Qlll Arena is meant to be played over the Internet, against 15 human opponents. But damnit, man-this is one of the first full-blown network games optimized for SegaNet (which also launches in September). We promise we won't point and laugh at you (although we can't make the same guarantee for Hsu and Chan). Oh, you can play Quake III Arena with three buddies on one TV in split-screen mode. When the bombast of rockets explode around you, you’ll come to appreciate the quality of this sound. Once again, although they aren’t much to write home about, Quake III Arena’s sounds are a near perfect replica of those from the PC game. Sadly, this element is missing from Quake III Arena. Based on the concept that distant items don’t need to be given as much detail, this technique can greatly reduce the strain on the console, and greatly improve the games performance. The only flaw in the design of Quake III Arena’s visuals is the lack of real Level of Detail programming.

With an almost uncanny sense of what weaponsfire should look like, anyone who lights up their target with a stream of machine gun fire won’t be disappointed. Id Software hasn’t skimped on the lighting and special effects either. Colorful weaponry effects and luscious textures make each arena seem more an art show than a game, with amazing scenery and bizarre architecture. A slightly lower grade than the PC version, they are nonetheless still very impressive. Graphicsīy far, the graphics for Quake III Arena are its strongest point. Of course, those same ancient beings that brought you to the arena also resurrect you after each death to prolong their amusement. Essentially a one-on-one deathmatch, you win by collecting frags, which are earned after killing your opponent. The game itself revolves around moving throughout a level, bearing any number of nasty weapons, while collecting the firepower, ammunition, items, and armor necessary to deal death to your opponent. The analog stick is used to control aiming, and movement and fire control are easily handled with the thumb and forefinger buttons. However, with what little they’ve been given, Id Software has made lemonade out of lemons, using the Dreamcast controller to its full capability. When it comes down to it, the movement and combat features of a controller, even one as advanced as the Dreamcast’s, pales in comparison to the control and utility provided with a mouse and keyboard. Gameplay is the first and foremost problem facing any console based first person shooter.

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