History Trivia / QuakeII

* ScheduleSlip: A minor example. The PSX campaign was meant to be included in the 2023 remaster at launch, but it wasn't ready on time for release, so it had to be delayed. It will be included in the future via an update.

* TechnologyMarchesOn: The original game ''required'' a 3dfx Voodoo graphics card at launch. The 2023 remaster can be run on the UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch at a better resolution than the last Voodoo graphics chipset ever made.
** In the game proper, one of the items you often have to retrieve are data ''[=CDs=]'' ([=DVDs=] were in their infancy when the game was released, not to speak of USB drives).
* WorkingTitle: ''Wor''.

* ScrewedByTheLawyers: The 2023 remaster version lacks the ''[[CaptureTheFlag Threewave CTF]]'' maps ''[=q2ctf6=]: Borders Canyon'', ''[=q2ctf7=]: Boxed In'' and ''[=q2ctf8=]: The Hangar Scenario'' due to legal reasons, as those maps belong to Threewave rather than Id.

* ArtifactTitle: Creator/IdSoftware had other titles in mind for the game. They later decided to stick to ''Quake II'' when the game’s fast-paced, tactile feel felt closer to a ''Quake'' game than a new franchise, and it worked.
* AuthorsSavingThrow: The 2023 remaster addressed several long-standing gripes with the original game, with some declaring it to be the definitive way to play the game as a results
** Quake 2 for the Nintendo 64 was included as an additional episode. The notable thing is that this isn't a direct port, but the levels transferred ''to'' the id Tech 2 engine in their entirety, adding several features that the game ''never'' had, and also upgrading the assets to match the game it was based on.

** An infinite-use Compass item is included across all campaigns as a navigational aid, pointing the player to switches/items/destinations required for progression and greatly mitigating the game's oft-criticised mazelike level design.

** Among the help files there are five pictures (six by counting the Power Screen, also present) of non-present items in the game; Invisibility, Goggles, Cloaker, Scope and Sights. The first two items eventually found their way into the game.

*** Technicians would be initially inactive, and then they would activate, plus a non-exploding death animation.

** In the 2023 remaster, single-player maps from the original campaigns cannot be selected in the multiplayer menu. However they still can be played in this mode by using the console, and the improved maps even have new item dispositions in order to accommodate them.
* FandomNod: The 2023 remaster's bio for [[spoiler: the Shambler]] acknowledges the fan debate over whether or not it has fur, or leathery skin by stating that both are true.

** The Nailgun firing sound was reused first for the original incarnation of the ETF Rifle in ''Ground Zero''[[note]]In the 2023 reamstered edition, the ETF Rifle got a new firing sound[[/note]], and then in the 2023 remaster as the Shotgun's firing sound.
** The player jump sound (provided by [[Music/NineInchNails Trent Reznor]]) was reused as well.

** Two of the five items considered for the main game but ultimately cut include Invisibility and Goggles. The Goggles were added in the ''Ground Zero'' expansion, where they were retextured and called "IR Goggles", and the Invisibility is present in the Nintendo 64 version.
** There's a cut weapon in ''Ground Zero'' called the [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOxe_IbhPuw Disruptor]], a player-usable version of the Black Widow Guardian's unique weapon. The game's maps still feature entity spawn points for both the weapon and its ammo packs (and in certain source ports such as Yamagi Quake II or [=KMQuake2=] both the weapon and its ammo can be enabled), but the weapon itself won't spawn at all. The weapon was finally added to the arsenal in the 2023 remaster and even appears during ''Call of the Machine'' as a secret.

** The Nailgun firing sound was reused as the ''Quake II'' Shotgun's firing sound.

* AuthorsSavingThrow:
** The 2023 remaster includes Quake 2 for the Nintendo 64 as a expansion pack. The notable thing is that this isn't a direct port, but the levels transferred ''to'' the id Tech 2 engine in their entirety, adding several features that the game ''never'' had, and also upgrading the assets to match the game it was based on.
** The 2023 remaster also adds muzzle flashes to every weapon which had long been a complaint about the game since its original release.
** The remaster gives the player the ability to use a radial wheel for inventory items, while also keeping the original list interface as an alternative option.

** The Power Screen is a Power Shield that only reduces damage from shots that hit you in front (the Brains enemies and the Daedalus enemies from ''Ground Zero'' have these). It isn't found anywhere in the game, but it can be summoned by using the console, it's fully functional, and some third-party levels feature it.

** Among the help files there are five pictures (six by counting the Power Screen, also present) of non-present items in the game, these items are called Cloaker, Invisibility, Goggles, Scope and Sights. While the Invisibility and Goggles items eventually found their way into the game, the same cannot be said for the Cloaker, Scope and Sights.

* FandomNod: The 2023 remaster's bio for [[spoiler: the Shambler]] acknowedges the fan debate over whether or not it has fur, or leathery skin by stating that both are true.

** The Nailgun shooting sound was reused as the sound for the ETF Rifle's shot in ''Ground Zero''.

** ''Ground Zero'' features an item called Compass that was never implemented. It would later be used in the 2023 Remaster to help point to where the player needs to go next.

** There's a cut weapon in ''Ground Zero'' called [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOxe_IbhPuw Disruptor]]. The game's maps still feature entity spawn points for both the weapon and its ammo packs (and in certain source ports such as Yamagi Quake II or [=KMQuake2=] both the weapon and its ammo can be enabled), but the weapon itself won't spawn at all. The weapon was finally added to the arsenal in the 2023 remaster and even appears during ''Call of the Machine'' as a secret.

