Super Quake: a user modification for id Software's Quake
Super Quake was originally started as a hobby project/learning experience when id Software first released the user modifiable code portion of Quake 1 back in 1996.
After a couple of rounds of losing the completed code and restarting the project I had a final package that was available for download from PlanetQuake. It even managed to make Mod of the Week only two days after its release! If you're finding that a little difficult to believe, see the following screenshot of the release notice from our original PlanetQuake website: Warbird Productions.
Several years have gone by now and Super Quake has been forgotten. I don't know how Quake 1 modding has fared in recent times, but with the release of the Quake engine code a few years ago, it may have picked back up.
Anyway, if it's so old and nobody plays Quake anymore, why (re)create a mod for it? That has a three-fold answer:
- It serves as a tangible example of the programming knowledge and experience I've obtained in the 8 years since its first and only release.
- It keeps me occupied and helps alleviate the boredom I have with the latest MMO games.
- Super Quake's release was such a big hit and was so much fun I just had to revisit it and apply actual programming experience this time.
So if you happen to have a hankerin' to play some classic Super Quake or if you want to check out the source code for classic Super Quake, you can. The original legal agreements on end-user modifications to Quake required you to have the registered version of the game to play so hopefully you do. Quake 1 engine and map source are now under the GPL, but id Software retains rights to all the artwork and, therefore, the "registered" version of Quake is not free nor can simply give it to you either - you're on your own.
But seriously, what gamer worth his salt doesn't have Quake 1 lying around somewhere?