Quake Live plug-in (IE) for Windows

Quake is one the most popular first-person shooters ever to addict hapless gamers. This free plug-in from Quake's developer, id Software, lets you play the online multiplayer version of Quake, Quake Live, using Microsoft Internet Explorer version 7 or greater. To play you need only register for a free account at the Quake Live Web site.

As with all online versions of sophisticated video games, you really need a broadband Internet connection as well as a reasonably powerful computer, enough RAM, and, most importantly, good graphics capabilities. You can still play if you just squeak by in system requirements, but your experience may be a little slow and frustrating. The Quake Live plug-in downloads and installs easily via a standard Windows installer. You don't need to register or even visit the Quake Live Web site to download it, but you do need to sign up to play. The game site is in beta and makes extensive use of Java scripts, which it warns you about when you first visit. If your browser isn't up to snuff, you may need to update a few things like Java before you can make full use of the site. If you haven't played Quake, it's an offworld bug-hunt in which you get to blow things away and, occasionally, up. 'Nuff said.

Online gaming is big fun without the full cost and commitment of a complete game package--all the more so when it's a top-class multiplayer shoot-'em-up that's totally free.

Gameplay Changes

• Fixed an issue that would cause one flag to go missing during a CTF match
• Fixed issues with s_musicvolume and s_volume getting reset to pre-defined values rather than user settings
• Fix for on-screen damage indicator. The effect was incorrect. Three new cvars have been added as well to modify the effect. (cg_screenDamage, cg_screenDamage_Self, cg_screenDamage_Team)
• Fix for spectator overhead name text popping during scaling
• Console timestamps fixed when using the "echo" command
• Changes to shotgun pellet spread. Inner ring now does more damage than outer ring, for a total of 110 damage
• cg_hudfiles will now default back to ui/hud.txt when incorrectly set

Platform Specific Changes

• OSX: (10.6 specific) Sound issues resulting in extremely loud audio should be fixed
• OSX: Sound mixing speed fixed
• OSX: Right mouse button fixes
• OSX: Game window now always on top
• Linux: Mouse now properly returns to the middle of screen when leaving a menu under in_dgamouse 1. Should help with mouse focus issues

New console variables

• Added cg_HitBeep (default: 1) to play different tones based on the amount of damage done to an opponent. 0 = off, 1 = single tone (old style), 2 = new multi-tone option, 3 = reverse multi-tone option
• Added cg_crosshairHitStyle (default: 0) to allow the same information given by cg_HitBeep to be displayed via the crosshair
• • Styles breakdown as follows:
  • 0 = Off (the default)
  • 1 = Colorize the crosshair based on damage dealt
  • 2 = Colorize the crosshair to color designated by cg_crosshairHitColor
  • 3 = Pulse the crosshair. (This is an exaggerated/scaled pulse)
  • 4 = Colorize by damage and Pulse the crosshair
  • 5 = Colorize by cg_crosshairHitColor and Pulse the crosshair
  • 6 = Pulse the crosshair with a smaller pulse. (same size as the cg_crosshairPulse uses when picking items up)
  • 7 = Colorize by damage and pulse with smaller pulse
  • 8 = Colorize by cg_crosshairHitColor and pulse with smaller pulse
  • NOTE: If using the exaggerated pulse, you may want to set your cg_crosshairSize to 16, as the default 32 can be a bit overboard
• Added cg_crosshairHitColor (default: 1) for hit styles that have a fixed color. For example, some players simply want the crosshair to turn red when a hit is made, rather than change color based on damage applied
• Added cg_crosshairHitTime (default: 200) to allow players to modify the amount of time the crosshair hit effect is displayed
• Added cg_screenDamage (default: 0x700000C8) to colorize the on screen damage indicator; use "cg_screenDamage 0" to disable
• Added cg_screenDamage_Self (default: 0x00000000) to toggle the on screen damage indicator for self damage. (for example, damage from rocket jumping)
• Added cg_screenDamage_Team (default: 0x700000C8) to colorize the on screen damage indicator for team damage; use "cg_screenDamage_Team 0" to disable. (Friendly Fire in Team Deathmatch)
• Added cg_zoomOutOnDeath (default: 1) to reset player FOVs back to normal on death. This is useful if you use the cg_zoomToggle cvar
• NOTE: The new cg_hitBeep and cg_crosshairStyle additions give you an idea of how well placed your shot was. They do not indicate how much health/armor your opponent has