History YMMV / QuakeI

** The UsefulNotes/SegaSaturn port doesn't use the original ''Quake'' engine, but Lobotomy Software's in-house Slavedriver engine, specially tailored to the Saturn. As such, its optimization allows it to be a lot closer to the PC original than other ports.
** The 2021 Kex Engine remaster by Creator/NightdiveStudios brought the game to UsefulNotes/PlayStation4 and [[UsefulNotes/PlayStation5 5]], UsefulNotes/XboxOne and [[UsefulNotes/XboxSeriesXAndS Series X|S]], UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch and PC[[labelnote:*]]where it is presented as ''Quake Enhanced'' and offered for free for those who already had the original iteration[[/labelnote]]. It not only offers a near-faithful experience but is also comparable to playing the game on a source port. It offers various graphics settings that allow players to make the game look as retro or modern as possible, supports widescreen and HD resolutions up to 4K, running at 60 FPS (with the PC version being able to run up to ''500'' FPS or higher), remappable controls for console players with optional gyro controls on the [=PlayStation=] 4 and Switch versions, includes Trent Reznor's soundtrack[[labelnote:*]]which was missing in the [=DOSBox=] re-release on Steam[[/labelnote]], all of the game's official Missions Packs plus Dimension of the Past and the new Dimension of the Machine, and cross-platform online multiplayer. Similarly to the 2019 re-releases of ''VideoGame/{{Doom}}'' and [[VideoGame/DoomII its sequel]], this remaster also features downloadable curated mods while PC players can load vanilla-compatible mods. The downside however is that the online multiplayer and downloading curated mods on consoles require a Bethesda.net account.

* BestLevelEver:

** Some of the end-of-episode text scrawls talk about how the [[ArtifactOfDoom rune]] you just grabbed is "throbbing in your hand", which sounds rather like [[Main/ThisIndexTouchesItself something else is happening.]]

* AccidentalInnuendo: The first level of ''Dissolution Of Eternity'' is named "Deviant's Domain", which grammatically makes sense but also sounds like a strange sex-related venue.

* SeinfeldIsUnfunny: Quake codified a lot of tropes associated with the modern FPS, such as [[RocketJump weapon jumping/climbing]], CaptureTheFlag, 1v1 arena, dedicated servers, lag compensation, [[RealIsBrown green/brown palette]], etc. However, it rarely gets mentioned in any Best Game Ever lists along with its progeny. ''VideoGame/QuakeIIIArena'' "steals" most of these honours instead due to its greater focus on multiplayer keeping it relevant.

* VindicatedByHistory: On release, some criticized the single-player for how close it stuck to the formula of ''VideoGame/{{Doom}}'', and was later overshadowed by the success of the multiplayer component. The success of ''VideoGame/QuakeIIIArena'' then turned the series into multiplayer-first games, with campaign seen as an afterthought outside of the Raven-developed ''VideoGame/QuakeIV''. Around 2012, however, the single-player found appreciation by more due to the refinements it made to the ''Doom'' formula, [[Music/NineInchNails bold sound effects]], surreal environments, non-linearity (in a time where games were mostly [[NoSidepathsNoExplorationNoFreedom linear and story-driven]]), and its unique GothicHorror atmosphere with a Lovecraftian touch few other games dared to replicate. The vindication was also invoked in the creation of the well-received 2021 remaster, with its trailer explicitly stating ''"Re-introducing the dark fantasy FPS that inspires today's retro shooters"'', referencing games like ''VideoGame/{{Dusk}}'' and ''VideoGame/{{HROT}}'', both inspired by the original ''Quake''[='=]s campaign.

* VindicatedByHistory: On release, some criticized the single-player because of how close it stuck to the formula of ''VideoGame/{{Doom}}'', and was later overshadowed by the success of the multiplayer component. The success of ''VideoGame/QuakeIIIArena'' then turned the series into multiplayer-first games, with campaign seen as an afterthought outside of the Raven-developed ''VideoGame/QuakeIV''. Around 2012, however, the single-player found appreciation by more due to the refinements it made to the ''Doom'' formula, [[Music/NineInchNails bold sound effects]], surreal environments, non-linearity (in a time where games were mostly [[NoSidepathsNoExplorationNoFreedom linear and story-driven]]), and its unique GothicHorror atmosphere with a Lovecraftian touch few other games dared to replicate. The vindication was also invoked in the creation of the well-received 2021 remaster, with its trailer explicitly stating ''"Re-introducing the dark fantasy FPS that inspires today's retro shooters"'', referencing games like ''VideoGame/{{Dusk}}'' and ''VideoGame/{{HROT}}'', both inspired by the original ''Quake''[='=]s campaign.

