Quake IV

From The RGN Crew, we Would Like To Wish Everyone Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas And A Happy New 2008 Year!!

Hi all,

it's for once the time of the year again to announce these sweet words of joy and festivity's.

Comming from the RavenGames.com crew,
we wish you all a
Merry Christmas
and a
Happy Newyear

Our best Regards.
the RGN crew

This just came from the Raven Soft forums. C.Bernstein has posted the next text to inform us all that they will be closing their boards.

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Everyone. We regret to inform you that we will be shutting down the message boards. The message boards on the forums.ravensoft.com website will be down for an indefinite period of time.

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By this, I think that RGN is in the urge of getting the website done and finished in order to welcome the guy's from over Raven Boards

(Source: Raven Soft Forums)

Deep within the Arctic circle lies the Ark, a high-security private DNA bank and bioresearch facility built on the shores of an icy coastal inlet. The GDF have tasked the Ark facility with decoding the Strogg genome. The Ark has recently reported a success in reverse-engineering Strogg biotechnology which might even allow a reversal of the Stroggification process. The Strogg command Nexus have learned of the GDF’s plans and tasked a Strogg strike team to immediately penetrate the Ark and destroy all research and intelligence materials therein. The GDF must deploy rapidly to protect the Ark from the Strogg raiders.

The vital research is in a Laboratory hidden deep within the Ark facility, behind massively armoured doors. The only way the Strogg can gain access to the lab interior is by destroying the doors with a Mining Laser, but they cannot deploy this massive excavation device until they disable the GDF Jamming Tower which is scrambling their deployment sensors.

Tactical Overview:

Right now, the GDF control all the red territory: they have established a base near the Ark facility and a Jamming Tower (A) that prevents the Strogg deploying heavy ground units, such as the Mining Laser required to blast open a route into the Ark facility.
The Strogg hold the green territory. The Strogg will begin their assault from a fortified forward base in the South-East corner of the map, up the main road.

The GDF base to the North-West (7) is not you’re the Strogg’s primary objective, but anything their Infiltrators can do to impede GDF reinforcement or confound their communications will help.

Objectives:

As the Strogg, you’ll have to fight your way through the map territory by territory. First get your Aggressors to destroy the Jamming Tower Generator (A) by planting and arming Plasma Charges. Once the Jamming Tower is disabled, the Mining Laser can be deployed to the central islet which must then be set up by Constructors (B).

Once active, the Mining Laser will blast open the Ark facility’s armoured doors (C), allowing the Strogg to assault the Laboratory inside. Strogg Infiltrators can call in PsiRadar and their Oppressors call in Bombardment deployables to aid their assault across the bridge, through the doors and into the Ark labs (D).
Each Strogg objective completed wins the surrounding territory, turning it green for the Strogg, and allowing them to deploy PsiRadar, Defence Turrets and Bombardment therein. Capturing the islet also moves their spawn forward.

The GDF must impede the Strogg’s progress within the time limit to secure victory!


Its looking great, lets wait for more details!

The QUAKE 4 1.2 Point Release is now available. This update replaces the 1.1 patch released several weeks ago, and includes all of the changes outlined for that update, including: a fixed pure server system, a new AddonPak autodownloading system, voice chat in multiplayer, a forcemodel option, brightskins, smooth stairjumping, a one-minute warning for tournament matches, Hyper-Threading Technology and Dual Core support as well as a number of multiplayer specific fixes. For a complete list of changes, please see the ReadMe! The full 1.2 update will bring ANY previous version of the game completely up to date, and it includes the 4 new professionally made multiplayer maps as well as the QUAKEMAS multiplayer map pack.

It was also released an incremental 1.1 to 1.2 update for anyone that had previously installed the 1.1 update – this is a smaller download but it will only operate if you’ve previously installed 1.1.

The 1.2 update does affect pure server and protocol consistency. Therefore, players who update to 1.2 from ANY previous version will only be able to play multiplayer against other 1.2 users, and save games and demos created on any previous versions of the game will not be compatible with the 1.2 update.

