The old classics, Capture the Flag, Clan Arena, Teach Death Match, Free for All, and Duel comprise the game’s five main modes of play, but before players can enter a match, they must play the game’s tutorial – a duel against the NPC named Crash. At this time, the game downloads to your PC (sorry, Mac users!) and the A.I. will try and keep the match close, no matter the player’s skill level. Then, after the match is over, the system will use that player data and apply it to a match recommendation system so each player gets pointed towards matches with other players of equal skill.

This way, anyone new to the series won’t find themselves in a struggle to land a single kill against a pro like Jason Wendel, a.k.a. Fatal1ty. The system works, but for better and for worse, it’s still possible to join matches that may be more difficult or easy. I’ve witnessed more than a few angry gamers initiate a vote to kick another player when someone with pro-level skills lays waste to an entire server. Oh well. Using the tools provided, one griefer’s plans were thwarted. No big deal.

Accuracy, hits compared to shots, and kill/death ratio are just some of the statistics the game constantly tallies. Using the friend tool, or the comprehensive worldwide leaderboards, you can also compare your stats, as well as pointless (but rewarding in a fuzzy feeling way) with those of another player. It’s all wonderful in theory, and in my opinion should be a staple these days, but it doesn’t always work. I’m sure if we asked id “why?” they’d reply with one word: “beta.” When/if the title sheds its beta skin, we’ll let you know if this problem persists.

Since they’re basically giving away the service for free, developer/publisher id Software’s gotta make some money from this endeavor. Littered, but unobtrusively so, about each level are various advertisements. As of writing, most consisted of relevant products such as PC components or gear, and other times a “Quake Live” banner would appear, possibly acting as a placeholder until more ads are secured. Because of their sparse implementation and where they’re placed in each level, I doubt anyone but the cynics would complain if id decided to run a few Barbie or flame-broiled Whopper ads.

Back in 1996, id started QuakeCon at a Best Western in Garland, Texas. Various members of the development team and 30 other people, which later turned into 100, tested each other’s skills at “Quake I” and “Doom.” Now, it’s the North America’s largest LAN party of its kind. In 2007, the event had 25,000 sq ft of vendor space and 7,000 sq ft for the events, and participants could enter into two different tournaments – each with $50,000 purses.

Not surprisingly, id is already utilizing “Quake Live” as a competitive gaming platform, even though it’s still in beta form. In fact, there’s an entire sub-forum dedicated to the subject. There, players are, as of writing, discussing the best maps to implement for tournament play, which game types the Global Gaming League and Electronic Sports League should use, and a smörgåasbord of other relevant topics. Of course, it’s up to the community to keep this kind of social competitive play relevant.

Speaking of relevancy, I didn’t expect “Quake Live” to play this well after all these years. Even with stacks of the latest releases sitting near my desk, and dozens of MMOs I want to play, I still love to waste some time fraggin’ some fools in my web browser. The minimal install just means I have one more thing to keep me distracted while I’m on someone else’s computer (hey my sweet and lovely girlfriend!). As long as id continues supporting this product, I’ll probably continue to play.

Review by Kyle Stallock
March 25th, 2009