* SeinfeldIsUnfunny: This game codified a lot of tropes associated with the modern FPS, such as [[RocketJump weapon jumping/climbing]], CaptureTheFlag, 1v1 arena, dedicated servers, lag compensation, [[RealIsBrown green/brown palette]], etc. However, it rarely gets mentioned in any Best Game Ever lists along with its progeny. ''VideoGame/QuakeIIIArena'' "steals" most of these honours instead due to its greater focus on multiplayer keeping it relevant.

* VindicatedByHistory: On release, the single-player campaign was criticized because of how close it stuck to the formula of ''VideoGame/{{Doom}}'', and it was later overshadowed by the success of its multiplayer component. The later success of ''VideoGame/QuakeIIIArena'' turned the series into a multiplayer-first series, with the single-player campaign seen as an afterthought outside of the Raven-developed ''VideoGame/QuakeIV''. Around 2012, however, the campaign began to be appreciated due to the refinements it made to the ''Doom'' formula, bold sound effects, surreal environments, non-linearity (in a time where games were mostly [[NoSidepathsNoExplorationNoFreedom linear and story-driven]]), and its unique GothicHorror atmosphere with a Lovecraftian touch few other games attempted to replicate. This vindication was also invoked in the creation of the well-received 2021 remaster, with its trailer explicitly stating ''"Re-introducing the dark fantasy FPS that inspires today's retro shooters"'', referencing games like ''VideoGame/{{Dusk}}'' and ''VideoGame/{{HROT}}'' which are inspired by the original ''Quake''[='=]s campaign.

* ThatOneLevel: Note that this section assumes play on Hard or [[HarderThanHard Nightmare]], as considered "canon" and proper in the ''Quake'' community.

* VindicatedByHistory: On release, the single-player campaign wasn't really appreciated because of how close it stuck to the formula of ''VideoGame/{{Doom}}'', and it was later overshadowed by the success of its multiplayer component. The later success of ''VideoGame/QuakeIIIArena'' turned the series into a multiplayer-first series, with the single-player campaign seen as an afterthought outside of the Raven-developed ''VideoGame/QuakeIV''. Around 2012, however, the campaign began to be appreciated due to the refinements it made to the ''Doom'' formula, bold sound effects, surreal environments, non-linearity (in a time where games were mostly [[NoSidepathsNoExplorationNoFreedom linear and story-driven]]), and its unique GothicHorror atmosphere with a Lovecraftian touch few other games attempted to replicate. This vindication was also invoked in the creation of the well-received 2021 remaster, with its trailer explicitly stating ''"Re-introducing the dark fantasy FPS that inspires today's retro shooters"'', referencing games like ''VideoGame/{{Dusk}}'' and ''VideoGame/{{HROT}}'' which are inspired by the original ''Quake''[='=]s campaign.

* VindicatedByHistory: The single-player campaign underwent a rediscovery of sorts nearly two decades after its initial release. Initially the campaign wasn't really appreciated at launch because of how close it stuck to the formula of ''VideoGame/{{Doom}}'', and it was later overshadowed by the success of its multiplayer component. The later success of ''VideoGame/QuakeIIIArena'' turned the series into a multiplayer-first series. Around 2012, however, the single-player campaign began to be reappreciated due to the refinements it made to the ''Doom'' formula, bold sound effects, surreal environments and its unique GothicHorror atmosphere with a Lovecraftian touch few other games (even inside the ''Quake'' series itself) attempted to replicate. This vindication was also a factor in the creation of the well-received 2021 remaster. The remaster's trailer on Steam explicitly states "Re-introducing the dark fantasy FPS that inspires today's retro shooters", referencing games like ''VideoGame/{{Dusk}}'' and ''VideoGame/{{HROT}}'' which are heavily inspired by the original ''Quake''[='=]s campaign.

