Quake III Arena Game Western Quake 3 Preview feature

Instead of beating around the bush and writing tons that will most likely not be read by the majority of you, who seek only eye candy and screenshots, I thought I would get straight to the point having just played the second beta version of Western Quake 3, and say it is nothing less than awesome!

Ok, now before I begin for those who have played beta 1.2, please wipe that from memory and consider this as a first release of the new Western Quake 3. It was 100% redone, revamped and improved. Plus it is uhh, brand spanking shiny new!

Sure from my playtest, there was perhaps a minor bug or two, sure we were playing on and English server and my ping was 400 (I blame that for getting my arse whooped) but for a beta two release, a). this mod is awesome FUN and b). It is done brilliantly from the menu to the in-game visuals and gameplay. I guess however the best way to scope out a mods potential is if the creators themselves enjoy playing it and that I can say is defiantly true having played them for quite some time.

Anyhow down to the nitty gritty details, and time to criticise what little I can. What can I say, it is great!

Graphics? Well the first thing you will see of course is the menu, and it is fabulous. Hell even the loading screens are sexy and not some boring console. Anyhow forget the console for a minute and let’s discuss the gun models! Let me just say now, that they are top notch. I am however coming to my opinion by comparing these guns to those I saw in back to the future movie :D so interpret that as you will!

The maps in terms of layout were solid. Many paths for those who like to do something different each go, and not to big so as to get have painful rounds lasting ages and not to small, hence avoiding a 5 second massacre. Of course the quake engine really does still look great and the maps have fantastic textures, with quality buildings, nice outside areas, interesting ‘wanted’ posters on the walls. My only real complaint is the sharp map edges. Some of the cliffs look like you could cut yourself on them.

The player models were nice also. I loved seeing people get a little blood on there outfit having just been shot. There is however much room for improvement which of course would be expected from the mods first public release.

To move now briefly onto the sounds. First off you shall notice this fly sound, which let me just say is cool for about 5 seconds. Fortunately it can be turned off, and actually having said that, I came to like it towards the end of play. Other sounds are great, guns and reloading sequences really do look the part, and let me just assure you, it really does feel like bullets are whizzing past your head when you are been shot at!

Anyhow I shall finish off with the most important aspect and that is of course gameplay. For the first round of play, we were having one on one duals. These were great (though I really struggled to land a shot – it was my 400 ping I tell ye!!). You each start off semi facing each other a fair way away. You can choose to take it right up to your opponent or can hold your ground and wait for the big showdown. It is over quick, and you just keep on rotating enemies.. hours of good fun and a true test of skill. Landing that first shot is critical!

The second gameplay mode was bank robbery. As one would guess you can choose between outlaws or the good guys and the aim is to run in and nab yourself a nice stash of money. I had a blast playing this. You constantly rotate teams so everyone gets a fair go, and it really is satisfying to ensure that the bank is secure as you patrol around wielding that sweet-as sawn off shotgun. Ok and a quick tip, give a stick of dynamite a shot. Whack it on the ground and the minute an unsuspecting enemy walks by, shoot it from afar and KABOOM! Blood, guts just the way I like it!

Well the intention was really keeping this preview short and sweet, but hell I hope you all enjoy my rant about and it makes you want to play this mod even more. I really do encourage, quake and non-quake fans to give it a shot. The team has put in one hell of a damn fine effort and I just hope it does not go unrewarded and they secure a big fan base they deserve!! (Oh and the download is 150megs plus so for those not blessed with fast internet, stiff err **** is the appropriate term I do believe :()

10 sexy screenshots aint enough for you? Lucky I loved playing this
mod, so I figured I'd pull out a few more of my favourite random
pictures and show them off! Enjoy!

Official Western Quake Webpage: Westernquake3.com
Mod DB Profile: Western Quake 3