Conclusion
As a fan of Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory, the transition to ETQW was easy since the core mechanics are similar. If you’re a Battlefield player you’ll have to adapt both your play style and your tactics because ETQW plays a lot different. It may resemble BF with vehicles and large terrains but, in reality, the gameplay contrasts greatly, in particular when it comes to objectives versus flag capture. Quake players will probably have difficulty understanding why they can’t own the entire server by themselves and the realization that, yes, you do need to work together to win may come as a shock.
The twelve maps that ship with the game are varied and original, ranging from scorching deserts to the tundra covered landscapes of the arctic, through islands, volcanoes and even a UK-based map with a beautiful overcast sky. In one of the maps you start in Algeria and, through the Strogg's slipgate technology, teleport to the final objective in Antarctica to win the match. Like all games based on id Software engines, it is easy for people to mod ETQW and this will be one of the things to look for in the months ahead.
The demo is now available, featuring one of the twelve maps the game ships with, so you can try it for yourself. I must warn, however, that the learning curve is not kind and the game requires (and deserves) getting to know the nuances and best tactics. While you can simply choose the soldier class with the rocket launcher, go cause some mayhem and have some mindless fun, you’ll miss what this game is all about: teamwork.
Graphics: Good, but not eye popping. Seeing the terrain right to the horizon with no fog far-plane is great but the ground is a little barren.
Sound: Doesn’t disappoint, what you’d expect from a multiplayer game. Excellent voice-overs.
Fun: Like all multiplayer games it depends on who you’re playing with but the game delivers oodles of it when you have teamwork.
Length: In this case the steep learning curve also means you’ll have plenty to learn in the months to come. Every strategy can be countered with ingenuity. Custom maps and mods will keep the game going.
The PC version of Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars is available in European and Australian stores now and in reach US shelves on October 2nd. The Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of the game are expected in 2008. Many thanks to fellow ETQW beta tester Katana for the screenshots in this article.