* VindicatedByHistory:
** The gritty single-player campaign has undergone something of a rediscovery nearly two decades after its initial release. Though beloved by proud FPS veterans, ''some'' were disappointed in how close it stuck to the formula of ''VideoGame/{{Doom}}'' upon initial release, and was sadly overshadowed by the runaway success of the multiplayer. ''Quake''[='=]s single-player was virtually forgotten by the mainstream after ''VideoGame/QuakeIIIArena'' dumped single-player entirely and transformed the series into a landmark multiplayer shooter. However, starting in 2012 or so, there's been a new appreciation for the single-player campaign that is ''Quake'', namely the refinements it made to the ''Doom'' formula, bold sound effects, surreal environments and its unique GothicHorror atmosphere with that Lovecraftian touch so few other games (even inside the ''Quake'' series itself) have so much as attempted to replicate. The closest thing may be ''VideoGame/QuakeChampions'', with its arenas taking place in several [[LovecraftLite lovecraftian]] dimensions, but even that's a downplayed example, as the game's still multiplayer-oriented.
** This vindication was also a factor in the creation of the well-received 2021 remaster. The remaster's trailer on Steam explicitly states "Re-introducing the dark fantasy FPS that inspires today's retro shooters", no doubt referencing games like ''VideoGame/{{Dusk}}'' and ''VideoGame/{{HROT}}'' which are heavily inspired by the original ''Quake''[='=]s campaign.

** The single-player campaign has undergone something of a rediscovery nearly two decades after its initial release. When the game was first released some couldn't help but be disappointed in how close it stuck to the formula of ''VideoGame/{{Doom}}'', and it was overshadowed by the runaway success of the multiplayer. ''Quake''[='=]s single-player was virtually forgotten after ''VideoGame/QuakeIIIArena'' dumped single-player entirely and transformed the series into a landmark multiplayer shooter. However, starting in 2012 or so, there's been a new appreciation for the single-player campaign, namely the refinements it made to the ''Doom'' formula, and its unique GothicHorror atmosphere with a Lovecraftian touch that few other games (even inside the ''Quake'' series itself) have so much as attempted to replicate. The closest thing may be ''VideoGame/QuakeChampions'', with its arenas taking place in several [[LovecraftLite lovecraftian]] dimensions, but even that's a downplayed example, as the game's mainly multiplayer-oriented.

** The single-player campaign has undergone something of a rediscovery nearly two decades after its initial release. When the game was first released some couldn't help but be disappointed in how close it stuck to the formula of ''VideoGame/{{Doom}}'', and it was overshadowed by the runaway success of the multiplayer. ''Quake''[='=]s single-player was virtually forgotten after ''VideoGame/QuakeIIIArena'' dumped single-player entirely and transformed the series into a landmark multiplayer shooter. However, starting in 2012 or so, there's been a new appreciation for the single-player campaign, namely the refinements it made to the ''Doom'' formula, and its unique GothicHorror atmosphere with a Lovecraftian touch that no other game in the world (even inside the ''Quake'' series itself) so much as attempted to replicate. The closest thing may be ''VideoGame/QuakeChampions'', with its arenas taking place in several [[LovecraftLite lovecraftian]] dimensions, but even that's a downplayed example, as the game's mainly multiplayer-oriented.

** The Overlord in ''Dissolution of Eternity'' is little more than a more durable version of the Wrath.

* ComeForTheGameStayForTheMods: Much like its predecessor ''VideoGame/{{DoomII}}'', ''VideoGame/{{Quake}}'' was also host to a notable modding community even upon release, especially since Creator/IdSoftware packaged the game with the [=QuakeC=] programming language & [=QuakeEd=] level editor free for all players to use. Besides famously having spawned [[Creator/ValveCorporation Valve Software]]'s Source Engine lineage, similar advents of source ports, modern mapping tools and even updates to the [=QuakeC=] code courtesy of the 2021 Quake remaster have burgeoned a robust modding community just as its forebearer has.

