Episodes that previously lacked boss levels now have them and there's some new weapons scattered around. Many levels have been given a lick of fresh paint, some new interactive elements and reworked enemy placements. Textures are still unfiltered, polygons are still chunky, but it all feels fresh again. The new blood and gore system helps, too - enemies gib satisfyingly, and the previously useless-feeling axe now slices clean through enemies like something out of a samurai anime. They also sound beefier, and the accompanying lighting and particle effects really make things feel powerful. Weapons are still chunky enough to look a little old-school, but far more detailed and better animated. Part of Quake 1.5's stated goal is to make the game feel more like the current crop of retro revival shooters, and I feel that it hits the mark. Find it on Mod DB, or check out a trailer below if the fancy new boss above isn't exciting enough. Today's release is technically a beta, but well worth playing, and dead easy to set up too. That means new, detailed weapon models, monsters (some from the excellent Arcane Dimensions), levels and more. Assembled by modder 'bloodshot12' (although its full credits are extensive), it's a cocktail of mods for Id's original Quake that aims to retain its aesthetic, but upgrade everything else. A raytraced Quake 2 might be a fun retro showcase of shiny new hardware, but Quake 1.5 is what you really want to be playing right now.

Quake 1 full