*** Parasites would be stuck/caged. This attack made its way as the "attack missed" animation where hitting a wall with their tongue would immobilize them for some seconds.

*** Super Tanks (and their Beta Class) had hull-mounted guns that could fire projectiles. In the 2023 remaster, they fire grenades.

* ScrewedByTheLawyers: The 2023 remaster version lacks the ''[[CaptureTheFlag Threewave CTF]]'' maps [=q2ctf6, q2ctf7 and q2ctf8=] because of legal reasons, as those maps belong to Threewave rather than Id.

* CanonName:
** The manuals and the pods near the respective starting points (and cutscenes) reveal the names of the player characters from the various player characters: Bitterman (base game), Joker (''The Reckoning'') and Stepchild (''Ground Zero''). Also, due to the reuse of the ''Ground Zero'' opening and ending cinematics, Stepchild is also the PlayerCharacter of the PSX version.

** Although the hints are in a not-so-hidden part of the first level, ''VideoGame/QuakeIIIArena'' officially called the PlayerCharacter "Bitterman".
** The manuals and the pods near the respective starting points (and cutscenes) also reveal the names of both player characters from ''The Reckoning'' and ''Ground Zero'': Joker and Stepchild. Also, due to the reuse of the ''Ground Zero'' opening and ending cinematics, Stepchild is also the PlayerCharacter of the PSX version.

** In the 2023 remaster, single-player maps from the original campaigns cannot be selected in the multiplayer menu. However they still can be played in this mode by using the console, and the improved maps even have new item dispositions in order to accomodate them.

*** Weapon Guards could trip. This made it for the easier difficulty levels.

* ReReleaseSoundtrack: The Steam and Microsoft Store releases of the game completely lack the Sascha Dikiciyan (known professionally as Sonic Mayhem) composed OST. The reasons are unknown but likely stem from simple oversight more than anything (the original CD release used Redbook audio tracks for the music, which aren't encoded in the software itself, but are separate tracks that can be played in a CD audio player), as the GOG release retains it.

** Although the hints are in a not-so hidden part of the first level, ''VideoGame/QuakeIIIArena'' officially called the PlayerCharacter "Bitterman".

*** Berserkers have a less aggressive spike attack, a less aggressive and much slower version of the club attack, two versions of a running club attack (one of which eventually made it into the 2023 remaster), and a non-jumping version of their GroundPound. It also had a ducking animation, and a tripping animation (possibly where the player shoot its legs).
*** Brains have hidden animations for a tentacle attack while walking (in the final game, it stops before attacking), as well as a defense animation.

*** Icari could brake mid-air, take off from ground, and hover backwards.
*** Mutants could stand up on its two back legs.

*** Super Tanks could be able to fire rockets at targets behind them, drive backwards, turn left and right.

** Two of the five items considered for the main game but ultimately cut include the Invisibility and Goggles. The Goggles were added in the ''Ground Zero'' expansion, where they were retextured and called "IR Goggles", and the Invisibility is present in the Nintendo 64 version.
** There's a cut weapon in ''Ground Zero'' called [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOxe_IbhPuw Disruptor]]. The game's maps still feature entity spawn points for both the weapon and its ammo packs (and in certain source ports such as Yamagi Quake II or [=KMQuake2=] both the weapon and its ammo can be enabled), but the weapon itself won't spawn at all. The weapon was finally added to the arsenal in the 2023 remaster, and even appears during ''Call of the Machine'' as a secret.

* ReReleaseSoundtrack: The Steam and Microsoft Store releases of the game completely lack the Sascha Dikiciyan composed OST. The reasons are unknown but likely stem from simple oversight more than anything (the original CD release used Redbook audio tracks for the music, which aren't encoded in the software itself, but are separate tracks that can be played in a CD audio player), as the GOG release retains it.

** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aBJ0fw-43s There are several unused monster attack animations]] which didn't even made the cut for the 2023 remaster:

** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aBJ0fw-43s There are several unused monster attack animations]], several of which were addeed for the 2023 remaster:

* ReReleaseSoundtrack: The Steam and Microsoft Store releases of the game completely lack the Sascha Dikiciyan composed OST. The reasons are unknown but likely stem from simple oversight more than anything, as the GOG release retains it.

** Among the help files there are four pictures (five by counting the Power Screen, also present) of non-present items in the game, these items are called Cloaker, Invisibility, Goggles, Scope and Sights. Only the Goggles and Invisibility items found their way into the game, one by way of the ''Ground Zero'' expansion, where these goggles were retextured and called "IR Goggles", and the other in the Nintendo 64 version.
** There's a cut weapon in ''Ground Zero'' called [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOxe_IbhPuw Disruptor]]. The game's maps still feature entity spawn points for both the weapon and its ammo packs (and in certain source ports such as Yamagi Quake II or [=KMQuake2=] both the weapon and its ammo can be enabled), but the weapon itself won't spawn at all.
** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aBJ0fw-43s There are several unused monster attack animations]], several of which were addeed for the 2023 remaster:

*** Berserkers have a less aggressive spike attack, a less aggressive and much slower version of the club attack, two versions of a running club attack, and two versions of a GroundPound (jumping and not jumping). It also had a ducking animation, and a tripping animation (possibly where the player shoot its legs).

*** Parasites would be stuck/caged.

*** Weapon Guards could trip.
*** Super Tanks could be able to fire rockets at targets behind them, drive backwards, turn left and right, and had hull-mounted guns that could fire projectiles.