Reports Suggest Quake II Remastered Set to Release Today at QuakeCon 2023
Update: As expected, Quake II “remastered/enhanced edition” has finally been released at QuakeCon 2023 by Bethesda Softworks and id Software. The enhanced version includes various improvements and additional content.
Priced at $9.99, the game includes the original Quake II, the mission packs The Reckoning and Ground Zero, a new expansion called Call of the Machine, Quake II 64, as well as support for both online and local multiplayer cooperative play with cross-play functionality.
The remastered version offers enhancements such as up to 4K resolution and widescreen support, improved models, upgraded enemy animations and gore, restored AI behaviors, enhanced cinematics, dynamic and colored lighting, anti-aliasing, depth of field, and the original rock soundtrack by Sonic Mayhem.
The enhanced edition also introduces an all-new expansion titled Call of the Machine, developed by MachineGames. This expansion comprises 28 campaign levels and a multiplayer deathmatch map.
Multiplayer options include 4-player online or local split-screen cooperative play for the main campaign and expansions. Additionally, retro-style combat is available with support for 16-player online or 4-player local split-screen in Deathmatch and Team Deathmatch modes. The PlayStation and Switch versions offer motion aiming using gyro controls to enhance accuracy.
For Xbox players, the game can be played on the go through Xbox’s xCloud service, accessible to Game Pass Ultimate subscribers. It’s important to note that display resolutions and local split-screen multiplayer capacities differ across platforms.
Quake II is now accessible on various platforms, including PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox Game Pass, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Original Story
According to the prominent leaker billbil-kun, who previously confirmed the long-rumored Quake II Remaster or Enhanced Edition simply titled “Quake II,” will be unveiled at QuakeCon 2023. Now, the leaker confirms that the game will be shadow dropped at the event later today, much like the remastered version of the original game, which had a surprise release at QuakeCon in 2021.
The leaker also confirms that Quake II Remastered will be priced at $9.99 / €9.99 / £7.99. It will be released on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC, and Game Pass.
QuakeCon is returning to in-person attendance in 2023 after three long years of digital-only fan attendance. Starting on Thursday, August 10th, and running through Sunday, August 13th. The event will start at 12 PM CT / 10 AM PT / 7 PM CEST / 1 PM ET / 6 PM BST on Thursday, August 10th, 2023.
It will physically take place at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas (United States). QuakeCon 2023 will also be streamed on Twitch.tv/Bethesda.
The remastered or enhanced version of Quake II was first confirmed to be in existence after it was rated (no surprise) by The Game Rating and Administration Committee of Korea (spotted by Gematsu) back in June 2023. Fans have been waiting for an update on Quake II Remastered since then, and it looks like their wait will end today at QuakeCon 2023.
Quake II, originally released in 1997 by id Software, is a first-person shooter video game. It’s the sequel to the original Quake and features a sci-fi setting where players take on the role of a space marine trying to stop an alien invasion on a distant planet. The game is known for its fast-paced multiplayer action and advanced graphics for its time. It was well-received for its gameplay, multiplayer modes, and modding community.
What are your thoughts about this news? Are you looking forward to the rumored release of Quake 2 Remastered/Enhanced Edition at QuakeCon 2023 later today? Let us know in the comments section below.
