Nintendo 64 · 1996
Quake
A first-person shooter port that brings the original Quake's dark, dungeon-like combat to Nintendo 64 cartridge hardware.
- Publisher
- Macmillan Inc.
- Format
- Cartridge
- Genre
- science fiction video game
- Released
- 1996
01
Overview
Quake for Nintendo 64 adapts id Software's 1996 PC landmark into a console build that preserves the original's fast, maze-like levels and aggressive enemy encounters. The version features simplified menus, a reduced set of levels compared to the PC original, and a distinct ambient soundtrack composed by Aubrey Hodges. Players can engage in single-player progression or two-player deathmatch, with the cartridge supporting Rumble Pak and Controller Pak accessories for force feedback and save functionality.
02
Why it matters
As one of the early console ports of Quake, this cartridge represents a significant moment when the PC's first-person shooter genre moved into living rooms with full 3D polygonal graphics. The Nintendo 64 build shows how developers adapted the original's design for controller-based play while maintaining the core combat feel that defined the series.
03
The physical edition
A complete copy of Quake for Nintendo 64 typically includes the cartridge in a standard Nintendo 64 game box with a printed manual. Regional variations exist, with North American NTSC and European PAL versions featuring different box art, publisher branding, and manual content, so collectors should verify which edition they are examining.
04
Playing it today
The game runs on original Nintendo 64 hardware with no additional setup required beyond inserting the cartridge and powering on the console. Players can expect the original 1998 console experience, with gameplay optimized for analog controller input and the N64's display capabilities.