Review by Richard Brindley

Name:         Aftershock for Quake
Publisher:    Head Games
Format:       CD-ROM
Available:    Now

Requires:

O/S:          DOS 5.0
Processor:    Pentium 75MHz
RAM:          8Mb
Graphics:     VGA/SVGA 512k
CD-Rom:       Quad speed
Soundcard:    SoundBlaster 100% compatible
Additional:   Requires full version of Quake

Tested on:

O/S:          Windows 95
Processor:    Pentium Pro 200MHz
RAM:          256Mb
Graphics:     Matrox Millennium 8Mb WRAM
CD-ROM:       Toshiba 12x SCSI
Soundcard:    AWE32 / Yamaha DB50XG
Controls:     Mouse / Keyboard

Aftershock for Quake

Aftershock is the first of many add-ons to Quake to be available in the shops. Those of us who enjoy Quake have been kept waiting for the much-touted Total Conversions (TCs) which have so far failed to appear, and now both ID and outside companies have begun to release add-ons of varying complexity.

Aftershock does not replace any of the in-built sounds, nor does it add new monsters or weapons; this is quite simply a basic WAD addition pack similar to what we are all used to being released for Doom. What makes it good, however, is the fact that rather than being a disparate collection of levels thrown together like shovel-ware, time appears to have been taken to create a "second episode" feel. All of the single-player levels mesh nicely with each other to create a smooth chapter to chapter progression.

Aftershock provides approachable front-ends for both DOS and Windows 95 users for launching both Quake and Aftershock, and gives you direct access to all of the maps within each game. A net play option helps you with those TCP/IP configuration blues. A "Check Time" button will connect you to an IP server sniffer which checks the ping times of local servers, and a full on-line help system is available.

As an added bonus, the Quake THRED editor, along with some sample map and texture files is provided for those budding Quake level designers to get cracking on.

The most important parts of the CD, however, are the levels.

Any good, are they?

Oh, yes. An they're tough as old boots, to, er, boot... Those of you who thought that the registered Quake levels were too easy, you're in for a treat. Even on "normal" difficulty, it's about on a par with the "hard" setting in Quake, the "hard" setting is bl**dy hard, and the "nightmare" setting - Judas Priest! I don't think this spoils your enjoyment either - it just makes you a bit less nonchalant about running full tilt everywhere.

How does it look?

Although Head Games have not changed any of the monsters or weapons (which I must admit was quite a disappointment), they have done a fair amount of work on the textures and colouration. One of the moans a lot of people had about Quake was that it was drab and dull looking. Head Games have gone part-way to solving this problem - most of the levels are a lot better looking than the Quake originals.

What have we got new, then?

In addition to 17 new single-player levels, there are nine new deathmatch arenas in Aftershock. There is a common feel about a lot of the deathmatch arenas, which gives you a sense of being around an unfinished building site; hanging girders and half-plastered walls, along with wooden staircases and scaffolding give these arenas a quite different feel to those supplied with the full version of Quake.

Let's have a look at what's on offer.

The Basin

A small arena, where platforms abound. This level contains loads of sneaky sniper spots and secret underwater traps.

Decarlo

An amusing arena which appears to be a representation of the author's house! There's the obligatory staircase, bathroom, bath, and even a toilet here - and a lot of the water traps are secret passages to elsewhere.

The Abode

A much larger mansion-type affair. Here you can get up on the roof, and jump down the chimney to surprise the unsuspecting player standing near the fireplace.

Lavabox

A smallish deathmatch arena with a major trap - the whole match takes place over a giant lava pit. One false step on those flimsy gangways, and you're a gonna!

Lavabox II

A larger arena all based around a single central lift. Control that lift and you control the match. Once more, a large lava pool awaits those who aren't surefooted.

A Little Piece of Heaven

A small capture the flag arena with concealed entrances and disorientating teleports.

Water Transport

Perhaps my favourite out of all of the DeathMatches on this CD - the whole arena is based around a huge water tower, which is used to transport yourself from level to level. A great deal of the ammo and weapons are to be found inside the water tower, so you have to watch your air supply scrupulously. The man who gets the BioSuit rules the nest.

Porch of Doom

A small capture-the-flag arena with one main tower.

Conclusion

If you've finished the full Quake, and are starved for new levels to test your mettle against, or are looking for new and more exciting deathmatch levels, rush out to your nearest stockist (or phone our favourite mail order supplier) and get it! If you don't like or you`re bored with Quake, don't bother, it's more of the same, only tougher.

Richard Brindley for Game Over!