Quake 4 Discussion

[gxsaurav]

This seems like a good week for the FPS Players, ID & raven software is releasing the highly anticipated Quake 4 .

Quake 4

The story starts just after the end of Quake 2, so u see, Quake 3 never happened infact according to the storyline. In the end of Quake 2, the player was able to distroy the security & shields system of the Stroggs cyborgs planet, & now since their defence is week, the troops from earth are jumping in for a final assault to kill anything which moves

The game is based on the Doom3 engine, a.k.a The D3 engine, but it's not exectly the same, it's been one year since Doom 3 is released & in the meantime, ID & Raven software have tweaked the engine even further, eliminating any shortcomings there were

Many playes of Doom 3 complained that the outdoor scene capability of Doom 3 was not upto the mark of the competition (Half life 2) which in some cases is indeed true, but the scenes also depends on the story, Qukae 4 solves these problems, & there are many outdoor battle enviroments in Quake 4, which are very detailed

The deathmatch part of Quake 2 was really good because of which ID decided to release Quake 3 with no storyline, but as a fregfest game, just "kill them all" type. With Quake 4 this is not the thing, although there is a multiplayer part in it, but Quake wars is what really is which is going to fill the void in deathmatch games left by Quake 4

According to ID any system which can run Doom 3 fine, at a playable rate can run Quake 4,however the system requirments will differ, as a thumb rule, here is what Planet Quake says

Minimum System Requirements.

* English version of Windows 2000/XP
* Pentium 4 2.0 GHz or Athlon XP 2000+ Processor
* 512MB RAM
* 8x speed CD-ROM drive and latest drivers
* 2.8GB uncompressed hard-drive space, plus 400MB for Windows swap file
* 100% DirectX 9.0c compatible 16-bit sound card and latest drivers
* 100% Windows 2000/XP compatible mouse, keyboard and latest drivers
* DirectX 9.0c included
* 3D Hardware Accelerator Card required
* 100% DirectX 9.0c compatible 64MB
* Hardware Accelerated video card and the latest drivers
o ATI Radeon 9700
o ATI Radeon X300 Series
o ATI Radeon X550 Series
o ATI Radeon X600 Series
o ATI Radeon X700 Series
o ATI Radeon X800 Series
o ATI Radeon X850 Series
o NVIDIA GeForce 3/Ti Series
o NVIDIA GeForce 4/Ti Series
o NVIDIA GeForce FX Series
o NVIDIA GeForce 6 Series
o NVIDIA GeForce 7 Series

Edit : For reference, my PC having Pentium 4 3.06 GHz witjh HT,Geforce FX 5900XT with 128 MB RAM, & 1.5 GB system RAM runs Quake 4 at 800X600, 2X AA & Medium quality, optimised autoexec.cfg file, gives me about 27 frames, & the lowest i have seen so far the in the canyon level, & nexux hub tunner level, 6 frames, with heavy battle. Although with 1.5 GB RAM, the game never stutters or takes a pause

Quake 4 Box cover


Quake 4 Preview at IGN with In game Pics

Tweak guide

Game Guide it's based on the gamespot.com Quake 4 game guide 170 kb

Quality comparision for different renderers

arb OpenGL 1.1
*img423.imageshack.us/my.php?image=arb5tg.jpg

arb2 OpenGL 1.5
*img429.imageshack.us/my.php?image=arb29qa.jpg

CG
*img391.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cg1he.jpg

nv20 DirectX 8.1
*img391.imageshack.us/my.php?image=nv204zj.jpg

screenshots taken at palying settings of 800X600 2Xq AA & Medium quality which automatically sets anistropic filtering to 2X

--------------------------------------------------------

My opinion

a 2.4 GHz CPU with something like a Geforce FX 5700, Geforce 6200, or Radeon 9600 Pro or above can play the game fine at 800X600 with no AA & medium quality. Don't try to play at 512 MB RAM, the game will run like hell, it stutters a lot, 1 GB is the sweet spot, & anything higher then that is not required but will provide smooth game play as the textures will load less often

U must also use atleast ATI Catalyst 5.11 or Forceware 81.87 beta drivers, these provide a lot of difference

To decrese in-game pauses, i suggest that u extract all the pk4 files, which will decrese the stutter but will increse the level loading time at start by 50%

if the game says, that your sound card doesn't support OpenAL, try updating the drivers, & install this file, it may help

 

[Yoda]

Quake 4

*img442.imageshack.us/img442/3543/quake46rs.jpg

Product Description
From the Manufacturer
In the mid-21st century, a barbaric alien race called the Strogg launched a massive invasion on Earth. Originally believed to be an attempt to strip the planet of its natural resources, humans soon discover that the Strogg are simply after only the human remains of those they kill. Through a horrific process, the limbs and flesh of the fallen are fused with metal and machinery to create the monstrosities that are the alien Strogg.
xxx
Defeat the Strogg on their own turf

The Strogg and humans battle for years on Earth, but as resources become depleted, Earth mounts a counter-assault on the Strogg homeworld. The first assault force is launched from the fleet and encounters overwhelming resistance--most of the drop-ships are destroyed by the Strogg homeworld's massive defense weapon known as "The Big Gun." However, one surviving Marine breaks through and is able to destroy the big gun and ultimately defeat the Strogg leader, the Makron. But the war did not end there.

