Brief Hands-On Report--Quake 4 v1.3, How Fast is It?

Aspyr Media re-released the v1.3 patch for the Mac version of Quake 4. The new patch (available for download via MacUpdate.com) brings Mac comparability with the Windows multiplayer version and a lot of changes.

According to Aspyr, the new features and fixes are:

New Multiplayer Game Mode - DeadZone

DeadZone is a brand new team-based multiplayer gametype where players fight over a limited number of DeadZone artifacts, then race to maintain control of a central scoring zone designated by a scrolling white border.

New Multiplayer Weapon - Napalm Gun

Propels an incendiary plasma projectile that explodes and spreads on impact. The dispersed plasma causes damage to any that touch it and continues to burn for a short time.

New Multiplayer Maps

Cavernous Cryonics (q4xctf6)--These ice caverns were once home to the Makron, and facilitated the preservation of barely living humans awaiting Stroggification. Now it is a fast-paced proving ground that allows for skilled players to take advantage of the many paths to either team's base. Cavernous Cryonics is designed for small to medium CTF, Arena CTF, and DeadZone matches.

Central Industrial (q4xdm10)--This tall and narrow structure has a central elliptical chamber that runs the height of the building. Those who dare can take up sniping positions along the chamber - but remember, if you can see one opponent, all your opponents can probably see you. DeadZone adds a small platform to the center of the map as its scoring area, but the map can also be played in DM or TDM.

Warforged (q4xdm11)--Built into a Stroggos crater wall, this open three-level structure requires quick reflexes and constant movement. Use the jump pads and teleporters to gain an advantage, and try to avoid falling into a predictable path. Warforged is ideal for larger DM, TDM, and DeadZone battles.

Stroyent Red (q4xdm13)--This abandoned outpost is surrounded by the empty void of space. Be prepared for harrowing chases, and watch your step as the narrow paths and exposed jump pads can lead to certain death. Stroyent Red is best for DM, TDM, and DeadZone matches.

Retrophobopolis (q4xdm14)--This QUAKE(r) classic has been updated and rebuilt for QUAKE 4 multiplayer, but it maintains its claustrophobic corridors and trap filled rooms. There are moving floors, lava pits, and hidden portals all around - if you're not careful, you'll be the next victim. Retrophobopolis is suitable for Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, and DeadZone gameplay.

Firewall (q4xdm15)--Red sand and rust set the tone within this former Strogg vehicle construction facility. A multi-level structure, you'll have to look high and low for your enemies - there are tons of ways to get around and plenty of places to hide. DeadZone focuses your efforts on the central platform, but DM and TDM will have you moving through the many paths to stay alive.

Stroggenomenon (q4xtourney1)--A small, tourney focused level, Stroggenomenon funnels you through a series of hallways and passages that will keep you guessing where your opponent is. Steer clear of the dead end if you're being followed, and utilize the jump pad for a quicker path through the arena. This map is ideal for Tourney, DM and TDM matches.

Verticon (q4xtourney2)--Verticon will have you seeking higher ground. The Railgun and armor positions force players to sharpen their vertical combat skills, as these key items leave you exposed and without much room to dodge enemy fire. Verticon is designed for DM and TDM matches but is particularly suited for fast-paced Tourney matches.

Buy Mode

The QUAKE 4 "Buy Mode" is a server option that can be enabled with any gametype and any arena where instead of picking up weapons, ammo or armor placed in the map, all items will need to be purchased with credits.

Fixes & Updates in 1.3

• Added a single ambient light option. Use r_forceAmbient with a value ranging from 0 to 1.
  
• Multiplayer weapon damage and movement values have been adjusted.
  
• The player will now respawn based on his/her last combatant's location.
  
• Shotgun hit sounds will no longer drop.
  
• The game no longer has to be relaunched to access more than 4 netdemos.
  
• The wrong icon will no longer appear for certain clients after a team shuffle.
  
• Spawn auto-complete in the RCON window will no longer crash.
  
• Voting for Team DM and certain maps will no longer load the wrong map.
  
• The Apply Changes button in the Options menu has been removed.
  
• A crash will no longer occur in Tourney if a finalist disconnects.
  
• A player's name will no longer change to that of the player in the demo if a NetDemo is played.
  
• Time Limit Hit will no longer be displayed in the wrong circumstances.

We downloaded and installed the v1.3 patch after re-running the benchmarks with the built-in id_demo001 in Quake 4 v1.2. We ran the benchmarks on our 2.16 GHz 15" MacBook Pro and 2.33GHz 24" iMac Core 2 Duo with upgraded Nvidia GeForce 7600 GT graphics. We made the runs according to our standard settings but then we increased the Video Quality to "High" and finally increased the resolution to 1600x1000 because of the excellent graphics capability of the 24" iMac Core 2 Duo.

One of the drawbacks of the v1.3 patch is that one has to exit and re-launch the game after changing some of the video settings like the screen resolution. This was the case with the original release version of Quake 4 for the Mac but v1.2 added an "Apply Changes" button that precluded the need to exit and re-launch.

More importantly, benchmarking is partially broken in v1.3. It doesn't work at all on our MacBook Pro. Trying to run the id_demo001 benchmark gives the error message,

ERROR: Failed to spawn entity with classname 'char_marinehead_helmet_bright_client' of type 'rvClientAFAttachment'

We reinstalled Quake 4 and successively updated it to v1.2 and 1.3 to no avail.

Benchmarking in v1.3 partially works on our 24" iMac Core 2 Duo. The first run produces an error but the second attempt works. The third attempt produces the same error as the first but the fourth also runs like the second and so on in alternation. But this was sufficient to allow us to benchmark v1.3.

Here are the results: