Game Review - by Dan Piparo
In Quake II, Earth launches the final assault... After years of war against the alien aggressors, the Earth is on the verge of complete obliteration. A last effect to bring the mass destruction to an end is underway. Launched from a giant space carrier, you are part of the secret assault force sent through an interplanetary gateway in single-manned pods.

Shortly after landing on the alien surface you learn that thousands of your men have been slashed to just a few. Now, you must do what entire armies could not -- fight your way through fortified military installations, lower the city's defenses, and shut down their great war machine. Only then, can Earth even hope to launch the important air assault.

Larger, Mission-Based Levels:
This is not your find the key go to the next level kinda game. You have a series of complex mission levels. And what you do in one level could affect another level. One false move and you could alert security, flood entire passageways, or even worse, you can get killed.

Superior Artificial Intelligence:
This time the enemy has an IQ the size of their appetite. They will evade attacks by ducking, putting up energy shields, and diving out of the way. They will maneuver themselves into strategic attack locations for a surprise ambush. And they will hunt your ass down.

Intense, Interactive Environments:
Dodge falling rocks and runaway mining machines. Man gun turrets. Duck to evade hits. Crawl through narrow shafts. Get swept away in water currents. Blow up subways. Smash glass. Slip and slide. Toss grenades with perfect control. And hide in shadows.

Improved Sound and Graphics:
No longer do you have to imagine distant combat and explosions, or rockets whizzing past your head. In fact, any object can have an attached sound effect. And with a 3D graphics accelerator, you can experience smooth, 16-bit graphics and real-time lighting effects.

Multiplayer Capabilities To Die For:
Over thirty-two players, friends, or enemies can go at it in a bloody Deathmatch via a local network or over the Internet. Then the fate of Humanity will be known.

Overall:
Quake II easily wins 5 lamps for it's overall gaming aspect. It is the most incredible game I've ever played and is definitely the best game this year. It was able to immerse me into the game in a way no other game has done before. Every detail looked and sounded perfect. The controls were simple and effective and the gameplay totally consuming -- definitely an excellent sequel to a popular original. In my opinion, Quake II is the best 3D shooter ever made. One thing is for sure, 3D games just got a whole lot better!