You are Matthew Kane, a member of the elite Rhino Squad and part of the next massive invasion that spans across the entire Stroggos planet. Equipped with hi-tech weapons, vehicles and teamed with Earth's top marine squadron you soon realize that this war is far from over. In fact, your worst nightmare is soon realized when you discover that the only way to defeat the Strogg is to become one of them.

Product Description
id Software’s QUAKE 4, developed by Raven Software, takes players into an epic invasion on a barbaric alien planet in one of the most anticipated first person shooters for 2005. Where in order to defeat the Strogg, you must become one of them.

Product Description
The Strogg are cybernetic warriors--a mechanical frame and decaying body parts stabilized by flesh consumed in a systematic annihilation of other species and civilizations. In a desperate attempt to survive a Strogg attack on Earth, an armada of Earth's finest warriors is sent to take the battle to the Strogg home planet. Earth's initial assault force is nearly annihilated immediately, but one marine manages to infiltrate the base, bring down their planetary defense systems, and kill the Strogg's collective brain and leader--the Makron. Earth assumed the destruction of the Makron would end it all, but it didn't.

The Strogg are quickly regrouping. However, with the Strogg's planetary defenses still destroyed, Earth's forces can deliver a full and final assault. This time, you're not alone. You are Matthew Kane, an elite member of Rhino Squad, and part of Earth's next invasion wave. An army of soldiers are fighting with you and an arsenal of weapons and vehicles are at your disposal in this heroic and epic battle between worlds.

As the invasion begins, players choose to battle as one of five unique classes in either the EDF (Earth Defense Force - humans) or the barbaric alien Strogg armies, each augmented with specialist weapons and combat hardware. Troops utilize over 40 conventional and futuristic vehicles, deployable structures, and defense systems like quad-bikes, tanks, and alien walkers for epic ground assaults; or helicopters and anti-gravity ships to lend firepower from the air. Throughout each battle, teams establish bases, deploy defense structures, artillery, radar, and advanced forward-command systems into enemy territory while constructing and demolishing obstacles to speed progress and gain a tactical advantage over the enemy.

In a desperate war for Earth's survival against an unrelenting alien enemy, the only way to defeat them is to become one of them.
Earth is under siege by the Strogg, a barbaric alien race moving through the universe consuming, recycling and annihilating any civilization in their path. In a desperate attempt to survive, an armada of Earth’s finest warriors is sent to take the battle to the Strogg home planet.
You are Matthew Kane, an elite member of Rhino Squad and Earth's valiant invasion force. Fight alone, with your squad, or in hover tanks and mechanized walkers as you engage in a heroic mission to the heart of the Strogg war machine.
Battle through early missions as a deadly marine, then after your capture, as a marine-turned-Strogg with enhanced abilities and the power to turn the tide of the war.
Built on id Software's revolutionary DOOM 3 technology, QUAKE 4 also features fast-paced multiplayer competition modeled after the speed, feel, and style of QUAKE III Arena.

Game Type: 3D Action
Developer: Raven Software
Publisher: Activision

Homepages:

*www.activision.com/en_US/game_specific/2869e8d3-67... 
*www.quake4game.com/

ScreenShots of the Game:

*image.com.com/gamespot/images/2005/258/reviews/531883_20050916_screen002.jpg
*image.com.com/gamespot/images/2005/132/reviews/531883_20050513_screen003.jpg
*img417.imageshack.us/img417/5752/screen0039xz.jpg
*img417.imageshack.us/img417/2042/screen0014ir.jpg
*img417.imageshack.us/img417/9340/screen0021vd.jpg
*img417.imageshack.us/img417/7813/screen0074oc.jpg

 

[Major-Minor]

I spoke to one of the representatives at WWCDRoms and was informed that the CD-Version of Quake 4 should be available in stores by Monday or Tuesday. He also told me that the Quake 4 Premium (2 DVD) Edition will also be available in India but only in Dec.

BTW COD2 should be available here on Nov-03.

 

[gxsaurav]

the reviews are in, & so far it looks good

According to the Gamespot Review it seems that the single player part is realy angaging, but not the multiplayer part, but I won't say bad, as Quake Wars is the real multiplayer part of Quake 4

 

[gxsaurav]

The full detailed review from Hardware Zone, which has a lot of pics is something to look for.

The benches are in & seems like the low end GeForce FX are out of luck, as even the 6600GT playes it at 37 fps at 1024X768, but seems like it will be playable at 800X600 if tweaked correctly,

*www.hardwarezone.com/articles/view.php?cid=3&id=1749&pg=7

I will post my own benches as soon as I get the game

 

[enoonmai]

As the invasion begins, players choose to battle as one of five unique classes in either the EDF (Earth Defense Force - humans) or the barbaric alien Strogg armies, each augmented with specialist weapons and combat hardware.

