Quake Live- How Diablo Got His Groove Back

I’m from the generation that witnessed the birth and rapid growth of the First Person Shooter. The shift was a watershed moment, but the ability to play against each other online would reshape history. No name is more seminal in multi-player mayhem than Quake. Young/Old, PC/MAC, XBOX/PS3- don’t matter, if you’ve shot live you know the name.

About 2 years ago, I found myself baked and reminiscing on Quake 2 Rocket Arena matches from the early 90s. What we were able to do with dial up back then still amazes me, but that’s another story. On this night I was blunted and fiending to play Quake. I remembered my cousin mentioning a browser based version of Quake a while back- a version you could play with most any PC capable of gaming. I turned to Google, and the mighty Goog delivered gold in the form of Quake Live. Quake Live is exactly as previously mentioned, and amazing. It’s pretty much like having Quake 3 and a social media network in one, free, and all through your browser.

I downloaded, installed and was immediately hooked. I hadn’t played an online shooter in years, but Quake Live welcomes gamers of all levels with open arms. The tutorial system is very intuitive and engaging. Whether you’re a “noob” or a fragging machine, the AI will automatically identify your level of play and place you accordingly. This is huge since it suppresses trolls and bullies; casual play is welcomed and supported.

Within a matter of weeks I felt like I was back in high school. I was playing 4 hours a day, in a clan and hearing things like “Quad Damage” & “Red Team Wins” while I slept.

Anyone looking for a way back in or just a great a hassle-free shot of nostalgia should give quakelive.com a shot. I met gamers of all ages and at all levels. It’s as engaging a social experience as it is a gaming one.

Here’s some parting “frag” porn for the stoned and curious. I am not this good not even close, but I do spar often with guys at this level. (nerd alert) #shouts to >3D< 3ternal Destiny