* FandomRivalry: With ''VideoGame/DukeNukem3D''. Both games were released in 1996 and received critical praise, with ''Duke Nukem 3D'' for its interactive, realistic-looking levels and wisecracking protagonist, and ''Quake'' for its polygonal engine and large multiplayer and modding capabilities; features that are commonplace in first-person shooters today. With that said, only ''Quake'' managed to spawn a long-running franchise, while ''Duke Nukem 3D'''s [[VideoGame/DukeNukemForever sequel]] stayed in DevelopmentHell for 15 years and was released to mediocre reception.

** If you die to your grenade or rocket respectively, the game teases you with the following obituary messages. These two are in present tense per the official source code [[https://github.com/id-Software/Quake/blob/master/qw-qc/client.qc (via Github)]]:

* SeinfeldIsUnfunny: This game codified a lot of tropes associated with the modern FPS, such as [[RocketJump weapon jumping/climbing]], CaptureTheFlag, 1v1 arena, dedicated servers, lag compensation, [[RealIsBrown green/brown palette]], etc. However, it rarely gets mentioned in any Best Game Ever lists along with its progeny due to the atmospheric single-player campaign supposedly falling flat. ''VideoGame/QuakeIIIArena'' "steals" most of these honors instead due to its greater focus on multiplayer. Not helping is ''VideoGame/QuakeII'', [[ContestedSequel as contentious as it is,]] apparently has a [[BlatantLies better single-player mode and a more interesting world]] that further pushes the original Quake out of the limelight.

* SeinfeldIsUnfunny: This game codified a lot of tropes associated with the modern FPS, such as [[RocketJump weapon jumping/climbing]], CaptureTheFlag, 1v1 arena, dedicated servers, lag compensation, [[RealIsBrown green/brown palette]], etc. However, it rarely gets mentioned in any Best Game Ever lists along with its progeny due to the atmospheric single-player campaign supposedly falling flat. ''VideoGame/QuakeIIIArena'' "steals" most of these honors instead due to its greater focus on multiplayer. Not helping is ''VideoGame/QuakeII'', [[ContestedSequel as contentious as it is,]] apparently has a better single-player mode and a more interesting world that further pushes the original Quake out of the limelight.

* SeinfeldIsUnfunny: This game codified a lot of tropes associated with the modern FPS, such as [[RocketJump weapon jumping/climbing]], CaptureTheFlag, 1v1 arena, dedicated servers, lag compensation, [[RealIsBrown green/brown palette]], etc. However, it rarely gets mentioned in any Best Game Ever lists along with its progeny due to the single-player campaign falling flat, especially in comparison to FPS games before. ''VideoGame/QuakeIIIArena'' "steals" most of these honours instead due to its greater focus on multiplayer keeping it relevant. Not helping is ''VideoGame/QuakeII'', [[ContestedSequel as contentious as it is,]] is still seen as having a better single-player mode and a more interesting world that further pushes the original Quake out of the limelight.

** The final boss is a defenceless FlunkyBoss who you kill with a single {{Telefrag}}. The horde of Shamblers and Vores guarding the teleporter is at least [[ThatOneLevel memorably challenging]], but nothing that hasn't already been encountered in the game. Certain mods try and expand the fight, such as ''Quake 1.5'' adding Shub-Niggurath's insides as a puzzle level.