Check it out at the id software homepage or at GameSpot!

The Quake 4 1.1 Point Release update is now available. This highly anticipated patch addresses a number of issues throughout both single and multiplayer, with a heavy and attentive focus on improving the multiplayer experience. Such improvements include: a fixed pure server system, a new AddonPak autodownloading system, voice chat in multiplayer, a forcemodel option, brightskins, smooth stair-jumping, a one-minute warning for tournament matches, Hyper-Threading Technology and Dual Core support as well as a ton of multiplayer specific fixes which have been requested by the community and discovered during our own gameplay.
This update also includes four new professionally made multiplayer maps— free for your fragging pleasure. There are 2 new DM maps and 2 new CTF maps, including a CTF version of the popular "The Edge" map.

This update will bring any previous version of the game completely up to date, however it will affect pure server and protocol consistency. Therefore, players who update to 1.1 will only be able to play multiplayer against other 1.1 users, and save games and demos created on previous versions of the game will not be compatible with the 1.1 update.

You can find it at Quake 4 Files but be warned :
"There is a problem with the widescreen functionality that may harm a user's monitor. We are working on a re-release and will make it available as soon as possible. Please advise your viewers that may be using the current 1.1 beta and/or final to NOT enable widescreen or disable widescreen if they are currently using it."

A Beta update for Quake 4 is now available. This update is recommended for Windows users with Intel Hyper-Threading Technology (HT Technology) enabled processors, multiple processors, or systems with a dual core processor.

The update is also required for Windows and Linux server admins as it addresses a recently identified problem with servers left unoccupied for very long periods of time (these servers will appear to be operating normally, but will crash clients that attempt to connect to them). This update will bring any previous version of the game (1.0.0 or 1.0.4) up to date and will not affect pure server, PunkBuster compatibility or protocol consistency.

id Software and Raven have worked with Intel to dramatically improve Quake 4 performance on systems with HT Technology, multiple processors, or dual core processors. Players who have a system with one of these configurations will notice performance gains in Quake 4 of anywhere from 25% - 87% depending on processor type. If you do not know whether or not you have a multi-processor, dual core, or HT Technology enabled system, please see the ReadMe file for simple instructions on checking your system. Please use the form at id Software to report any issues you find with the 1.0.5 update.

Finally, although they've released only small (but critical) updates to Quake 4 so far, they are working on a much broader update for release early next year, and also have a couple of multiplayer map packs currently being tested for release in the near future. Stay tuned.

You can find it at Quake 4 Files!


Merry Christmas!

Mesquite, TX – December 20, 2005 – Shaking up the holiday season with a trio of aftershocks, id Software™, Raven Software and Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) have released the Quakemas Map Pack - three new downloadable maps for Quake 4™ on the PC. The maps—Railed, Tremors, and Campground Redux—offer all-new gameplay environments for more fast-paced, intense multiplayer combat. These latest maps are now available for free download at id software:

Railed – Set in an abandoned, rusting Strogg facility, the environment in Railed produces fast paced frenetic tournament action. This new map is all about close-quarters combat and hair-trigger reflexes as players hustle through the winding, multi-tiered corridors. Designed particularly for tournament play, Railed also supports Deathmatch and Team Deathmatch game modes, and is guaranteed to provide some thrilling fast-action gameplay.

Tremors – Built within a twisting underground cavern and peppered throughout with pipes, bridges, and catwalks, Tremors demands tactical expertise. Enemies attack from above and below in the enormous, multi-tiered environment, making team-play invaluable. Tremors is perfect for huge Capture-The-Flag games, and also supports the Arena Capture-The-Flag gameplay mode.

Campgrounds Redux – With Quake 4’s updated technology, Campgrounds Redux now has a fresh look and feel, revitalizing this Quake III classic. Excellent for any number of players, this updated version supports Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch and Tournament modes, where hard-core QUAKE fans can get crazy with this throw-back to one of their old favorites.

