An excellent Multiplayer game that is pure fun but has its flaws. Read on...
The Story :
The game is set just before the events of Quake 2. It is the year 2060 and the Strogg have Invaded planet Earth. The Game Highlights the main events of the conflict, like for example, the Slipgate technology, which would get captured by the GDF (Global Defence Force, the Humans) and would then be used against the Strogg to invade them, which leads then to Quake 2.
Although a Storyline is not needed for a Multiplayer game the story in Quake Wars is written well and makes sense when 'Destroying That' or 'Defending This' unlike in other MP games where a story is nonexistent.
The Gameplay :
The gameplay in Quake Wars is very similar to Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory, and nothing else. Some say its similar to Battlefield 2 or Quake 3, which in the end it isn't.
The aspects this game that totally triumphs are the Variety, Depth and overall Fun.
There is a really wide Variety of what you can do in this game.
You are the normal guy who just wants to grab a Gun and shoot em up?
You can do that.
You are the guy who likes to Snipe?
Then just grab a sniper rifle and hit them in the head.
Or the Stoneage Guy who says no to guns and likes to Knife the enemy to Death?
Then just Disguise as the enemy and backstab your enemy.
Or the guy who likes the word 'Kaboom!'?
Then just throw a Blue Coloured smoke cannister somewhere and watch the enemy get blown up from above.
You can do all the above any time you want, there is no restriction, unlocks or anything.
The Game's Depth is also awesome. With all the great maps, variety of ways to kill your enemy and Persistent Stats, you have got a game that lasts for a long, long time until it gets boring.
And in the end the game is all about fun. It won't be all about 'Unlocking Weapoin X' or 'Killing X enemys'. Although the game has a drop of RPG in it, it isn't purely RPG. You won't be rewarded mainly for achieving an amount of something but having fun and playing as a team.
Talking about Team, ETQW is a purely Team Based Multiplayer, so you will never be alone. And it does it really, really well. Medic and Field ops can give out Med Packs and Ammo Crates (respectively) to other team mates, or them selfs. Soldiers, although they mainly are there to kill, are able to plant explosives to destroy something, Engineers can deploy Turrets and Covert Ops can deploy Radar to Display where the enemy is.
Of course I only said a little of what the game has. There is alot in the game and I am not surprised if you found the above confusing. So for new or recent players, I suggest reading this website : http://4newbies.planetwolfenstein.gamespy.com/ETQW/
Its a great Guide where Every Inch of the game is covered and Explained and is worth reading if you are new, to understand the game. (credit goes to Ifurita for the whole guide).
The Strogg :
Another aspect of the Game Worth Mentioning is the fact that it is Aliens vs Humans. And unlike other games, the teams are very different (not completely, but very). In many Multiplayer games, both teams are just Different skins and Different Spawn Points. But in this game, the GDF and Strogg are different in many parts, like how Reviving is done, the weapons, Gadgets, Etc.
It will complicate things a bit, as once you understand one team and go to the other you will feel like in a different game and would need to get used to it.
But the great thing about this is not because there are 2 different teams, but how Balanced it is. From my point of view, having two different teams with different load outs and gadgets (not just skins) would prove unbalanced. But his game has proved that theory wrong.
The differences of both teams are there. But still it is perfectly balanced. I only complained once about the other team being stronger, bit that was because I was sniped clear by a Strogg Railgun from a hill top.
But then again, in this game, everything has its strengths, but can ALWAYS be countered. So if you find a sniper pissing you off for example, just call in Artillery to his position and blow him to kingdom come. There isn't a single thing that is overpowered in the game because it can be countered.
The Graphics :
The Graphics in this game are of course, not the best compared to games like Crysis. But it still has its greats and flaws.
The Great thing about Quake Wars is the Performance and Field of View.
The game on a 8600GT can run on 60-70 FPS with High Settings and 1280x1024 Resolution. And not only that but you have almost unlimited FoV.
Having High FoV in other games would really put your PC to the Test (like in Oblivion, for example) and also, it can make the game 'ugly' at some point because of Repeating Textures. But because of a special 'toy' the game engine has called the 'Mega texture', the FoV of the game is fixed at Unlimited. You can't get it less or more. You can view a Mountain, 1km away from you, without getting your video card boiled. And the Mountains look fantastic too.
But then, of course, the game has its flaws. Although you get 60 FPS, somehow, it doesn't feel like you are playing with 60 FPS, and feels like you are playing with 30 or lower. And it is a problem because of the game's fast Pace. And it may be because of the fact, that although I have 60-70 FPS, it then bounces up and down from 20 to 70.
The Sound :
The sound is actually good and not that bad that you would want to turn it off. The little music the game has is well done, the guns sound as they should and although the Voicing is kinda 'Out of place', once you get used to it, it does its job well. Also, the game has some Humor after the map ends (which i won't say to anyone, because of Spoilers)
Pros :
Ace Gameplay : The gameplay in the game is both deep and fun. Although the immense depth will get you a steep learning curve, once you get used to it, it will last for a long long time.
Intelligent Bots : The bots in the game are surprisingly effective and clever. They will assist their team and kill any enemy in sight. Sometimes, you will enjoy the bots more then the normal clueless multilayer gamer! Also, it is a good idea to practice with bots before you decide to play a Multiplayer game, to get used to the maps, classes etc.
Asymmetrical balance : Just keep the fact in mind that to everything, there is a weakness. And you will never complain that there something is overpowered. Finding the Weakness is the real challenge about it tho.
Strogg! Strogg! Strogg! : No other Alien Species is as Kick Ass as the Strogg.
Maps : Well Designed. Detail has been put in all maps and also all are balanced. Combining them into campaigns with an experience and rewards system is all the better.
Performance : Having 60 FPS with great looking Graphics on an 8600GT is impressive.
Cons :
Performance : Yep. As I said, there is something really odd about the Performance, Having 60 FPS and feels like 30 FPS, is really not good for a fast paced game like this. Both Fraps and the game itself confirmed the 60 FPS.
Ending Comments:
A Rough, Huge Diamond is what describes Quake Wars. For first, you are going to be disappointed, like I was by the game. But once you get used to it, you are going to get a ride of your life. If it wasn't for the Performance Problem, the game would be much much better.