id Software's 1997 classic — its history, how the press received it, how it plays today, and what a copy costs.
- Released
- 1997 · PC (DOS / Windows)
- Developer
- id Software
- Publisher
- Activision
- MobyScore
- ★ 8.02
- Players today
- Overwhelmingly Positive on Steam (95% of 6823)
The history
Developed by id Software and published by Activision, Quake II arrived in December 1997 as a bold departure for the studio. Moving away from the gothic horror of its predecessor, it introduced a military science-fiction setting centered on a war between Earth and the Strogg, a cybernetic alien race that assimilates other worlds.
The game mattered as a technological leap, with critics noting the advancement in technology and single-player level design. It established a new standard for multiplayer shooting and expanded the scope of the first-person shooter genre with its narrative-driven campaign and interconnected world.
How it plays
Players assume the role of Bitterman, a marine dropped into the Strogg homeworld during Operation Alien Overlord. The gameplay loop involves fighting through interconnected levels called "hubs," where objectives—such as disabling security systems or locating power sources—can unlock new paths or change conditions in other maps. Combat is driven by a diverse arsenal, ranging from the rechargeable Blaster and various shotguns to the high-precision Railgun and the destructive BFG10K, supported by power-ups like Quad Damage and Invulnerability.
Beyond the campaign, the game features fast-paced multiplayer including free-for-all deathmatch, team play, and capture-the-flag. These maps emphasize vertical movement and the control of critical weapon spawn points, with some versions supporting AI-controlled bots for LAN and online play.
How it was received
Quake II was received with widespread acclaim across platforms, earning a 9.0/10 from GameSpot and a 94% from PCPP. It was highly decorated, winning "PC Action Game of the Year" at the inaugural Interactive Achievement Awards, "Action Game of the Year" from Computer Gaming Worlds in 1997, and "Best Shoot-'Em-Up" at Macworlds 1999. Commercial success followed, with over 850,000 units shipped to retailers by April 1998 and 900,000 by June.
While period critics like GameSpot claimed it rendered the original Quake "entirely obsolete," modern Steam sentiment remains Overwhelmingly Positive, showing that the game's appeal has persisted long after its initial release.
In the magazines
The period press.
GamePro gave the game perfect 5.0/5 scores in graphics, sound, control, and funfactor, while Next Generation praised its technology and level design. PC Gamer declared it the 3rd-best computer game ever released, calling it id's "gun-happy masterpiece."
What players say today
Modern players on Steam describe the game as "unadulterated old-school FPS action" and praise the heavy metal soundtrack. Some recall it as their first PC shooter, noting the joy of using alternate soundtracks, while others maintain that the game remains a high standard for the genre.
“Unadulterated old-school FPS action, accompanied by a heavy metal soundtrack. In 2023, it got a huge free update, adding support for modern OSes and consoles, adding the original expansion packs in…”
“This was the first shooter I got on my first own PC. I love the world, gameplay, and also enjoyed putting my own alternate soundtracks inserting my own CD instead of the game disc.”
“[h1]Going Strogg-er to this day.[/h1] As much I agree with fellow gamers that the original Quake game holds a high standard that's hard for sequels to achieve, I hold Quake II in high regard due to i…”
Screenshots
The box & the art
Cover art, and real copies photographed in the wild.
Legacy
id Software continued to define the FPS landscape following this release. Quake II remains worth seeking out today for its classic "kill or be killed" shooter mechanics and its influential hub-based level design.
What it's worth
A second-hand market that moves over time — a loose disc is pocket-money, while sealed or complete-with-manual copies drive the top end. For today's exact listings, check the live search.
See current copies on eBay →Copies in the wild
Real listing photos — the range of condition you'll meet.
Photographed examples from past listings — illustrative of condition, not a live inventory.
How to play it in 2026
Easiest today: Steam or GOG (DRM-free) on modern Windows. Either way the core game is intact.
In 2023, the Steam and GOG versions were replaced by Quake II Enhanced. This upgraded version provides support for modern operating systems and consoles, improves visuals, adds new campaign content, and bundles the original expansion packs.
Verdict
Quake II holds up remarkably well, especially in its enhanced form. The transition from linear corridors to interconnected hubs provides a sense of continuity that still feels satisfying, and the varied arsenal ensures combat remains engaging.
Whether you are playing for the nostalgic heavy metal atmosphere or the tight, fast-paced multiplayer, it remains a definitive example of the 90s shooter era.
Sources: MobyGames, Steam, and period/web coverage. Prices reflect the second-hand market and change over time.