We’d like to let our readers know that GameSpot will be hosting the Quake 4 Seismic Showdown tournament on Thursday and Friday, December 15 and 16 where gamers will have the chance to compete for $2000 in cash prizes, with the top winner taking home up to $1000. In the contest, 64 players will battle against each other in a series of single elimination 1-on-1 Deathmatch games where fraggers’ will need to defeat every opponent in order to move on to the next round.

The top four players will advance to the semifinals on Friday, December 16, and the winners will then face off in the finals where the ultimate GameSpot Quake 4 champion will be crowned. Every match on Friday will be shown LIVE on Tournament TV, featuring commentary by Ryan Mac Donald and Rich Gallup. GameSpot will be giving away cool prizes, including Quake 4 t-shirts and nVídia graphics cards to some lucky viewers.

The first place winner will receive $750, with the chance to win another $250 in the PRO GAMER CHALLENGE if he/she can beat Kornelia Takacs – a professional Quake player, in a single 1-on-1 Deathmatch game. The second winner will receive $500 and the third and fourth place winners will each receive $250.

We’d like to encourage all Quake 4 fans to go sign up at GameSpot!

This is the officially released demo for Quake 4 from Raven Software and ID Software featuring both single and multiplayer gameplay. After some troubled development things got straighten out and here it is!

Get ready to frag some Strogg scum! Go get it at File Planet!

Santa Monica, CA – November 18, 2005 – It’s ”Lock and Load” for the Global Defense Force as id Software™ and Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) announced today that Quake IV™ for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft has shipped to retailers nationwide. This next chapter in the futuristic war between the Earth and the Strogg transports players into the boots of Matthew Kane, an elite member of the legendary Rhino squad as they, along with an armada of Earth’s finest soldiers, invade the home planet of the barbaric aliens threatening to annihilate Earth. Quake IV for Xbox 360 is available at retail outlets for a suggested retail price of $59.99 and carries an “M” (Mature – Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language) rating by the ESRB.

“With Quake IV for Xbox 360, gamers can now take the battle for Stroggos to the home theater as this epic war for survival comes to life with true high-definition sights and 5.1 surround sound,” said Todd Hollenshead, CEO, id Software. “This is the next generation of gaming and Quake IV fans should prepare to experience a non-stop ride of action and adrenaline as they battle along side Rhino Squad, through this heroic mission to defeat the unstoppable Strogg army and preserve the human race.”

Developed by Raven Software and executive produced by id Software, Quake IV picks up only moments after the events of the epic QUAKE II®, with the Earth’s fleet launching a massive offensive to the planet Stroggos. As Matthew Kane, gamers invade the alien stronghold fighting alone, along side other Marines, and in mechanized walkers and hover tanks in incredible combat missions against the Strogg and their disturbing amalgamations of man and machine. Built on id Software’s revolutionary DOOM 3® technology, Quake IV also features the world renowned fast-paced multiplayer competition-style gameplay of the historic QUAKE III Arena®. Incorporating Capture the Flag, Arena Capture the Flag, Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, and an all new Tournament mode for up to 8 players on Xbox Live® online gaming system or System Link, Quake IV is poised to set the standard for online multiplayer bragging rights.

Quake IV also contains hours of bonus content, including behind-the-scenes videos and interviews plus a complete version of Quake II®, re-engineered exclusively for Xbox 360 featuring up to 4-player support for co-operative play and multiplayer support over System Link.

For more information on Quake IV PC and Xbox 360 version, please visit the official Quake IV homepage or our own Quake IV Forums.

id Software and Activision have released the 1.0.4 update for Quake IV. This optional update addresses issues discovered in both single player and multiplayer, and is highly recommended for anyone playing on the Internet. The update primarily addresses several issues found in the multiplayer server browser and improves server browser refresh and population speeds, filtering, sorting, and navigation. Please see the readme file for a complete list of changes and other instructions. This update is optional as it does not affect pure server, PunkBuster compatibility or protocol consistency; therefore, both updated and non-updated clients will still be able to play one another.