** The 2021 Kex Engine remaster by Creator/NightdiveStudios brought the game to UsefulNotes/PlayStation4 and [[UsefulNotes/PlayStation5 5]], UsefulNotes/XboxOne and [[UsefulNotes/XboxSeriesXAndS Series X|S]], UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch and PC[[labelnote:*]]where it is presented as ''Quake Enhanced'' and offered for free for those who already had the original iteration[[/labelnote]]. It not only offers a near-faithful experience but is also comparable to playing the game on a source port. It offers various graphics settings that allow players to make the game look as retro or modern as possible, supports widescreen and HD resolutions up to 4K, runs at 60 FPS (with the PC version being able to run up to ''500'' FPS or higher), remappable controls for console players with optional gyro controls on the [=PlayStation=] 4 and Switch versions, includes Trent Reznor's soundtrack[[labelnote:*]]which was missing in the [=DOSBox=] re-release on Steam[[/labelnote]], all of the game's official Missions Packs plus Dimension of the Past and the new Dimension of the Machine, and cross-platform online multiplayer. Similarly to the 2019 re-releases of ''VideoGame/{{Doom}}'' and [[VideoGame/DoomII its sequel]], this remaster also features downloadable curated mods while PC players can load vanilla-compatible mods. The downside however is that the online multiplayer and downloading curated mods on consoles require a Bethesda.net account.
* RemadeAndImproved: The 2021 remaster, while still operating under the same codebase as the original Quake (as [[https://github.com/id-Software/quake-rerelease-qc the Github repo for the game's source code]] can attest) adds lots of new features to the game, including actually integrating the Expansion Packs ''Scourge of Armagon'' and ''Dissolution of Eternity'', as well as the Creator/MachineGames's free episode ''Dimensions of the Past'' and a completely new, graphics-heavy episode, ''Dimension of the Machine'' (and eventually integrating the ''Threewave CTF'' multiplayer gamemode as well). It also added the new Horde gamemode and curated add-ons on top of all of this, as well as extra console support, a weapon wheel, and even curated mods. And that's just the playable content, as there are also tons of graphical and sound-related options. Suffice it to say, and like other Nightdive remasters, this remaster is seen as a shining example of how to make a proper remaster of a videogame.

** In the earliest version of the game, it was possible to kill Shub-Niggurath using only your weapons, since she's technically not invincible, but simply has a ludicrous 40,000 health points. Unfortunately, the ending cutscene was only programmed to play when you telefragged her. This alternate method would crash the game, so subsequent versions tweaked her programming to make her truly immune to all weapon damage.

** The 2021 Kex Engine remaster by Creator/NightdiveStudios brought the game to UsefulNotes/PlayStation4 and [[UsefulNotes/PlayStation5 5]], UsefulNotes/XboxOne and [[UsefulNotes/XboxSeriesXAndS Series X|S]], UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch and PC[[labelnote:*]]where it is presented as ''Quake Enhanced'' and offered for free for those who already had the original iteration[[/labelnote]]. It not only offers a near-faithful experience but is also comparable to playing the game on a source port. It offers various graphics settings that allow players to make the game look as retro or modern as possible, supports widescreen and HD resolutions up to 4K, runs at 60 FPS (with the PC version being able to run up to ''500'' FPS or higher), remappable controls for console players with optional gyro controls on the [=PlayStation=] 4 and Switch versions, includes Trent Reznor's soundtrack[[labelnote:*]]which was something that was missing in the [=DOSBox=] re-release on Steam[[/labelnote]], all of the game's official Missions Packs plus Dimension of the Past and the new Dimension of the Machine, and cross-platform online multiplayer. Similarly to the 2019 re-releases of ''VideoGame/{{Doom}}'' and [[VideoGame/DoomII its sequel]], this remaster also features downloadable curated mods while PC players can load vanilla-compatible mods. The downside however is that the online multiplayer and downloading curated mods on consoles require a Bethesda.net account.
* RemadeAndImproved: The 2021 remaster, while still operating under the same codebase as the original Quake (as [[https://github.com/id-Software/quake-rerelease-qc the Github repo for the game's source code]] can attest) adds lots of new features to the game, including actually integrating the Expansion Packs ''Scourge of Armagon'' and ''Dissolution of Eternity'', as well as the Creator/MachineGames's free episode ''Dimensions of the Past'' and a completely new, graphics-heavy episode, ''Dimension of the Machine'' (and eventually integrating the ''Threewave CTF'' multiplayer gamemode as well). It also added the new Horde gamemode and curated addons on top of all of this, as well as extra console support, a weapon wheel, and even curated mods. And that's just the playable content, as there are also tons of graphical and sound-related options. Suffice to say, and like other Nightdive remasters, this remaster is seen as a shining example on how to make a proper remaster of a videogame.

