killed while running around 3D levels in a first person perspective. Although this game is awesome at all times, where it really shines is in the multiplayer mode. Up to 4 people can hook it up at once via split-screen. This is the ultimate way to have a fragfest with your buds! Modes of play include Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Capture the Flag, and Tournament, and all are a blast! Speaking of multiplayer, if you aren't connected to the Internet in your home yet, this is the time! Hooking up via modem to SegaNet (or your current ISP) allows you to get it on with players from across the world. In fact, it is said that you can even play against PC Gamers online! This is absolutely amazing and opens up the world of home gaming to endless possibilities. Sega claims that SegaNet will be a dedicated game server (also can be used as an ISP for your computer) which will allow faster gaming speeds, but I connected via my current ISP and gameplay was incredibly smooth with (very little slowdown) as well... and what a blast!!! I would recommend buying yourself a keyboard and mouse as it is much easier to control than the Dreamcast controller (although the DC controller actually does a very nice job). Using the keyboard/mouse combo might just be the extra advantage you need to make pieces outta your opponents, and you will need every advantage you can get!
Difficulty: The difficulty level of Quake III Arena varies so greatly that it is hard to describe. There is a setting for everyone (5 total), ranging from relatively easy to insanely hard. And when hooking it up for the first time against other humans on the 'Net, be ready for a possible ass-kickin'!!! There are some great players out there.
Game Mechanics: Controlling your characters in Quake III Arena is a bit tricky to get used to at first. Default controls will actually be set up so that you move your character with the four action buttons, and make your character look around with the analog stick. Although this does seem and feel weird, I assure you it is the best way to play the game with the DC controllers. By doing so, the stick is simulating the functionality and freedom of using a mouse. Still, the very best way to play is to go out and spend the extra dough for the optional keyboard and mouse (and it greatly improves gameplay). Plus, by buying the keyboard/mouse, you will make your Internet surfing and communicating with other players easier online. Quake III Arena is an excellent game and for anyone who is a fan of first person shooter games, a definite must buy!!!
-Woody, GameVortex Communications AKA Shane Wodele
ESPN International Track & Field Sega Marine Fishing