The Quake IV Software Development Kit (SDK) and mod development tools are also now available at iddevnet . This site offers downloads, examples, documentation and other information for anyone interested in creating Quake IV mods.

Raven Software is also working on a larger, required update that will address a broader range of reported issues in both multiplayer and single player.

Take a look at File Planet for this update!

Mesquite, TX – Nov. 11, 2005 – The Strogg are storming onto next-generation console hardware with id Software’s™ eagerly anticipated QUAKE 4™ for Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. The new addition to the renowned QUAKE® franchise is set to ship out for Xbox 360 on Nov. 18 in the U.S, and additionally will be available at retail outlets day-and-date with Xbox 360 system launch in Europe. QUAKE 4 is rated “M” (Mature) by the ESRB.

QUAKE 4 enlists gamers in the role of Matthew Kane, a member of the Earth Defense Force’s legendary Rhino Squad, to penetrate deep into the heart of the Strogg war machine. Fight alone, with your squad, and in hover tanks and mechanized walkers as you engage in a heroic mission to defeat this barbaric alien race before they annihilate all of human-kind.

Developed by Raven Software and executive produced by id Software, QUAKE 4 is built on the revolutionary DOOM 3® technology, and also features fast-paced multiplayer competition modeled after the speed, style and feel of id’s landmark multiplayer game, QUAKE III Arena®.

Players are also treated to hours of bonus content including behind the scenes videos as well as a complete version of id Software’s blockbuster hit, QUAKE II®. This full game has been re-engineered exclusively for Xbox 360 and includes the entire single player campaign in addition to 2-4 player co-op and 2-8 player multiplayer via System Link or split-screen.

For more information, fans can visit the official Quake IV homepage!

Take a great game engine and do your best. This seems to be what Raven did with the great Doom 3 engine. Six years ago id did a masterpiece in the first person shooter scene: Quake III Arena, establishing a favorite in the world of online shooters.

And now the sequel is Quake IV, using the new graphic features of modern game engine DOOM III. It’s very close to realism, the character models are highly detailed, the textures are great, the scenarios are like being inside a sci-fi movie, but in an active mode, not just as passive viewing.

The first experience you will have is a single player campaign, where you will be Matthew Kane, a space marine who has to combat cybernetic aliens. Well, single player is okay, but see you all in a multiplayer game server...and good fragging to all!

Review by Johnny Vaccaro and panorama screenshot gallery available at VR Mag!

This modification pack changes the music in the game to some music from Quake II. It changes the intro cinematic(when you start the game),the main menu and a few actions scenes and battles.

To turn up the music volume in Quake IV you just go to your config file, in your base folder, and locate this command line:

-seta s_musicVolume "0.5"

Then change 0.5 to 100 or 1 and you will hear the music much better!

Songs are from Quake II and the expansion pack Ground Zero. Music is copyright by Sonic Mayhem, 1997-1999-2005.

Quake II and its logos and such are all copyrighted by id software and there respective owners. DarkendShadow made this pack to give the game a more Quake II past feel for the Quake II music lovers.

You can find it at Quake IV Files.

The Mean Arena Quake 4 Edition site is now up and running and a new map, "The Fallen Shrine III", for Quake 4 is nearing completion. Check out these screenshots until release:

It's a Multiplayer map and supports CTF and Arena CTF but designed more specifically for Arena CTF. This map boasts some intense fast paced space fraggin' action where you warp through portals to a center battleground to reach your oppenents base.

Coupled with a kick ass music track, this one should get your adrenaline pumping. Get your servers ready!

Take a look at The Mean Arena.

This mod was inspired by Mr. Pants Q3 Excessive. The developers tried to make the mod with very much the same spirit of fun and over the top speed and mayhem of the original Excessive mod.

In Q4X you start will all 10 weapons and 400 in health. Your health will countdown to 300 after you spawn. All weapons have 999 in ammo and are much faster and more powerful than any weapons in the standard game.