What does this mean? Does that mean I get to play as both EDF *and* as the Stroggs? Can anyone confirm this? Because I see the same thing posted everywhere about Q4, but there is no confirmation on whether this is an option, just for multiplayer or anything else. Coz, otherwise it looks like something straight out of a description for ET:QW.

 

[tarey_g]

half the time u play as edf and the other part u play as strogg after they(stroggs) capture u and turn into one .

see this promo , this explains everything

*trailers.gametrailers.com/gt_vault/t_quake4_theatrical_hd.wmv

 

[enoonmai]

Umm, no, you don't quite play "as the Strogg". I have seen the video and the previews. Actually, what happens is that you are captured and before you can get completely Stroggified, you are rescued, so you still fight for the EDF, even though you look like a Strogg. They don't really manage to turn you into a Strogg, at least not your mind. So, I am afraid that still doesn't explain that line. ("players choose to battle") Seems like nobody anywhere has an answer.

 

[icecoolz]

Has the game hit the shelves in India ? I havent seen it till now..will make a nice Diwali present...for myself

 

[thegame_rulez]

Has the game hit the shelves in India ? I havent seen it till now..will make a nice Diwali present...for myself

lol. we have so many xcuses to buy stuff...poor america and ROW with mostly only christmas for such purchases.

 

[gxsaurav]

well, it will be legally available only by decembar, but pirated copies will come in a few weeks

although it's already available for download on torrents

 

[enoonmai]

Major had asked WWCDRoms and while they told him at first that it would be available on Monday morning and the Special Edition DVD containing Q2 and its mission packs as well would be out in December. However, another check by Major today and he was told that the standard 4-CD version would be here within 2 weeks, which is the standard time these games, including D3 and HL2 took to release officially here. Of course, this puts into suspicion the availability of the Special Edition DVD in December as well. However, expect the CD version to be in stores along with F.E.A.R. (still no confirmed news on who's distributing this here) before the end of this month, maximum before the first week of November, not more.

 

[gxsaurav]

hmm,I m looking forward to buy the DVD version of Quake 4, since DVD games are getting popular here in Lucknow, U can buy a few games like GTA-SA, Far Cry, UT2004, Doom 3 in DVD here

 

[tarey_g]

@enoonmai , pls post the link to the page where u read "players choose to battle" , i want to read that article too.

-tarey_g

 

[enoonmai]

@Tarey_G: Check Amazon, EBGames or the tons of other sites selling the game. Also, Kumaresh_Arsenal copy-pasted the information in his post here. Check the post here with the Q4 box-shot and the number of paragraphs in quotes. Amazon lists the same detail at their site here. A lot of sites carry the same information, but that looks like information for ET:QW rather than Q4, so I am wondering if there is any feature in Q4 that provides an option for the player to choose.

 

[Major-Minor]

Quake 4 available at e-bay

 

[alib_i]

Warning for DialUp Users .... heavy thread !!

I dont understand .. no screenshots by now !!
Following screenshots are not from my comp .. but some in my LAN

*img487.imageshack.us/img487/831/quake4_2005-10-22_19-04-30-34_276.th.jpg *img487.imageshack.us/img487/963/quake4_2005-10-22_19-03-25-25_301.th.jpg *img487.imageshack.us/img487/4915/quake4_2005-10-22_19-01-57-70_395.th.jpg

*img487.imageshack.us/img487/235/quake4_2005-10-22_19-00-34-04_198.th.jpg *img487.imageshack.us/img487/2601/quake4_2005-10-22_18-58-33-04_699.th.jpg *img487.imageshack.us/img487/8121/quake4_2005-10-22_18-56-58-10_117.th.jpg

*img487.imageshack.us/img487/8818/quake4_2005-10-22_18-56-23-65_140.th.jpg *img487.imageshack.us/img487/4629/quake4_2005-10-22_17-42-16-14_112.th.jpg *img487.imageshack.us/img487/2503/quake4_2005-10-22_17-41-58-84_834.th.jpg

*img487.imageshack.us/img487/3228/quake4_2005-10-22_17-26-59-82_139.th.jpg *img487.imageshack.us/img487/3214/quake4_2005-10-22_17-26-26-26_164.th.jpg *img427.imageshack.us/img427/2378/quake420051022190446658008fo.th.jpg

*img398.imageshack.us/img398/2385/quake420051022190548042692gi.th.jpg

Gameplay seems to be quite smooth ..
damn .. I need a new computer

PS: Someone plz put a warning over the thread for dial up users

-----
alibi

 

[Nemesis]

I've read that the game lags when you play it over the Internet. So I guess the game was smooth in your case it it was the host computer

I don't thin kwe need a dial-up warning just yet

 

[gxsaurav]

plz, next time u upload something use better jpg compression then this

nice shots though, any idea on performance, if anyone u know got it already, i m talking about the single player mode

 

[alib_i]

yup .. it hosted on on same computer ...
who the hell will join internet servers ... anyways my college firewall doesnt allow it ..

@gxsaurav ..
i would have lost the quality ... there's always a compromise.
i would have given a full detail of performance, had it been my comp ...
i gotta get hold of somebody who's installed it .. gotta run

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alibi