Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 52 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 52
  2. Negative: 0 out of 52
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  1. 92
    It’s hard to truly give this game as much praise as is deserved. While the concept may not be all too new, visually and audibly this game is leaps and bounds above the rest.
  2. QUAKE 4 is an addiction, a perfect sequel, both in story and gameplay, and a game you will want to explore over and over, if for no other reason that to keep piling on those Gamer Points.
  3. Quake 4 is everything that fans loved about Quake 2 and 3 in one package, providing an engaging single-player story and chaotic high-flying multiplayer.
  4. The controls are well done, the sound is very good, the graphics carry the horror and surprise well ... if you have not experienced Quake 4 yet and plan on owning the 360, then this is a game that should be in your library.
  5. It really showcases the engine well and shows its versatility.
  6. While there are certainly flaws in the single player and multiplayer, the game’s fantastic visuals and engaging storyline make it a worthy addition to any Quake fan’s library.
  7. Keep in mind that QUAKE 4 for the PC laughs at most computers, but runs virtually without a hitch on the Xbox 360; a no-brainer when taking into account the price of admission for this level of PC-quality gaming.
  8. I like this game better on the Xbox 360 than I do the PC. It's the difference between having the Xbox 360 and just putting the game in and playing worry-free, or having someone email me to tell me I really should upgrade my video card if I REALLY want to get the game to run at a decent framerate.
  9. I enjoyed playing the game and will continue to do so as it offers a simplistic approach to gaming that has worked for years.
  10. 85
    While there are certainly flaws in the single player and multiplayer, the gameplay, fantastic visuals and engaging storyline make it a worthy.
  11. Quake IV won’t be one of those that will stand out over the years to come as one of the great achievements in the genre, or even on the Xbox 360.
  12. The PC version and the Xbox 360 are so similar it's not even funny but if you're like most console gamers, you probably have a lot better sound system hooked up to your TV than your computer. So sit back, crank it up and prepare to immerse yourself in the final battle.
  13. 84
    A beautiful run and gun shooter that ranks among the best in the genre.
  14. It’s fast, fun and absolutely gorgeous. If you’ve already picked up "Call of Duty 2" and are looking for another shooter to add to your game library, look no further than Quake 4.
  15. With the online multiplayer mode, a fun single player campaign, and a full copy of Quake 2 for a second helping of FPS goodness, Quake 4 has a tremendous amount of value and replayability.
  16. For some reason when you go online the graphics get downgraded, weapons are changed, and unlike the PC version it only supports 8 players.
  17. 81
    The gory graphics and excellent lighting are well done and they'll appeal to many gamers looking for a fast, shiny game to just let loose on. Quake 4 isn't the next coming, but it's an entertaining game with a solid multiplayer component.
  18. 81
    It has many strengths particularly in its rock-solid gameplay, and the single player campaign has some highly engaging and exciting levels. Sadly the game is plagued throughout by dipping frame rates and a slightly underwhelming lack of innovation in its multiplayer mode.
  19. 80
    There's a lot to like about Quake 4: vivid (and violent) visuals, comfortable controls, and a surprisingly addictive multiplayer mode. And as a cool bonus, Activision even threw in a gorgeously high-definition version of "Quake II." So what more do you want?
  20. If you just want to be a gung ho Space Marine and put yourself into the middle of a run and gun shooting gallery, you'll have some good times with the game.
  21. Despite Quake 4's many merits, it fires too many blanks for us to believe that it'll be unopposed for long. The game haemorrhages action in a way that few other blasters can match, but the series relies on too many outdated FPS conventions. [Official UK Xbox Magazine]
  22. Using the Doom 3 engine, id Software's Quake shines on the 360, dazzling us with its impressive visual effects, engaging gameplay and superb online capabilities.
  23. 80
    You can literally jump into a game for fifteen minutes and find satisfaction.
  24. Quake IV needs co-op badly. It needed splitscreen badly too. What we are stuck with is 2-8 players on system link and on Xbox Live.
  25. Game Informer
    78
    The one thing that made the PC release great - the outstanding old-school online play - isn't nearly as good on the console. [Jan 2006, p.145]
  26. The multiplayer is fast and solid, but it is hurt as there are only eight player matches.
  27. If you're new to the franchise, but have played other, more modern FPS's, you might want to skip (or just rent) the game, as it'll feel overly simplistic when compared to Halo 2's AI and vehicle combat, Red Faction's destructibility, Unreal's weaponry and FEAR's atmosphere.
  28. Quake 4 is a good shooter, if you wanted that old school Quake feeling. Although, Raven doesn't revolutionize the genre like we are used to our Quake games doing.
  29. In comparison to Call of Duty 2, Quake 4 doesn't quite meet the same "exceptional" level but it is a solid game with a strong adherence to the conventions of the genre. It's a must try to Quake and first-person shooter fans but as an outright purchase... rent it first.
User Score
6.9

Mixed or average reviews- based on 105 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 53 out of 105
  2. Negative: 20 out of 105
  1. Mar 8, 2017
    8
    Great Campaign with an awesome story line, Quake 4 kept me interested from start to finish. The game gives you the ability to hold allGreat Campaign with an awesome story line, Quake 4 kept me interested from start to finish. The game gives you the ability to hold all weapons, and weapon availability is progressed as the story progresses. Still has all the classic Quake weapons we know and love. The online while non-existant for several years, was very very fast paced and competitive, however I could personally not play with anyone outside of my country due to lag issues making the game unplayable. My number one quarrel with Quake is the awful frame rate issues which seemed to plague some of the launch titles. At times the game can run as low as 10 frames however I'd the overall experience runs around 25, possibly less or slightly more. If this would bother you over enjoying everything else Quake has to offer, I'd give it a pass. Overall great game that is slightly hindered by terrible frame rate issues. Full Review »
  2. Dec 15, 2012
    7
    Good for being on Xbox 360, but:
    If you play this game, don't think that all Quakes are like that. They're all excellent games, so don't take
    Good for being on Xbox 360, but:
    If you play this game, don't think that all Quakes are like that. They're all excellent games, so don't take this one as a quake. Slow gameplay (although not as much as games like CoD), there's reload (it's horrible to reload in a fps arena)... and generally, there are some bad points. It's a very good game, for being a Xbox 360 one. I think that, since you can't be very fast on X360, it's good to have reload etc.. It's like it was made for consoles, so, this is good for consoles but (compared to other Quakes) bad for computers.
    Honestly, I would give it a 5.8 (good), but I give it, for Xbox, a 6.6, because the gameplay is fits very much it.
    Full Review »
  3. GerJ.
    Feb 28, 2006
    8
    This game is alright, I mean the gameplay is great, the AI is great, but sometimes the games grapics get choppy, but this wouldn't stop This game is alright, I mean the gameplay is great, the AI is great, but sometimes the games grapics get choppy, but this wouldn't stop a determined gamer. I think its still a great shooter to pick up. Full Review »