Self damage is greatly reduced (usually not more than 1 point of health) opening the door for some crazy weapon jumping! You can jump using almost any projectile weapon! Fire the grenades, rockets, nailgun, hyperblaster or the DMG at the ground or a wall and off you go!

Q4X is fast and furious and not for the weak! So strap on that Rocket Launcher and get ready for Quake 4-HARDCORE!

Basically there is a stepped system of weapon jumping and it goes like this:

Hyperblaster - Short "2 box" jumps
Rockets - Medium single platform jumps
Nades - Medium high multi-platform jumps
Nailgun - High jumps
DMG - Crazy high jumps!

More info about what the weapons do is coming soon to the Quake 4X Website!

Almost a decade ago, in 1996, Quake was first released. It brought with it a revolution in PC gaming. Actually, it was the first game in FPS genre that was really worth belonging there. It began the Epic that is the Quake series. The original game had both Single Player and Multiplayer and both were good.

In 1997 Quake II came out. The sequel had multi player, improved graphic and gameplay changes and the overall opinion of Quake fans was positive. The single player game started right where it had ended in the first Quake game. But for me the real deal came 6 years ago, with the arrival of Quake III Arena.

Although it had no “real” single player mode, nobody was disappointed because the game was focused on multiplayer gaming. Q3A brought incredibly addictive, attractive and innovative online play. It is still one of most played multiplayer games in the FPS genre. It is still 8th most played on the Csports.net charts full 8 years after its release.

In October 2005 with the arrival of Quake 4, expectations were high. Some critics say that the Quake 4 Multiplayer mode is Quake 3 Arena with better graphics with Single Player continuing where Quake 2 ended.

Quake 4 was developed by Raven Software, using ID's Doom 3 engine, well know for its unique game shadowing. It is vise to have atleast 2.0 GHz CPU, 1 GB RAM and a good graphic card to run this game properly & enjoyably.

A great review written by FRoZeN-sLo that you can read at CSports.net!

Quak4 is a small tuning program for Quake 4 compatible with nVídia GeForce 7800, 6800 and 5900 series cards. With Quak4 it is possible to tune Quake 4's vertex and fragment programs by e.g. enhancing image quality and performance.

Features:

- Performance Options
e.g. FP16 and NRM ALU Operations
- Image Quality Options
e.g. Specular and Offset Mapping
- Easy GUI and Config Profiles
e.g. Profiles for different cards


System and Driver Recommendation:

- nVídia GeForce 7800 or 6800 series cards for the best image quality and performance.
- 81.xx or newer nVídia ForceWare (Win2k/XP) drivers.

You can get it at Quake 4 Files!

"For most of you, Quake 4 is a game that probably needs no introduction! The brief synopsis is that id Software and Raven have collaborated together to continue the storyline id first established with Quake 2 -- Quake 4 takes places immediately following the events at the end of Quake 2. After the successful defeat of the Strogg’s leader (Makron), in Quake 2 Earth has now sent an invasion force to take down the Strogg’s home planet. You’ll play the role of rookie space marine Matthew Kane as he takes on the Strogg, and, according to the game’s teaser, eventually becomes a Strogg himself in order to defeat them."

"A little over a week ago, rumors began spreading that ATI was working on a new tool that delivered substantially improved performance to their recently launched X1000 cards in OpenGL titles such as Doom 3, Quake 4, and many others. Some reports claimed ATI’s performance improved by up to 35% in these titles in 4xAA mode. Then, posts on Beyond3D’s forums and sites like Guru3D confirmed these rumors."

"This is what ATI has done with their new hotfix driver, they’ve simply optimized memory access inside their memory controller to better handle OpenGL titles. This is all invisible to the end user: once an OpenGL game such as Quake 4 or Doom 3 is loaded by the user, the new driver automatically loads up the optimized algorithms for the memory controller’s arbitration logic."

There is still hope for ATI users, you can read the entire article at Firing Squad!