* RetroactiveRecognition: Matthias Worch, the creator of the curated addon ''Beyond Belief'', later worked for Creator/LegendEntertainment, with whom he developed, among other games, ''VideoGame/{{Unreal|I}} Mission Pack: Return to Na Pali'', ''VideoGame/TheWheelOfTime'' and ''VideoGame/UnrealIITheAwakening''.
* TheScrappy: The Rotfish is generally derided as a boring enemy, a generic [[PiranhaProblem piranha]] in a world of far more interesting monsters who are far too weak to ever be a threat, even for a player who runs out of ammo and armor. Indeed, the designers don't seem to have cared for it much themselves: despite being the only aquatic enemy in a game that's chock-full of water, it appears in a very small number of levels, and it's also subject to multiple obvious programming errors[[note]]It has terrible collision detection that can easily lead to it getting stuck inside walls, the model for its corpse is displayed incorrectly resulting in it having a tiny head, and the original version of the game mistakenly counts every 1 Rotfish as being 2 enemies[[/note]] that you'd reasonably expect a careful developer to catch. ''Dissolution of Eternity'' tosses it out entirely in favor of the Electric Eel - who, tellingly, is only ''slightly'' stronger and sturdier than the Rotfish, but even that is enough - and most mods don't even bother including it.

* BetterThanCanon: With the original game being infamously rushed and produced under mid-90s technological constraints, quite a few of the ''Quake'' mods produced over the years have been embraced by fans as practically being the "real" game.
** 1998's ''[[https://www.moddb.com/mods/abyss-of-pandemonium Abyss of Pandemonium]]'', which was unofficial but commercially released, is often placed on equal footing with the two official expansions, as it's of unusually high quality for an unlicensed release: it features multiple new enemies and weapons, a completely original soundtrack, many fresh textures that add variety to the environments, and it's even given a story which explicitly places it chronologically after ''Dissolution of Eternity''.
** ''VideoGame/ArcaneDimensions'', a collaborative mod that began development in 2015 and continued updating for years afterwards, is a spellbinding piece of work that vastly expands the scope of the game, adding in dozens of new enemies in addition to crafting enormous, incredibly detailed levels that are filled with dozens of secrets and can take upwards of 30 minutes to complete. Not for nothing, 2021's official ''Dimension of the Machine'' expansion takes quite a bit of inspiration from the mod.
** ''[[https://www.slipseer.com/index.php?resources/dwell.21/ Dwell]]'', although still a work in progress (as of February 2023, two of four planned episodes have been released so far), is one of the best campaigns out there, featuring sprawling, extensively detailed maps featuring custom textures and music that improve upon the Lovecraftian atmosphere of the original, as well as new enemies, weapons and powerups. It also includes the popular Copper mod, which adds improvements upon the vanilla Quake gameplay.

** The 2021 Kex Engine remaster for UsefulNotes/PlayStation4 and [[UsefulNotes/PlayStation5 5]], UsefulNotes/XboxOne and [[UsefulNotes/XboxSeriesXAndS Series X|S]], UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch and PC[[labelnote:*]]where it is presented as ''Quake Enhanced'' and offered for free for those who already had the original iteration[[/labelnote]] not only offers a near-faithful experience but is also comparable to playing the game on a source port. It offers various graphics settings that allow players to make the game look as retro or modern as possible, supports widescreen and HD resolutions up to 4K, runs at 60 FPS (with the PC version being able to run up to ''500'' FPS or higher), remappable controls for console players with optional gyro controls on the [=PlayStation=] 4 and Switch versions, includes Trent Reznor's soundtrack[[labelnote:*]]which was something that was missing in the [=DOSBox=] re-release on Steam[[/labelnote]], all of the game's official Missions Packs plus Dimension of the Past and the new Dimension of the Machine, and cross-platform online multiplayer. Similarly to the 2019 re-releases of ''VideoGame/{{Doom}}'' and [[VideoGame/DoomII its sequel]], the Kex Engine remaster of ''Quake'' also features downloadable curated mods while PC players can load vanilla-compatible mods. The downside however is that the online multiplayer and downloading curated mods on consoles require a Bethesda.net account.

* PowerUpLetdown: The Horn of Conjuring item introduced in ''Scourge of Armagon'' manages to be both this and a GameBreaker at the same time - it summons a friendly monster to fight on your side, which sounds cool, but the enemy type that it summons is randomly chosen and is quite likely to be a lowly Rottweiller, Grunt, or other weak monsters that will inevitably be killed almost immediately.